City and community partners gathered on November 6 for the Shovels and Smiles groundbreaking ceremony on Leaning Elm, marking the start of construction on a new affordable four-bedroom single-family home at 521 Leaning Elm. The project continues the City’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing for Norman residents.
The home will be constructed through a jointly funded partnership between the City of Norman HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Norman 2015 Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), and the Norman Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC). Funding includes $342,000 in HOME CHDO funds budgeted across fiscal years 2022–2026, along with an additional $54,410.18 investment from the Norman Affordable Housing Corporation, bringing the total project cost to $396,410.18. The action for this agreement was approved by City Council in July under Contract K-2526-14.
The NAHC, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, will manage leasing and property operations for the new residence. NAHC sets rent in accordance with HUD Affordability Standards, basing monthly rent on unit size and the typical household that will occupy it. Tenants for the home will be selected based on a set of eligibility criteria designed to ensure the unit is leased to households that meet established affordability and income requirements.
The city faces an estimated 9,000-unit gap in affordable rentals, a challenge being addressed through steady, incremental development supported by local organizations, City Council, and City Administration.
“With the support of the City of Norman and these strong partnerships, we’ve already created 55 debt-free, affordable homes, reinvesting proceeds into new projects like this one,” said Lisa Krieg, Grants Manager of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. “Construction is also underway on the 75-unit Crimson Flats development, reinforcing that when a city is dedicated, collaborative, and willing to take action, progress is possible.”
Krieg emphasized that closing Norman’s housing gap happens “one brick, one board, and one partnership at a time,” with each new project contributing to long-term community stability.
“This isn’t just about turning dirt,” Krieg said. “Each of us here is a building block, helping transform a patch of dirt into a home — and a home into a stronger community.”
For more information about the City of Norman’s affordable housing programs, call (405) 366-5322.
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