In a recent City Council workshop, Edmond officials unveiled significant updates to the city's Comprehensive Plan, focusing on housing, mobility, and utilities. These changes are designed to address pressing community needs and enhance the quality of life for residents.

One of the most notable developments is the introduction of a new housing chapter, which stems from Edmond's first citywide housing assessment. This assessment revealed a critical demand for nearly 9,000 new housing units over the next decade, highlighting that three out of four workers in Edmond currently commute from outside the city. To tackle these challenges, the new chapter outlines four key strategies: simplifying the housing construction process, diversifying housing options and price points, improving existing housing while maintaining affordability, and supporting workforce housing initiatives.

The city has set ambitious goals to create a range of affordable and diverse housing options, with new action items aimed at strengthening homebuyer assistance programs, enhancing housing resources, and modernizing zoning regulations to facilitate the development of various housing types.

Additionally, the transportation chapter has been renamed and updated to "mobility," reflecting a broader vision for transportation in Edmond. This change aligns with the findings from the EdmondShift initiative, which emphasizes the need for a more integrated approach to transportation and mobility in the city.

The utilities chapter has also been expanded to include natural resources, such as urban forestry, incorporating insights from a recent forest composition and ecosystem analysis study. These updates aim to ensure that Edmond's growth is sustainable and environmentally conscious.

City officials confirmed that these revisions are consistent with the existing resiliency plan, ensuring that all strategies work in harmony to support the community's long-term goals.

As Edmond moves forward with these comprehensive updates, residents can expect a more responsive approach to housing and mobility, ultimately enhancing the livability of their city. The next steps will involve tracking the implementation of these action items and continuing to engage with the community for feedback and support.