The City is taking another step toward shaping its housing future with the completion of a draft housing plan designed to provide data, direction and strategies for housing development throughout the community.
The draft plan was funded in part by the Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority (BRTA), which will receive the first opportunity to review the document at its Wednesday meeting. The Authority may consider action on adoption at that time. If adopted, the plan will then move to the Bartlesville Planning Commission later this month before going to the City Council for final acceptance and adoption.
“The plan, which is still in draft form, is chock full of good data and provides some good direction for us to move forward,” said Community Development Director Larry Curtis.
Community input was an important part of developing the plan, with more than 167 people participating in the housing survey.
“Their feedback, combined with additional research and analysis, helped identify three key areas of focus for the city: expanded housing choice, reinvestment in existing neighborhoods, and partnerships and targeted investments,” Curtis said.
While the BRTA’s role includes a focus on development in the downtown area, the housing plan takes a broader view. The plan is intended to provide guidance for housing needs and opportunities across the entire city, helping establish a framework for future development while also supporting efforts to strengthen existing neighborhoods.
By identifying housing trends, community priorities and potential strategies for investment, the plan will serve as a resource for city leaders as they consider future housing initiatives and partnerships.
“This really does expand beyond downtown,” Curtis said. “It helps drive housing development and provides good guidance for the entire city.”