Norman moves forward with 20-year plan to tackle growth, housing, & development

The Norman City Council reviewed the final two draft elements of the city's Area and Infrastructure Master Plan (AIM Norman) on Tuesday, moving the plan closer to completion.

According to a press release from the City of Norman, the council examined recommendations from the AIM Norman Steering Committee and Housing Subcommittee, presented by consultant RDG. Since January, city officials have reviewed seven draft plans as part of the initiative.

The Housing Subcommittee analyzed the local housing market and gathered community input to develop strategies for addressing Norman’s future housing needs. The draft plan includes recommendations to modernize development regulations, expand housing variety, and improve incentives and procedures. The subcommittee also proposed increasing the availability of quality housing across various price points while addressing maintenance and vacancy issues.

City officials project that Norman will gain nearly 58,000 new residents by 2045, bringing the total population to approximately 186,000. To accommodate this growth, the city anticipates the need for more than 23,200 new homes over the next two decades.

The AIM Norman Steering Committee developed policy recommendations based on population projections, economic trends, environmental analyses, and public feedback. The committee utilized character area mapping, which assesses how built environments interact, and land use mapping, which outlines development strategies.

The draft plan recommends promoting balanced, connected neighborhoods, encouraging infill development, and reinvesting in existing communities. It also suggests policies to support distinct neighborhoods, business districts, and natural areas.

City officials described AIM Norman as a roadmap that will help guide future planning decisions. The plan is expected to shape policy decisions related to housing, land use, and infrastructure as Norman continues to grow.

More information about the plan is available at AimNorman.com.