OKC neighborhoods grow under Strong Neighborhood Initiative

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Earlier this year, the Oklahoma City Council approved the Ross Heights and Stockyards City neighborhoods as new Strong Neighborhood Initiative (SNI) areas. SNI is a national program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, that collaborates with local residents to holistically improve the neighborhood through physical, social, and economic investments over the course of five years.

The Ross Heights’ SNI boundaries extend from NE 23rd Street to NE 16th Street and Lottie Avenue to Martin Luther King Avenue. The Stockyards City SNI boundaries go from Agnew Avenue to the Oklahoma River and the railroad right-of-way near Birch Street. Historically, both of these neighborhoods have been underutilized and seen underinvestment. However, the economic growth they have seen in the past few years makes them prime targets for the next round of SNI focus and funding.

To select a neighborhood, the City considers several components, including several months of data collection and visits the neighborhoods to evaluate current conditions. Contributing factors include evaluating household incomes, housing values, crime rates, and local assets (i.e. schools, parks, and commercial areas).

SNIs work to support housing improvements (including home repairs and construction), infill housing, drive infrastructure developments (such as sidewalks, parks, and landscapes), bolster retailers and commercial companies, and expand citizen participation opportunities. The work also includes supporting public art and enhancing public spaces. With collaborative efforts between city staff, residents, local stakeholders, and other community partners, the SNI work can create and implement custom revitalization strategies unique to residents’ needs.

Overall, the goal of these SNIs is to help guide the neighborhoods and their residents to self-sufficiency and long-term economic and social prosperity.

Since the inception of SNI projects in Oklahoma City in 2010 as a new approach to revitalization and economic development, private and public investments have boomed in these areas. Already, OKC has invested $18 million in previous SNI areas. Those areas also have received more than $56 million in private investments.

We expect that these new SNI neighborhoods will see similar success as other previous SNI areas. Last year the Capitol View neighborhood “graduated” from SNI, after years of sustained beautification, clean ups, landscaping, and public art installations. The initiative fostered a better quality of place and community.

By investing in these strategically chosen neighborhoods, we can lift the overall economic tide of the city—a rising tide lifts all boats.

Kenton Tsoodle is the president of the Alliance for Economic Development of OKC.