If you ask almost any northwest Oklahoma municipal leader about their challenges, available housing is usually listed toward the top.
My rural city, Fairview, in northwest Oklahoma, is no exception. Ensuring that we have housing options for all who desire to move to Fairview is a priority for community leaders.
Fairview is at a crossroads of opportunity. The most recent census reflects a 6% increase in population from 2010 to 2020. We’ve invited people to “Find Their Way Home to Fairview,” and people are making their way here. There is a demand for housing, and the entity for whom I work, Major County Economic Development Corporation, is aiming to put homes on the market.
Long-range goals
MCEDC has set some long-range housing goals: achieve a diverse range of housing densities, styles and types; prioritize new housing in areas of opportunity; and re-develop neighborhoods. It’s a situation that is not fixed with one or two new or remodeled homes, and MCEDC is committed to continued spec projects as well as sparking interest in others to build.
In the early months of 2023, MCEDC worked to find the right house plan to fit the right neighborhood. Plans, lots and contractors were secured, and MCEDC held a groundbreaking for two new, custom-built homes, each approximately 1,285 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Top question
The No. 1 question asked was “Who is paying for the homes to be built?”
This project was only possible due to the shared desires and cooperation of many entities. Farmers and Merchants National Bank owned the lots in the Landcrest Addition in Fairview, and the bank’s board voted to donate the lots to MCEDC for the homes. MCEDC had the down payment for the construction note. Local banks, Fairview Savings and Loan Association and Farmers and Merchants National Bank, financed the rest.
The city of Fairview welcomed the project, asking, “How can we help?” The local abstract office offered free abstract updates and closing costs. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Win-win-win
The houses were underway around July 1, 2023. MCEDC completed and closed with the buyer on one house during the first week of December. The second house was completed, and we closed with the buyer the first week in January. One of the buyers also brought a new business to town. Win-win! As a result of these homes being on the market, a few other homes that had been sitting empty came on the market and sold as well. Win-win-win!
J.P. Morgan said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” We as a community are committed to not staying complacent. We are committed to the continued growth of Fairview and Major County.
MCEDC’s next steps include researching house plans and available lots, keeping an eye on the local housing market and discussing options with leaders and residents. You can always follow us on Facebook (Major County Economic Development Corporation) or our website: majorok.com. We continue to welcome folks to “find their way home” to Fairview. Join us!
JaNae K. Barnard, executive director for Major County Economic Development Corporation, can be reached by phone at 580-227-2512 or email at [email protected].
