During the Edmond City Council Workshop held on June 23, 2025, city officials engaged in a productive discussion regarding the ongoing strategic plan update, focusing on the importance of metrics in city management and potential changes to meeting venues.

A key topic was the need for quantifiable metrics to assess city services, such as pavement management and park maintenance. One council member emphasized that these metrics would not be used to micromanage staff but rather to provide a clearer understanding of the city's current status. This approach aims to facilitate more informed discussions during the upcoming budgeting process, ensuring that the level of service requested aligns with available funding. By establishing clear metrics, the council hopes to avoid unrealistic expectations and foster a more collaborative budgeting dialogue.

Additionally, the council discussed the possibility of relocating future workshops to a new facility across the street, rather than continuing to use the KickingBird venue. The move is motivated by budgetary considerations, as the KickingBird location incurs costs that the city is looking to minimize. The new facility offers the potential for a more collaborative setup, which aligns with the council's preference for interactive workshops. Officials expressed optimism about the new space, noting its capacity to accommodate larger groups and facilitate better engagement among participants.

As the council continues to refine its strategic plan, the emphasis on measurable outcomes and cost-effective meeting arrangements reflects a commitment to transparency and efficiency in city governance. The discussions from this workshop will likely influence future decisions as Edmond navigates its growth and service delivery challenges.