Maria Hernandez to be considered for HUD Community Development Committee seat

Maria Hernandez introduced herself to the Urban and Economic Committee as a candidate to fill a vacancy on the HUD Community Development Committee representing District 4.

Hernandez told committee members she has lived in Tulsa for a little over two years and said her family experienced housing instability when she was a child. "I really saw how housing instability impacts families and crosses a lot of different boundaries," Hernandez said, adding she is "passionate about being able to provide and increase the opportunities for housing in District 4 and across the city."

Committee members praised Hernandez’s bilingual skills and experience in public health. Councilor Thompson said he has known Hernandez since college and called her a confident advocate for stable housing.

The committee did not take a formal vote during the meeting. Chair said Hernandez’s confirmation "will be on our January 29, 5 PM agenda," inviting her to attend that full-council meeting.

Hernandez briefly described her ties to the neighborhood, noting she patronizes a local panaderia and has worked translating public-health and community-resource information for Spanish-speaking families.