OKC expands Strong Neighborhood Initiative to Ross Heights and Stockyards City

The Oklahoma City Council designated Ross Heights and Stockyards City as new Strong Neighborhood Initiative (SNI) areas earlier this month. 

SNI is a neighborhood revitalization program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, that collaborates with residents to improve their neighborhoods over a span of five years. SNI projects include home repairs, new home construction, sidewalks, parks, tree plantings, public art, commercial district improvements, afterschool programs and enhanced public spaces. 

“Both Ross Heights and Stockyards have seen incremental economic growth, but they need a boost, so our hope is that our SNI model of thoughtful and holistic revitalization will help the neighborhood residents and businesses reach their full potential,” City Program Planner Shannon Entz said. 

The Stockyards City SNI boundaries extend from Agnew Avenue to the Oklahoma River and the railroad right-of-way near Birch Street. Ross Heights' boundaries are NE 23rd Street to NE 16th Street and Lottie Avenue to Martin Luther King Avenue. Ross Heights is in Ward 7, and Stockyards City is in Ward 6. 

"Being part of Oklahoma City’s SNI means Stockyards City will now be able to foster a sense of community and collaboration by enhancing local infrastructure, promoting safety and encouraging beautification efforts that contribute to a vibrant, welcoming environment,” Stockyards City resident Elizabeth Larios De Farrell said. “This initiative will empower residents to actively participate in decision-making, improve walkability and create a shared vision for sustainable growth, ultimately strengthening the neighborhood's identity and connection among its members."  

Stockyards City residents and stakeholders are invited to an SNI kick-off meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, at Lilyfield, 1841 Exchange Ave. The Ross Heights SNI kick-off meeting is at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Ralph Ellison Library, 2000 NE 23rd St. 

SNI projects are designed to spur private investment in areas that have experienced disinvestment. Since the program began 11 years ago, the city has invested $18 million in SNI neighborhoods, with more than $56 million in private investments. 

“The revitalization of a neighborhood is how to help people stay in their homes,” Ross Heights Neighborhood President Wallace Johnson said. 

The program currently works with three neighborhoods: Capitol Hill and Metro Park in Ward 6, and Martin Luther King in Ward 7. Capitol Hill and Metro Park are set to “graduate” from SNI in June. Previous SNI neighborhoods include Capitol View, Classen Ten Penn, Classen North Highland Park and Culbertson East Highland.