His reforms saw the death rate from communicable disease drop from 114 per 100,000 to 27 per 100,000. Hocken also supported the creation of a public housing company that built houses and rented them for cost. The city, under his stewardship, also purchased an abattoir and cold storage facility to help keep small butchers from being driven out of business by "the great meat trust."
His reforms decreased the mortality rate caused by infectious diseases from 114 per 100,000 to 27 per 100,000. Hocken promoted a public housing initiative that constructed and rented homes at cost. The city, during his tenure, also acquired an abattoir and cold storage facility to safeguard small butchers from being outcompeted by major meat producers.