PCDA Dedicates $1 Million Dollars to Ponca City housing

​PCDA is committed to combat the housing crisis limiting rural communities' growth.   Recent data from a comprehensive housing study conducted this spring revealed startling statistics: only 121 houses have been constructed in Ponca City over the past decade, underscoring a critical shortage of affordable housing options in the area. 

"For years, Ponca City has faced the challenges posed by a limited housing supply," remarked Lori Henderson, Executive Director of PCDA. "The demand for affordable, quality housing has consistently outpaced supply, stalling our community's growth potential and impacting our ability to attract and retain a diverse workforce." PCDA is pleased to announce the allocation of one million dollars towards housing initiatives over the next three years to assist with Ponca City's housing needs. 

Since November 2023, a dedicated committee composed of PCDA trustees, community members, city commissioners, and PCDA staff has convened monthly to devise strategies to address the housing shortage. After extensive deliberations and collaboration, the amendments of Housing and Retail have been added to the PCDA trust indenture.  "In April of this year, following votes by both the PCDA board of trustees and the city commission, we finalized amendments to the trust indenture to include incentives aimed at stimulating housing development," Henderson explained. "These incentives are designed to complement the City of Ponca City's existing Housing Incentive Program (HIP), ensuring that developers receive additional support to undertake crucial housing projects." 

The decision to align with the City's HIP program reflects PCDA's commitment to leveraging resources effectively to foster housing development. Henderson expressed optimism about the partnership's potential impact on the local housing market. 

Chris Henderson, from the City Development Services Department, has played a pivotal role in facilitating these initiatives, ensuring that projects are streamlined and supported from inception to completion. 

This one million dollar investment towards housing initiatives over the next three years, demonstrates  a substantial financial commitment to addressing Ponca City's housing needs.  "We are excited about the prospects ahead and remain dedicated to advancing solutions that will enhance housing accessibility in Ponca City," concluded Henderson.   Find out more about the Ponca City HIP 2.0 program and the complete Ponca City Housing Study here. 

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