Housing and Urban Development Community Development Committee Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Housing and Urban Development Community Development Committee met on July 9, 2026, to approve minutes, elect officers, hear a needs assessment presentation for the 2027 program year, and receive public testimony. The committee also discussed HUD grant delays, community priorities, and collaborative initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the March 31, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous vote.
• Michelle Laura (Chair, District Two) was elected as Chair, and Scott Bjornsson (Chair, District Two) was elected as Vice Chair, both by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Written Comments: Two written comments were received: one emphasized funding housing stability needs for families with young children (under five) living below the federal poverty guideline; the other urged continued funding for transportation services for low-income individuals to access health services. Both comments align with current goals and needs.
• Rose (TEDC): Expressed strong support for continued investment in small businesses, particularly in low-income communities, through CDBG loans. Highlighted the role of small businesses in job creation, wealth building, and revitalizing commercial corridors. Reported a loss rate of 12% (target 15%) and noted that program income from loan repayments is recycled into a revolving fund. Announced a planned collaboration with rapid rehousing organizations to match people exiting homelessness with jobs created by small businesses.
• Brent Isaacs (Mental Health Association Oklahoma): Urged the committee to prioritize preservation of existing affordable housing, especially naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH). Noted that their organization serves extremely low-income individuals and relies on funding for rehabilitation to prevent units from being lost.

Discussion Items

• Needs Assessment for 2027 Program Year: Reese Williams from Grants Administration presented the annual update. The five-year consolidated plan (2025–2029) identified nine priority needs: affordable housing, housing assistance, homeless services, neighborhood investments, assistance for domestic violence survivors, mental health treatment, disability services, basic needs assistance, and job creation. The 2026 goals derived from these priorities include acquisition/new construction, rental and homeowner rehabilitation, homelessness services, HIV/AIDS housing, services for special populations, public infrastructure, clearance/demo, small business loans, and employment opportunities. Williams noted that year one has just ended and year two is beginning; the needs assessment for year three (2027) shows minimal changes.
• HUD Grant Delay: Williams reported that the city's annual plan was submitted to HUD for year two but has not been formally approved, though HUD indicated automatic approval after 45 days. The 45-day period ended June 19, 2026, but the HUD system still shows "pending review" and no grant agreements have been executed. This has delayed subrecipient agreements. Williams and committee members discussed the unusual delay, attributing it to federal staffing cuts and lack of guidance on new requirements (e.g., immigration status verification). Committee members expressed concern but noted that the funds have been budgeted and are expected to be available.
• RFP Process: Williams outlined the timeline: three mandatory grant meetings in September 2026, RFP release, due in October, review by four reviewers (including one from Grants Administration), recommendations in early 2027, and City Council approval by the second Thursday in April 2027. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) and pass an organizational capacity review; there is no minimum time in existence.
• Committee Member Comments:
  • One member highlighted alarming statistics: Oklahoma has the highest rate of domestic violence in the U.S. (49% for women, 45–47% for men) and urged proactive solutions involving mental health and financial literacy.
  • Another member emphasized the value of collaboration and communication among organizations to leverage funds effectively.
  • The same member also advocated for establishing non-predatory lending institutions (e.g., credit unions) in low-income neighborhoods, referencing a prior meeting's insight that a community without such institutions is "doomed to remain in poverty."
  • A member also reminded attendees about TrumpAccounts.gov for children under 18 to receive potential donations and noted that newborns in a four-year window will receive $1,000 from the federal government. Mentioned Regent Bank opening a branch near Fresh Market to serve challenged neighborhoods.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of March 31, 2026.
• Elected Michelle Laura as Chair and Scott Bjornsson as Vice Chair.
• Motion passed to enter the Program Year 2027 Priority Needs Public Hearing.
• Motion passed to exit the Public Hearing after receiving testimony.
• The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.
• The committee will consider public comments and written submissions in developing a priority needs statement to be submitted to the City Council for approval, which will inform the next Request for Proposals.