The City of Tulsa is asking Gov. Kevin Stitt for a moratorium on evictions through July 25.
The request is being made through a joint resolution with Oklahoma City and Norman, and it also asks for a ban on penalties and fees for people who can’t pay rent.
Tulsa City Councilor Lori Decter Wright said the COVID-19 pandemic and sudden economic downturn has put hundreds of families on the verge of homelessness.
"We have folks who have done everything right. They have applied for all of the support. They’re still waiting on their stimulus. They’re still waiting on their unemployment. They’ve applied for grants. They’re going to our local charities. And … we have an opportunity to amplify the needs of these thousands of Tulsans who are facing this," Decter Wright said.
There are around 1,200 evictions pending in Tulsa County.
Decter Wright said eviction protections are especially important at this point in the COVID-19 pandemic.
"And so, when we’re talking about relaunching our economy and we’re talking about workforce and we’re talking about bouncing back, I think we need to be mindful that we are an ecosystem. And when you’re worried about keeping a roof over your head or food on the table, it’s very hard to be a productive worker," Decter Wright said.
Eviction proceedings in Tulsa County resumed June 1.
