Big Ideas Drive 'planOKC' Effort in Oklahoma City

One of the country's largest cities has been growing quickly and will continue to grow—how is Oklahoma City planning for the future?

1 minute read

October 20, 2014, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


William Crum reports on planOKC by sharing the history, geography, and demography behind the need for the "planOKC comprehensive planning effort," expected for released for public comment December or January.

As for Oklahoma City's remarkable growth, Crum reports that the city's population is expected to hit 743,868 by 2030. Meanwhile, the physical footprint of the city has exploded: "Between 1977 and 2009, the year before work started on planOKC, the portion of Oklahoma City considered to be developed nearly doubled. Miles of streets more than doubled, while the population grew by a little more than 40 percent."

In response to that growth, Crum explains that "Oklahoma City’s new development guidelines are built around seven 'big ideas' planners expect will shape the city’s growth through the first half of the century." Namely: transportation choice and mobility, housing choice, healthy citizens, community attractiveness, thriving neighborhoods, efficient development, and preserving natural character.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 in The Oklahoman

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.