MANAGEMENT UPDATE.

A CITY SOLUTION FOR HOUSING HURDLES

Housing shortages are an issue from coast to coast, with cities searching for solutions to a seemingly insurmountable problem.

In Oklahoma, for example, state analysts estimate that Tulsa would need to build 4,000 homes right away, and some 12,900 homes over the next 10 years just in order to keep up with demand.

Smart Growth America, in collaboration with Housing Forward and the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, has conducted a thoroughgoing analysis of the situation in Tulsa, with recommendations that can be helpful to other cities facing similar problems.

Conclusions about the barriers were reached by carefully evaluating the zoning code, interviewing dozens of city, county and local officials and taking a close look at the city’s permitting process.

“Critically, we find that the city should ensure to have long-term place-based housing goals that align infrastructure investments towards specific parts of the community in support of future growth,” according to the report. . . “Based on our economic land use analysis, more density would not only resolve the housing demand issue but also result in cost savings ranging from approximately $80 million to over $200 million. The only hurdle is the current bureaucratic regulations, such as zoning and overall social views on density/diverse housing typologies in a designated area.”

The report recommends six major areas for improvement:

“Simplify and align the existing zoning code to the comprehensive plan.”
“Eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers and expedite discretionary review.”
“Streamline the permitting process and ensure procedural consistency for faster and more predictable results.”
“Foster strong partnerships and communication among stakeholders (developers, city departments, and community members).”
“Develop a structured, city-managed community engagement framework with clear objectives and dedicated staff.”
“Implement targeted place-based housing strategies to steer public infrastructure investment and incentives to specific geographic areas.”