Housing Strategy for Tulsa and Cost of Harmful Homes

A well-designed housing strategy is essential for addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges related to housing affordability, quality, and accessibility. The Lobeck Taylor Community Advocacy Clinic of the University of Tulsa has been at the forefront of developing innovative housing strategies to tackle these issues, particularly in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Across the nation, more than 7 million families live in substandard housing, a situation that disproportionately affects low-income families. The availability of safe, quality and affordable housing is one of the most powerful factors that shape human health. Substandard homes can expose families to natural gas leaks, lead paint poisoning, pest infestation, poor water, unsanitary conditions, and extreme weather. This paper will explore the various components of a comprehensive housing strategy, including the importance of stakeholder engagement, goal setting, policy development, and implementation.

Developing a successful housing strategy requires the active involvement of multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, private developers, and community members. Stakeholder engagement ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions. For example, the Lobeck Taylor Community Advocacy Clinic has worked closely with local communities to identify specific housing needs and develop targeted interventions. By involving stakeholders from the outset, communities can build broad-based support for housing initiatives, which is crucial for their successful implementation.

A key component of a housing strategy is the establishment of clear goals and objectives. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For instance, a community might set a goal to increase the number of affordable housing units by a certain percentage within a specific timeframe. Setting clear goals helps to focus efforts and resources, making it easier to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. The Lobeck Taylor Community Advocacy Clinic has been instrumental in helping communities identify and prioritize their housing needs, leading to the development of targeted and effective housing strategies.

Once goals and objectives have been established, the next step is to develop a comprehensive set of policies to address the identified housing challenges. This may include a mix of regulatory, financial, and programmatic interventions. For example, communities can implement inclusionary zoning policies that require developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units in new housing developments. Additionally, financial incentives such as tax credits and low-interest loans can be used to encourage the production of affordable housing. The Lobeck Taylor Community Advocacy Clinic has worked with local governments to develop and implement a range of housing policies tailored to the specific needs of their communities.

Developing a housing strategy is only the first step; successful implementation and ongoing monitoring are equally important. An implementation timeline with short-term benchmarks can help ensure that progress is tracked and adjustments are made as needed. Additionally, it is crucial to designate responsible parties for each step of the implementation process to ensure accountability. The Lobeck Taylor Community Advocacy Clinic has provided valuable support in the implementation and monitoring of housing strategies, helping communities stay on track and achieve their housing goals.

A comprehensive housing strategy is essential for addressing the housing challenges faced by communities across the nation. By engaging stakeholders, setting clear goals, developing targeted policies, and ensuring effective implementation and monitoring, communities can make significant progress in providing safe, quality, and affordable housing for all residents. The work of the Lobeck Taylor Community Advocacy Clinic serves as a model for other communities seeking to develop and implement effective housing strategies.