From staff reports The City of Lawton apparently is resolving the issue about property transactions conducted in June 2024 by the now-defunct Great Plains Improvement Foundation.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office have been investigating the matter.
During a review it was discovered that properties restricted by City of Lawton liens, including those tied to HUD’s HOME Program, were sold to an investor without the city’s knowledge or consent. This transaction violated program requirements and has triggered compliance issues with HUD.
“The city is committed to addressing this issue transparently and responsibly,” City Manager John Ratliff said.
Efforts are underway to ensure accountability, recover funds, and minimize the potential impact on Lawton’s affordable housing initiatives, he said. As of Jan. 17, foreclosures for seven properties had been filed in Comanche County District Court.
“We take this matter very seriously,” City Attorney John Andrew said. “The City of Lawton is dedicated to protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring compliance with federal housing regulations. We will continue to work with all relevant parties to resolve this issue and safeguard the resources that support our community.”
After emerging from a closeddoor executive session Jan. 28, the City Council instructed Ratliff to direct the city’s Finance Department to transfer $484,423 from the General Fund to the appropriate Housing Fund and to notify HUD “that the funds will be transferred within the next 60 days.”
The Great Plains Improvement Foundation closed its doors July 15, 2024, and dissolved soon after.