A Destined Housing Crisis in District 1: The Alarming Reality We Must Not Ignore

By Dr. Angela K. Chambers, Former Tulsa City Council Candidate  

Have you been paying attention?

District 1 is on the verge of a deepening housing crisis — one that is being quietly developed right before our eyes. And if we don’t act, speak up, and vote wisely in 2026, the damage could be irreversible.

There’s already a serious lack of affordable housing. The shortage is obvious — and heartbreaking. As I campaigned throughout our district, I encountered countless families already suffering from displacement. Yet what we’re seeing now signals that far worse may be coming.

Let’s start with what’s visible:

Vacant lots are multiplying — the aftermath of dilapidated homes that were never repaired, only demolished. And families are losing their inheritance and legacy because they can't afford the upkeep.

Out-of-state landlords continue to neglect properties and extract profit while contributing nothing to our neighborhoods.

Slumlords and Airbnb investors have taken over rental stock — offering only short-term options that push long-term residents out.

Public housing developments have been torn down, and families have waited years for new construction that’s still not complete.

And let’s talk about policy.

Section 8 vouchers — once a lifeline — now may come with expiration dates, only valid for two years in some cases. What happens to families after that? Where do they go? What do they do?

Meanwhile, as “development” increases in District 1, it’s not the residents who are benefiting — it’s developers. Look closer:

Who’s getting paid?

Who’s being hired?

Who’s being pushed out?

We’re developing a district while outpricing the very people who live here. The question must be asked:

Is this another round of urban renewal by another name — or are we watching gentrification in real time? Who's speaking up for us?

And while we’re distracted, unhoused populations continue to grow, and the cracks in our city systems widen:

What about the lawsuits the City of Tulsa pays out regularly?

Who’s being held accountable when “hundreds of thousands of dollars” are paid to the wrong merchants — and then paid again?

Who is watching the contracts, the payouts, the favoritism?

The truth is, we’re long overdue for real change at City Hall.

Tulsa cannot afford to continue ignoring District 1. We need representation that fights — not what's been going on. We need leaders who advocate, not those who remain silent while our people suffer and our homes vanish.

That’s why I’ve chosen not to run again — and instead, I am proud to endorse Reggie Williams for City Council, District 1. I believe he has the strength, heart, and commitment to truly represent us and hold the system accountable.

But he can’t do this without YOU and I.

✅ Start talking to your family about voting.

✅ Make voter registration a household priority.

✅ Teach your children the power of local government.

✅ Stay informed and pay attention to who’s benefiting from the developments in our district.

This is our home. Our fight. Our future.

📣 Join me in voting for Reggie Williams in the 2026 City Council race for Tulsa District 1.

📢 Join me in demanding accountability and fighting for our housing rights.

Let’s stand together and say: Enough is enough.

Let’s vote for change. Let’s vote for our future.