Tulsa Mayor Announces Taskforce to Address Homelessness

Strategic Insights -

As the city of Tulsa grapples with its highest recorded levels of homelessness, Mayor G.T. Bynum has taken a proactive step towards addressing the issue by forming a taskforce to develop a comprehensive strategy. The taskforce brings together experts from various sectors to collaborate with existing community efforts and explore ways in which the city can provide additional support. With the city's goal of investing $500 million in housing initiatives over the next two years, the taskforce's work is timely and crucial.

Key Takeaways:

  • The taskforce will convene in January to develop a strategy for the city to better support existing community efforts to address homelessness.
  • The taskforce will consist of 11 members, including Mayor G.T. Bynum, City Council Chair Crista Patrick, and experts from various sectors.
  • The city has allocated $14 million over the past two years to fund homeless initiatives, representing a 2,500 percent increase in average annual funding.
  • The city has also set a goal to realize $500 million in community investment in housing initiatives over the next two years to create more housing stock in Tulsa.
  • The city plans to open a low barrier shelter and create emergency shelter locations for individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • Taskforce members include experts from A Way Home For Tulsa, the Tulsa Housing Challenge, and faith-based institutions.

Statistics:

  • Over the past two years, the City of Tulsa funded $14 million in homeless initiatives, representing a 2,500 percent increase in the City's average annual funding for homelessness programs.
  • The City of Tulsa aims to invest $500 million in housing initiatives over the next two years to create more housing stock in Tulsa.
  • The city plans to open a low barrier shelter and create emergency shelter locations for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Sources:

  • City of Tulsa Press Room: Mayor Announces Members of Taskforce Focusing on Homelessness in Tulsa
  • City of Tulsa: Mayor's Blog - Addressing Homelessness in Tulsa