Sen. Kirt’s housing study shows need for state-municipal cooperation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt led an interim study highlighting strategic ways the state can partner with municipalities to improve available housing so that every Oklahoman can afford a home in the community where they want to live and work.

“Everyone needs a home. Oklahoma has an important role to play to make sure housing limitations don’t hinder our economic development,” said Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “The state must work with cities to increase workforce housing and improve opportunities for families in every community.” 

Tyler Parette, the Executive Director of Housing Forward, discussed policy and economic forces that affect the availability and cost of homes, including zoning, wages, and state incentives. He also discussed the amount of economic activity created by affordable and workforce housing development projects. In a current Oklahoma City project, every $1 spent on an affordable housing development is generating nearly $2 in total economic activity just during construction.  

Dan Kassik, the Planning Director for the City of Guthrie, shared how the city is increasing affordability for working families. The city has focused on making it easier to build where the city wants new and renovated housing. The city is doing this in two big ways – ensuring starter homes can be built on smaller lots and investing in the renovation of abandoned properties to make the economics of redevelopment work. These programs align with the city’s goals to encourage people to live in the center of the community, which can improve people’s quality of life and save the city money on water, sewer, and other infrastructure. Kassik emphasized that by increasing housing in walkable neighborhoods, they can attract people back to the city. 

Kyla Guyette, CEO of the Oklahoma Workforce Commission, focused on the gap between wages and housing costs in Oklahoma. She underscored other presenters’ comments about wage stagnation as a critical factor in so many Oklahoma workers’ inability to afford housing. While Oklahoma is often sold as affordable, Guyette pointed out that this is only a reality if you make over a certain wage. Guyette also discussed workers’ commute as a critical factor driving turnover, and a key metric to watch when trying to understand how much housing we need in proximity to available jobs. 

“Stagnant wages, rising housing costs, and strict zoning requirements are policy decisions that combine to make housing out of reach for many working Oklahomans. The state must partner with municipalities as they make strategic investments to grow local economies through stable housing in proximity to good jobs,” Kirt said. 

The full archived livestream of the interim study can be accessed at oksenate.gov by selecting “Live Proceedings” and locating the October 8, 10:45 a.m. Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Committee meeting. 

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Julia Kirt at 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov