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Edmond is a growing city with limitless potential.
That isn’t a question. It truly is a statement. It is nice to live in Edmond. We have all the benefits of being a suburb of a large city, all the while retaining the unique qualities of a small town. Yes, we are growing, but the things that make our city special have remained largely the same for the past 20+ years.
We now sit in an admirable position coming out of the COVID pandemic: the local economy has rebounded nicely and our sales tax collections this fiscal year are up more than 9% over last year. Not to mention that Edmond has a new City Manager who will bring new vision to this role!
The pains and struggles we have been through over the past several years are behind us. The issues with the property between Hafer Park and Spring Creek Plaza have finally been resolved. School Board elections are over, and there are no city council elections this year. Life feels like it is returning to normal in our community. What a blessing to live in a city where we can enjoy our parks, trails, and civic events without protests and constant fights and battles over topics plaguing much of the country.
But is this just the calm before the storm? In the next year, we should see another referendum vote on the re-zoning at I-35 and Memorial. We will also have city council elections next winter. The East Edmond 2050 Plan is going into the implementation phase, although without Overlay Districts included in city staff’s implementation plan. And, development/redevelopment of the downtown core will continue to heat up.
All are very nice issues for any city to be faced with. As you choose sides on any of these and other issues that develop over the coming year, please remember to be civil in your words and actions. Remember, every one of us who lives in Edmond has chosen to live here. The person opposite you on any issue is still your neighbor. Become passionate; but remain polite. Get involved; but don’t over-react to the situation.
There is a reason that Edmond is special. Let’s keep it that way. Enjoy your summer. Get out and enjoy Heard on Hurd, Vibe Thursdays, local sports and theater productions, and relaxing days at Lake Arcadia and on the trails system. It is nice to live in Edmond!