OCHA, City awarded $25 million Choice Neighborhoods grant

Published on September 03, 2026

This week, the Oklahoma City Housing Authority (OCHA) and the City of Oklahoma City were awarded a $25,115,577 grant from the Choice Neighborhoods program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

rendering of neighborhood street with trees and people walking

Conceptual rendering of a Choice Neighborhood

The grant will help revitalize the Will Rogers Courts housing development and the Westwood Exchange neighborhood. The neighborhood is bordered between the Oklahoma River and SW 22nd Street to the north and south, the Oklahoma National Stockyards to the west and South Douglas Avenue to the east.

“The residents are the true beneficiaries, because this grant gives them the power to build the Westwood Exchange neighborhood of their dreams,” said Mark Gillett, Executive Director of OCHA. “Over the past several years, OCHA hosted a dozen community meetings, and we will host many more over the next eight years to ensure that the community’s voice remains central to our redevelopment work.”

In partnership with Community Action Agency, Lilyfield, Brinshore Development and dozens of other committed partners, the Choice Neighborhoods grant will support the revitalization of the neighborhood and fully rebuild the housing development following the plan revealed to the community last fall.

The Stockyards City neighborhood, which includes Westwood Exchange, is also participating in the city's Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, which will provide investment in new homes, sidewalks, signage, trees, parks and public art.

"This $25 million grant from HUD is validation of the work we have been doing to support the housing needs of those in our city who need it most,” Mayor David Holt said. “Through MAPS 4, our 2025 bond issue and other resources, our city has previously committed $33 million to the renewal of the Westwood Exchange area. This HUD grant will bring the total commitment from all sources to $227 million. The capital efforts are amazing on their own, but this grant goes further, supporting education, job connections, and long-term support that will help the people of Westwood Exchange thrive. On behalf of the people of Oklahoma City, I thank HUD for this support, as we look forward to the progress to come.”

In addition to HUD funding, financial and in-kind commitments to this project from organizations across Oklahoma City total more than $227 million. These commitments include $77M in federal, state and local government resources, $49M in housing, $35M in neighborhood resources and $66M in people-focused programs are committed to the project.

The 348 units currently at Will Rogers Courts will be replaced with mixed-income housing, and residents can expect neighborhood projects like a new gateway entrance to the neighborhood, increased access to fresh food through an urban farm and a new Head Start space for children in the area.

boundary map of Will Rogers Courts, Stockyard Exchange and South Rotary Park

Boundary map for Oklahoma City's Choice Neighborhood program

"This award reflects the hard work by OCHA, our residents, the City and our community partners who came together around a bold, community-driven vision for the future," said Rocky Chavez, Chair of OCHA's Board of Commissioners. "The Board and I are incredibly proud of Mark and the OCHA team for reaching this milestone, and we're excited for the opportunity to bring that vision to life and deliver meaningful, lasting results for residents and the broader community.”

The eight-year, multi-phase project will start as engagement with current residents. The first new units are expected to be available for occupancy starting in 2029.

Since 2023, OCHA and its partners have worked closely with the community to strategically develop a plan to revitalize Westwood Exchange. The plan was informed by meetings and feedback sessions with residents, community members and local businesses.

Oklahoma City is one of four cities nationwide receiving a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant this year. The other recipients include Gainesville, Florida; Fayetteville, North Carolina; and New Bern, North Carolina.

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About the Oklahoma City Housing Authority

Oklahoma City Housing Authority and Community Enhancement Corporation provide housing and housing assistance to more than 14,000 people in Oklahoma City through public housing, the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Project Based Rental Assistance. Their mission is to transform lives through a place to call home.