Regional Housing Forums Focus on 2024 Oklahoma Statewide Housing Needs Assessment
By : J. David Chapman/November 8, 2024
Oklahoma’s housing future will take center stage this winter as a series of six Regional Housing Forums are scheduled across the state from November 2024 through February 2025. These forums will provide essential insights into the 2024 Oklahoma Statewide Housing Needs Assessment, a key report that will influence housing policy and development for years to come.
Taking place in Ardmore, Chickasha, Enid, Oklahoma City, Stillwater, and Tulsa, the forums will offer four hours of in-depth training to community leaders, housing advocates, and real estate professionals. In addition to understanding the latest data on Oklahoma’s housing needs, attendees will receive practical guidance on applying for funding through the Oklahoma Housing Stability Program, a $215 million initiative approved by the state legislature in 2023.
The forum agenda includes the unveiling of the 2024 Oklahoma Statewide Housing Needs Assessment by Shawn Schaefer or Francesco Cianfarani from the University of Oklahoma. This presentation will highlight how this new data will shape the future of housing and community development across the state. This will be followed by an in-depth discussion on interpreting the findings, led by Steven Shepelwich of the Federal Reserve Bank and Sabine Brown of the Oklahoma Policy Institute, who will provide strategies for using the assessment to inform housing policy.
One of the highlights of the event will be a hands-on session with Shawn Schaefer or Francesco Cianfarani, where participants will learn how to navigate the 2024 Oklahoma Housing Needs Assessment website. Using laptops, attendees will engage directly with the data tools to make informed decisions for their communities.
The forums will conclude with technical guidance on applying for the Oklahoma Housing Stability Program, equipping participants with the knowledge they need to secure funding for housing initiatives in their regions. These forums also qualify for four hours of Continuing Education (CE) credits for real estate professionals, making them a valuable opportunity for those looking to stay informed while fulfilling their CE requirements.
With the capacity to train up to 1,200 participants statewide, the Regional Housing Forums are set to be a crucial resource for housing advocates and professionals. More information and registration can be found at https://housingforcommunities.eventbrite.com.
Dr. J. David Chapman is Professor of Finance & Real Estate at The University of Central Oklahoma (jchapman7@uco.edu)