Executive Summary

The Muskogee Comprehensive Housing Analysis consists of two primary segments. First, the Assessment of the Housing Ecosystem details the results of the significant data collection and community outreach efforts which generated an understanding of housing issues in Muskogee. Second, Projections + Strategies outlines the findings and recommendations that are based on the results of the Assessment.

1. Muskogee’s housing market is improving and offers opportunity in certain market segments. 2. Muskogee has assets that could present a strong branding and marketing message. 3. Muskogee is geographically positioned as an edge city of the Tulsa metro. 4. Muskogee’s deteriorating housing stock destabilizes the market and offers inadequate choices for residents. 5. Muskogee has a high portion of cost-burdened households and an undersupply of housing for the very poor. 6. The development industry perceives risk in constructing or renovating housing in Muskogee. 7. Muskogee’s stable population, large land area, and low density makes it difficult to keep up with infrastructure needs. 8. Muskogee has challenges with its image, both internally and externally, which affect perceptions about the community and people's behavior.

The project team recommends a strategy that encourages a diversified blend of housing prototypes concentrated in specific neighborhood areas that exhibit high potential:

For prototype categories and sites, the project team recommends a set of policies and programs for the public sector to implement in support of preferred development patterns in these areas.

• Assemble suitable sites for development (landbank) • Support the preparation of surveys to determine development suitability • Partner with developers through agreements to develop publicly-held land • Improve public amenities and infrastructure with an emphasis on prototype sites • Waive fees for development in prototype sites • Provide capital or assist with financing for qualified projects • Diversify housing units across market segments • Develop branding and messaging promoting Muskogee as a place to live • Create incentives for potential residents directly or through participation of employers

Housing Prototype Categories Housing Prototype Sites

Finally, the project team recommends a set of citywide initiatives that are not limited to the prototype sites, which broadly address issues related to housing that came up through the course of this study.

• Focus on preferred development areas with established amenities and infrastructure • Stabilize at-risk housing to preserve older stock homes • Take a street-by-street approach to revitalization • Create landlord certification and incentive programs • Upgrade the availability and currency of public GIS data • Empower neighborhood associations • Pursue targeted zoning code adjustments to enable a greater variety of housing types • Improve the aesthetic appearance of key corridors in Muskogee

While many initiatives rely on the leadership of the public sector, Muskogee's homeowners and residents can also take action, as people in many other distressed neighborhoods have done. "Do-it-yourself" or DIY approaches that can help improve neighborhoods include:

• Adopt and maintain vacant lots next to your home • Look after vacant homes in your neighborhood with simple exterior maintenance • Light up dark streets with porch lights or carriage lights • Use your personal network to attract new neighbors to move to the area • Repair homes and assist neighbors with repairs • Strengthen neighborhood organization efforts and in-person events • Meet and get to know your neighbors

Through collaboration between residents, the public sector, non-profit organizations, and the development industry, Muskogee can improve its supply of adequate housing.