ABOUT

Our Mission

Edmond Urbanist exists to document, highlight, advocate for, and inspire the next generation of residential and commercial development in Edmond, Oklahoma.

We are for more affordable housing options, walkable neighborhoods, sustainable development, beautiful places and spaces, and a vibrant local economy in Edmond.

The Edmond Urbanist Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Your financial support and volunteer efforts make our work possible.

What is New Urbanism?

New Urbanism is a planning and development approach based on the principles of how cities and towns had been built for centuries: walkable blocks and streets, housing and shopping in close proximity, and accessible public spaces. In other words: New Urbanism focuses on human-scaled urban design.

-The Congress for New Urbanism

Our Values

Community

Community is the power of WE. We live here, we work here, we play here, we raise our families here - and we do those things together in close proximity. For a community to reach its fullest potential, everyone shares in the responsibly and reaps the benefits of its upkeep.

Progress

Progress is the power of A BETTER TOMORROW. While we look to the past to help guide us, we cannot go backward or spend our time longing for days gone by. What worked then may not work now, and you can't "un-ring the bell." We believe our best days are ahead of us, and we are proud to work hard today to leave things better for the next generations.

Solidarity

Solidarity is the power of STANDING TOGETHER. We have more that unites us with our neighbors, classmates, and coworkers than divides us. We work together and stand together because we share this community together.

What is YIMBY?

YIMBY means Yes In My Back Yard and is a perspective that is optimistic about and open to new construction, redevelopment, and growth in our cities. YIMBY stands in contrast to the voices that seek to preserve the status quo, especially by using government policies to restrict development of private property.

Our Work

Advocacy
Coalition Building
Consulting
Communications and Marketing
Community Service Projects
Placemaking
Research
Technical Assistance

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation Edmond Urbanist does not endorse or financial support candidates for elected office.

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Our History

Edmond was settled around the Santa Fe Railroad in the late 1880s and the City of Edmond was founded the day of the Oklahoma Land Run in 1889. The University of Central Oklahoma was established in 1890 as the Territorial Normal School.

Edmond has always had dense neighborhoods, business districts, and a college campus built around walking and public transportation. Unlike many great American cities, Edmond's urban core was not scarred by Interstate Highway construction or massive Urban Renewal projects.

Edmond Urbanist was founded in 2024 and began marketing, communications, consulting, and networking efforts in Edmond.

In 2025, Edmond Urbanist began expanding more advocacy, research, and technical assistance operations. This includes outreach to Edmond City Council members, appointees to various City boards & commissions, City staff officials, and other community organizations and leaders.

Edmond Urbanist's five-year buildout plan includes

Paid internship opportunities for University of Central Oklahoma or Oklahoma Christian University students studying city planning, economic development, real estate, public administration or other related disciplines
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle photography and computer-aided design tools to aid in placemaking and advocacy specific to Edmond business districts, public spaces, and neighborhoods
Technical assistance and advocacy tools for Edmond business districts and neighborhoods seeking to enhance and/or redevelop their areas
Awards program recognizing Edmond neighborhoods, developments, businesses, and institutions that excel at incorporating New Urbanism principles

Our Team

Affiliations

Director: Cody Boyd, MPA