City Taking Director of Housing Applications; Director to Lead Affordable Housing Strategy Implementation

3/5/2021

 The City of Tulsa is seeking qualified candidates to lead the implementation of its comprehensive Affordable Housing Strategy as the City’s Housing Director.

The right candidate will serve as the City’s leader in housing policy and strategy and will play an important role in closing the life expectancy gap in Tulsa by setting a standard where everyone has quality, affordable housing to live and thrive in.

“As we deal with the economic, housing and eviction impacts the pandemic has brought about, having a qualified person to lead our Affordable Housing Strategy is key to building upon our successes and helping to close the life expectancy gap in Tulsa,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “We are eager to find the right candidate for this role who will help create the kind of city where every kid has an equal shot at a great life.”

The new Housing Director will work with Kristin Maun, the City’s Housing Coordinator, to continue the progress being made to create quality housing opportunities for all Tulsans.

A detailed job description and list of qualifications for the role can be found online.

“In the past year, we have faced an unprecedented housing emergency,” Maun said. “Despite the challenges, the City of Tulsa has continued to make progress on the Affordable Housing Strategy and honor its commitment to increasing the availability of affordable housing and reducing homelessness by addressing our eviction crisis. With the City’s new Housing Director, we will continue our work to ensure all Tulsans have safe, affordable homes.” 

Since the release of the Affordable Housing Strategy in December 2019, City has progressed on various actions, some of which include:

• The creation of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which provides for the production and preservation of affordable housing
• The establishment of a TIF incentive policy to strengthen homeownership and neighborhood rehabilitation efforts near the Peoria-Mohawk Business Park
• The launch of the Abode Initiative, which supports landlords and property managers to increase affordable housing opportunities in Tulsa
• The launch of the City of Tulsa Affordable Housing Listing website, a free resource to help tenants find available housing and help landlords fill vacancies more quickly
• The incorporation of the Downtown Housing Study recommendations into the Affordable Housing Strategy
• The conduction of proactive outreach to vulnerable tenants

The City’s Housing Director will operate under the Mayor’s Office with support from a generous grant from the Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation.