For Immediate Release: August 18th, 2025

For More Information Contact: 405-713-1501

District One Commissioner Jason Lowe Announces Renewed Funding for Sisu Youth Services Funds will cover planning and pre-construction services for Phase II of campus buildout.

Oklahoma County, OK- District 1 Commissioner Jason Lowe announced today that he will present a new agreement to the Board of County Commissioners to cover planning and pre-construction for phase II of Sisu’s campus buildout at the board’s Wednesday meeting.  The agreement, memorialized after a meeting between Sisu leadership and the Commissioner, realigns project timelines and deliverables, which have changed since ARPA funding was initially awarded to the organization in 2024.  

Lowe, speaking about the new agreement, stated, “I support Sisu and their mission.  However, as things were proceeding under the previous agreement, it became clear to me that what we were paying for and the measurable outcomes of the project were not aligned. This new agreement addresses that concern, providing clarity to taxpayers and the organization.”  

“The previous contract was vague and contained conflicting information,” said Rachel Bradley, Sisu Executive Director. “This new agreement gives Sisu and the County clarity on the use of the ARPA funds going forward.  When you read the agreement, the project goals and objectives are aligned. No one will be confused about how the funds are being utilized.  We appreciate Commissioner Lowe and his commitment to meeting the needs of our youth, who are experiencing wide-ranging challenges in our community. This is a win for our youth and a win for Oklahoma County.”  

The 2024 agreement stated, “Sisu Youth Services has elected to track the following KPI's to measure outcomes and outputs of the project: Number of transitional housing units for homeless teens and young adults constructed (Goal 6).”  In addition to the language of the contract, the Project Details Attachment, which was developed in conjunction with Sisu, made clear that the purpose of the funds was the construction of the six transitional housing units.  Reading in part, the document states, “these six units would support youth exiting youth homelessness……. We anticipate construction to wrap up in 2025.”

Sisu is in the quiet phase of a capital campaign to fund the housing units, which will not be completed by the end of 2025. The new agreement provides more time for the organization to complete the capital campaign while ensuring the ARPA funds can be spent within the timeline required by the federal government.

When asked about canceling the previous agreement, Lowe said, “Given where they were in the process, Sisu would not have met the goal stated in the contract. I did not want to risk those funds being returned to the federal government when we have so many other needs within the community.”

Under the terms of the new agreement, Sisu will utilize the county’s funds for completion of architectural and design work, acquisition of an owner’s representative, and pre-construction services necessary for Phase II of the campus buildout.  Once PHASE II is completed, Sisu will provide a secure outdoor recreational space, a medical clinic, a classroom, and program space, as well as six (6) transitional housing units for those utilizing their services. 
With the funding in place for the planning phases of the project, Sisu will soon begin an extensive fundraising campaign for the balance of the $6.5 million project.  Lowe said he hopes the community gets behind their efforts, “These services are desperately needed in our community. I hope Sisu gets the funds they need quickly, and the project is built sooner rather than later.”  

The Commissioner concluded, adding, “As Sisu waits for their funds to come in, they have an obligation to address the concerns of their neighbors. Sisu’s leadership has assured me they are working to do just that.  My expectation is they will continue that effort, and once this facility is fully constructed, it will further reduce any impacts on their neighbors.”

The agreement will be considered at the Board of County Commissioners’ next regularly scheduled meeting on August 20th.  The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held in Room 204 on the County Annex.

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