Tyler Parette Joins Local Leaders in Discussion on Housing Shortage and Homelessness

Tulsa, Okla. (April 9, 2025) – Housing Forward’s Executive Director joined experts from across Tulsa in a panel yesterday discussing the root causes of the housing shortage facing our region and its impact on homelessness.

He was joined by Emily Hall, JD, MPA, Senior Advisor - Homelessness from the City of Tulsa, Mark Smith, CEO of Housing Solutions, and Mack Halton, CEO of the Tulsa Day Center. The panel was organized by the Tulsa Day Center and took place at Hudson Villas, a gated community providing residences to individuals transitioning out of homelessness.

Tyler shared how Tulsa’s ongoing housing shortage stresses an already cost-burdened population. Findings in our Smart Growth Report released in February show that while Tulsa’s population has grown over 10% over the past decade, housing units have only increased by 3% during that time frame. Speaking to attendees, Tyler addressed what needs to be done to address the shortage:

“It’s looking at various aspects of our zoning code and making sure that we’re allowing for the production of the type of housing that the market needs. When people think about affordable housing, they think vouchers, they think subsidies. But the reality is many people on a median income in our community, teachers, firemen, people that are retired, are in desperate need of housing that is affordable and achievable at their income.”

Learn more about the policies and processes hindering the housing development landscape in Tulsa and the recommendations and strategies provided to address the demand in the Smart Growth Report prepared by Housing Forward and Smart Growth America.

Catch up on what was discussed in KJRH-2 News Oklahoma, News on 6, and Channel 8 News, who covered the event.