Housing Forward

An Oklahoma City developer found a creative solution to bring housing to an infill lot.

Developer bringing vision for overlooked land in historic JFK to life Developer Jake Schoeffler is creating a six-home infill project in Oklahoma City's historic JFK neighborhood to boost homeownership and neighborhood character.

Please join us in welcoming our newest member to the Housing Forward team, Marty Fotta, Director of Housing Development. Marty Fotta brings more than two decades of experience in affordable housing development, community building, and nonprofit leadership to his role at Housing Forward.
Martin holds a BA and MPA from Marywood University.
Get to know more about Marty: https://housingforwardok.org/about-marty-fotta/

As single stair reform moves through the Oklahoma legislature, this piece from Congress for the New Urbanism explains why it matters: more livable infill, better floor plans and sunlight, and housing that fits real communities.
Oklahoma is in good company putting forward smart housing policy. Read more:

Why single-stair reform leads to more livable, adaptable infill Allowing more single-stair buildings in the US will positively affect quality of life, public health, infill flexibility, family-friendly units, costs, and even climate adaptation.

“Muskogee is moving forward, and with that, we need places for people to live” –Judy Villalobos, City of Muskogee Communications Manager.
Find out more about Muskogee’s recently launched housing incentive program.

'Muskogee is moving forward': Muskogee launches housing incentive program City leaders in Muskogee launched a Housing Incentive Program to attract developers, revitalize vacant properties, and expand affordable housing options throughout the community.

Next Thursday (4/16) City of Tulsa Gov and George Kaiser Family Foundation are hosting two workshops discussing on how land owned by faith-based organizations (FBOs) can be used to expand housing opportunities and strengthen neighborhoods.
Find out more about how to attend and get the latest on City of Tulsa Gov's housing strategy: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/press-room/upcoming-workshops-to-focus-on-faith-based-land-use-housing-opportunities/

Housing Forward exists to deliver bold, innovative, practical solutions that expand access to housing across Oklahoma.

Sign up for our newsletter to get updates from us on housing data, policy initiatives and more: https://ow.ly/ll2z50Wycm7.

We'll be at Main Street America's upcoming Tulsa conference, come find us at booth T1!

This is it: online registration for the 2026 Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 13-15, closes in just a few days! Act now to score savings and get a jumpstart on planning for the Main Street movement's biggest network-building and professional development opportunity of the year. The last day to register is April 6: Secure your seat today! > https://bit.ly/4u3rC9D

A recent Bloomberg article discussing the history of zoning and its impact in the United States pointed out that 33 states have enacted zoning and code reform and more are working to address housing shortage challenges.

How Zoning Won In 1926, the Supreme Court’s Euclid decision enshrined zoning in US cities. On its 100th anniversary, academics gathered to reflect on the landmark ruling’s mixed legacy.

The Oklahoma City Housing Authority is set to begin construction, turning a former motel into affordable housing, years after buying the property for over $3 million.

Link to the full story is in the comments below.

See you next Tuesday (3/31) if you're showing up at the 2026 Affordable Housing Day at the Capitol with Oklahoma Coalition for Affordable Housing. Now is the time to advocate for smart housing policies which will enable more Oklahomans to find a place to call home.

⏳ Time is running out!

Today is your LAST CHANCE to register for Affordable Housing Advocacy Day at the Capitol!

Be part of the voices shaping housing policy in Oklahoma—meet with legislators, share your impact, and advocate for stronger communities.

🏛️ March 31st
📍 Oklahoma State Capitol

Secure your spot now: https://affordablehousingcoalition.org/event-6540583

Let’s show up strong 💪

Today HB 4203 passed in the Oklahoma House. The ‘Building Codes Policy Act’ put forward by OK State Rep. Suzanne Schreiber and Senator John Haste directs the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (OUBCC) to develop updated guidelines re-legalizing the construction of small multifamily buildings with a single stairway.

New apartments are about to open in Tulsa’s Arts District, and they’re bringing more than just new places to live.

The Western Supply development includes:
🏢 300+ units
💵 Rent starting around $1,600
🛒 A grab-and-go grocery store on the ground floor.

Developers say it’s all part of a push to make downtown more livable and walkable.

Pre-leasing is already underway ahead of the April opening. Eden Jones News On 6 has more info in the comments. 👇