Oklahoma City residents are called upon to share their views on the allocation of federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The city has scheduled a series of workshops to gather public opinion, which will inform the 2026-2027 Action Plan—a strategic document guiding city investments in areas such as affordable housing, economic and workforce development, along with support services for the homeless community. The City of Oklahoma City details two upcoming meetings where residents can attend and make their voices heard.
The sessions are set for Jan. 28 at the Capitol Hill Library and Jan. 29 at the Ralph Ellison Library. Ben Davis, Principal Planner for the City's Housing and Community Development Division, emphasized the importance of these gatherings, saying, "The Action Plan is the City's housing and community development strategy. It provides staff with a blueprint for selecting projects based on needs and goals identified by our residents and informed by community data." Davis further highlighted the meetings as "a vital opportunity for residents to provide input to help guide decision-making," as reported by the City of Oklahoma City.
For those unable to attend the workshops in person, email submissions are welcome at [email protected]. The annual Action Plan serves as a summary of planned actions, projects, and activities aimed at meeting the community's housing and community development needs and goals. The execution of this plan involves the allocation of funding from major HUD programs like CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA, all critical in supporting low- and moderate-income residents, according to the City of Oklahoma City.
The forthcoming plan not only reflects the city's commitment to addressing immediate concerns but is also a product of a five-year planning process culminating in the most recent update of the Consolidated Plan in 2025. This larger strategy is periodically shaped by urban and civic needs, with the HUD funds catalyzing broader projects, potentially leveraging additional private or local monies. Oklahoma City plans to publish the draft Action Plan for further public commentary in early April, as mentioned in the official City announcement.
