R2 to Higher Density Rezoning Analysis - August 2025 (Updated)
HIGH RISK but unprecedented opportunity due to leadership turnover
Only 1 apartment complex approved since 2012
90%+ denial rate for density increases
Average home price: $429,000
60% council turnover in April 2025
New leadership disrupts established anti-density coalitions
Timing critical: 6-12 month window
TIMING CRITICAL
This represents the best chance for R2 upzoning success that Edmond has seen in over a decade. Act quickly while new officials are forming development positions.
Background: 35+ year Edmond resident, certified process improvement expert, B.S. in Administration Management from Phillips University
Professional Experience: 10 years state government finance (management auditor, senate fiscal analyst, DPS director of finance), 14 years international process engineering firm (Managing Director/CFO), founder of Pinnacle Partners West management consulting
Community Service: 12 years Edmond Economic Development Authority board, 6 years EPS Foundation board, East Edmond 2050 Plan Advisory Committee, church elder and endowment investment committee chairman
Development Stance: UNKNOWN but significant relevant experience - ran on fiscal transparency/accountability platform following failed bond issue
Key Insight: Unique government finance background and process improvement expertise may make him more data-driven on development decisions
Strategic Priority: CRITICAL - His financial background and process improvement expertise could make him receptive to well-structured development proposals with clear economic benefits
Approach: Position development as economic development opportunity; emphasize fiscal benefits and efficient processes
Background: 18-year Planning Commission veteran (much as chairman), elected to Council April 2023 with 50.7% vote
Planning Commission Experience: Extensive experience reviewing rezonings, plan amendments, special use permits, site plans, and plats since 2005
Development Philosophy: Points to east Edmond growth as model, emphasizes business-friendly climate that attracts jobs and opportunities
Campaign Priorities: Building better streets/bridges, protecting neighborhoods, creating business-friendly climate
Reputation: "Trusted problem solver," "always willing to listen, work hard and do the right thing"
Strategic Value: MAXIMUM - 18 years planning experience, confirmed pro-development voting record, institutional knowledge of approval processes
Approach: Primary champion and strategic advisor - leverage his planning expertise and political intelligence
Background: Third-generation Edmond resident, Edmond Memorial HS graduate, University of Oklahoma degree in Sociology and Nonprofit Organizational Studies
Professional Experience: Self-employed marketing professional/freelance content creator since 2015, former Director of Marketing at Whole Foods Oklahoma, Director of Development at Rebuilding Together OKC, United Way executive
Community Service: Community Agency Review Commission (2024), Edmond Mobile Meals board (2022+), Providence Baptist Church, EPS Parent Teacher Organization
Selection Process: Unanimous City Council choice to fill Tom Robins' vacant seat
Development Stance: UNKNOWN - No voting record yet, nonprofit background suggests community-focused perspective
Key Insight: Marketing background and community service experience may make her responsive to well-positioned community benefit arguments
Strategic Priority: MODERATE - New member still forming positions, community service background suggests amenability to workforce housing narrative
Approach: Emphasize community benefits, affordable housing for local workforce, leverage nonprofit sector connections
Background: Won Ward 3 seat unopposed after opponent Corey Winston withdrew, sworn in May 2025
Professional Experience: UNKNOWN - Limited public information available about career background
Development Stance: UNKNOWN - No voting record or public statements on development issues
Strategic Priority: CRITICAL - Complete unknown with potential swing vote power in 5-member council
Key Challenge: Lack of public information makes assessment difficult - requires direct engagement
Risk Factor: Replaced Christin Mugg whose development positions are unknown
Approach: IMMEDIATE priority for one-on-one meeting to assess development philosophy, business background, and housing positions. Consider community introductions through mutual connections.
Background: President/CEO of Oklahoma Attorneys Mutual Insurance Company, University of Central Oklahoma graduate, won unopposed April 2025
Professional Experience: Extensive insurance industry leadership, former president of National Association of Bar Related Insurance Companies, specializes in professional liability and risk assessment
Business Philosophy: Deep understanding of risk management, litigation assessment, and financial consequences
Development Record: PROMISING - Cast lone vote in favor of controversial Walmart project, citing potential legal/financial consequences for city: "There will be consequences attached to this, all of which impacts city money...could climb into the millions"
Key Insight: Risk-based decision making approach suggests he may support well-structured development proposals that minimize city liability
Strategic Value: HIGH - Business background, risk assessment expertise, demonstrated willingness to take unpopular but financially prudent positions
Approach: Present comprehensive risk analysis showing benefits of approval vs. costs of denial, emphasize legal compliance and financial benefits to city
Best Window: Next 6-12 months while new leadership establishes positions
Strategic Advantage: Act before opposition groups mobilize against new density proposals
Timing Rationale: New officials are forming development positions and haven't yet established voting patterns
Your 25-35% success probability reflects both the historical difficulty and the unique current opportunity. With optimal execution of this strategy, you have the best chance for R2 upzoning success that Edmond has seen in over a decade.
The presence of Barry Moore as a documented ally, combined with 60% new leadership and the city's acknowledged housing crisis, provides your strongest foundation for navigating what remains a challenging political environment.