The latest update from the City of Oklahoma City had residents scrambling to adjust their evening plans after a scheduled workshop at Ralph Ellison Library yesterday had to be canceled due to adverse weather conditions. The meeting, aimed at engaging the public on the expenditure of federal HUD program funds, was abruptly called off, leaving community members to turn to alternative ways to voice their ideas and concerns.
According to the City of Oklahoma City announcement, affected residents have three other avenues to participate in the decision-making process on how these funds should be allocated. These cover a range of critical areas such as affordable housing, economic growth, neighborhood improvements, and aiding those without homes. Despite the cancelation, the City's commitment to gathering public input remains steadfast.
The resilient residents who still wish to contribute can engage in an online budget activity available on the city's website at vision.okc.gov. Additionally, the last in-person public meeting is set for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Capitol Hill Library – weather permitting. Alternatively, community members can voice their thoughts via email by reaching out to [email protected].
"The Consolidated Plan is important because it helps the City assess our affordable housing and community development needs, make data-driven investment decisions and shape our housing and community development programs into an effective, coordinated strategy," Ben Davis, the City’s Housing and Community Development Division's Principal Planner, powerfully underscored the project's significance. "These meetings provide a vital opportunity for residents to provide input to help guide decision-making. We encourage everyone who is interested in these topics to attend," he told the publication on the City of Oklahoma City website.
The Consolidated Plan in question charts out the City's housing and community development strategies that are informed by the specific needs of its populace. Furthermore, it guides the use of major HUD grant programs, including CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA. Updated every five years, the Plan serves as a roadmap for federal grant spending in Oklahoma City. The actions steered by the Plan are summarized through Annual Action Plans, which detail the use of federal and additional funding sources to meet the benchmarks outlined in the Consolidated Plan.
The use of HUD funds, as the City iterates, must largely benefit those with low to moderate incomes within Oklahoma City. These resources are often bolstered by private or local funding, bolstering their efficacy and reach.
