On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to tackle the nation’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with housing affordability as a key focus. Housing affordability has long been a pressing issue across the country, and Oklahoma is no exception. The executive order outlines steps to reduce regulatory burdens, expand the housing supply, and create efficiencies within federal agencies to help mitigate the housing crisis.

Key Components of the Executive Order

1. Reducing Regulatory Burdens Nationwide and in Oklahoma
   Regulatory costs account for up to 25% of the price of constructing new homes, according to industry data. In Oklahoma, while the overall cost of living is lower than in many states, regulatory inefficiencies still impact new developments. For instance:
   • Zoning regulations in urban areas like Oklahoma City and Tulsa often slow down the approval process for new housing projects.
   • Builders in Oklahoma face delays due to lengthy permitting processes, environmental reviews, and outdated codes.
   The executive order encourages federal agencies to remove unnecessary regulations, which could streamline processes and lower costs for developers. This may translate into more affordable housing developments in rapidly growing areas like Edmond, Norman, and Broken Arrow.
2. Expanding the Housing Supply Increasing the housing supply is essential to addressing affordability challenges, particularly in regions like Oklahoma where population growth has outpaced housing construction in recent years. By reducing federal red tape, this order is designed to:
   • Encourage private developers to invest in affordable housing projects.
   • Simplify the construction process for multi-family developments, which are in high demand in cities like Oklahoma City due to rising rents.
   Impact on Rural Areas: In rural parts of Oklahoma, such as Woodward or Ada, fewer housing developments have been built in recent years due to high costs and limited incentives. A streamlined regulatory process could attract more builders to these underserved areas.
3. Establishing the Department on Government Efficiency (DOGE) One unique element of the order is the creation of the Department on Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. This department will focus on identifying inefficiencies across federal agencies and promoting cost-saving measures. For Oklahoma, this could mean:
   • Faster access to federal funding for affordable housing projects, such as HUD grants or rural housing initiatives.
   • Support for renewable energy components in new housing developments, especially as Oklahoma continues to grow its wind energy sector.

How Oklahoma Could Benefit Specifically

While the executive order is a federal initiative, its success hinges on how effectively it is implemented at the local and state levels. Here are some specific ways Oklahoma may benefit:

1. Affordable Housing Development in Urban Areas
   Oklahoma City and Tulsa have seen rising housing costs due to increasing demand and limited supply. Removing barriers to multi-family housing construction could:
   • Accelerate the development of affordable apartments and townhomes.
   • Enable first-time homebuyers to find entry-level homes in desirable neighborhoods such as Quail Creek or Jenks.
2. Opportunities for Rural Housing Expansion
   Many smaller towns in Oklahoma struggle with a lack of affordable housing options for local workers, especially in industries like agriculture and energy. With fewer federal and state restrictions, developers may find it easier to build in these regions.
3. Encouraging Use of Federal Resources
   Oklahoma is uniquely positioned to leverage federal programs for housing assistance. The state has a history of utilizing:
   • USDA Rural Development loans for affordable housing in rural areas.
   • FHA programs that offer assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers.
   The executive order’s push for efficiency could make these programs easier to navigate, providing more opportunities for Oklahoma residents.
4. Addressing Homelessness
   Homelessness remains a growing concern in cities like Oklahoma City. With the potential for increased funding and reduced regulatory barriers, shelters and transitional housing programs could expand, helping those in need find stable housing.

Challenges Specific to Oklahoma

Although the executive order presents opportunities, some challenges remain.

• Local Zoning Restrictions: Even with federal regulatory relief, local zoning laws in Oklahoma’s cities and suburbs often require rezoning or variances for new developments, slowing progress.
• Infrastructure Gaps: For rural areas to benefit, investments in infrastructure like roads, water, and broadband must complement housing efforts.
• Resistance to Change: Some communities may oppose affordable housing projects due to concerns about property values or changes to neighborhood character.

Looking Ahead: What Oklahomans Should Watch For

The success of this executive order depends on coordination between federal, state, and local governments. In Oklahoma, policymakers and industry leaders will need to:

• Advocate for streamlined local regulations that complement federal efforts.
• Work with developers to ensure housing projects meet the needs of Oklahomans without compromising quality or environmental standards.
• Educate residents about the long-term benefits of increasing affordable housing options.

Conclusion

President Trump’s executive order represents a significant effort to tackle housing affordability across the United States. For Oklahoma, the potential benefits include a more robust housing market, increased development in underserved areas, and greater access to affordable options for families and individuals. However, to fully realize these benefits, collaboration at all levels of government and active engagement from the private sector will be essential. With the right approach, this initiative could pave the way for more Oklahomans to achieve the dream of homeownership or secure stable, affordable housing.