Ken Bryan leads Edmond planning

City planning plays a critical role in supporting local businesses. Through thoughtful planning, cities create environments encouraging business growth by ensuring efficient infrastructure, well-designed commercial spaces, and balanced zoning. This process helps businesses thrive by facilitating access to transportation, ensuring smooth operations, and promoting sustainable development that attracts both customers and talent.

The City of Edmond recently named Ken Bryan the new Director of Planning. 

With over 25 years of experience, Ken Bryan has already played a pivotal role in shaping Edmond’s growth and development. Since joining the City in 2017 as Long-Range Planner, he has spearheaded large-scale projects, managed the City’s comprehensive plan, and worked closely with various departments and community stakeholders to ensure Edmond’s vision for the future is realized. 

Bryan continued to drive these efforts while stepping in as interim Director of Planning in early 2024, guiding the City’s growth during a key transition after his predecessor, Randy Entz, moved to the role of Assistant City Manager of Development Services.

“I’m honored to be selected for this unique opportunity,” Bryan said. “Our Planning Department is full of top-notch professionals who are committed to our community and I’m proud to be associated with them. It’s an exciting time to be in Edmond and my family and I look forward to continuing to serve the people who live, work, learn, and play here.”

Bryan’s experience spans other roles in the public and private space. Before coming to Edmond, he served the City of Oklahoma City for nine years as a Planner. Prior to that, he worked with C.H. Guernsey & Co., Trust Environmental Services, and the University of Arizona. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from OU and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from OSU. 

Paul Ryckbost is an Edmond resident and worked with Ken at the City of OKC. Ryckbost, now a Senior VP at Guernsey, says, “Ken Bryan is an observant, introspective, and diligent professional and friend. From providing career to parenting advice, he has always been quick to help and asked nothing in return. I know that he cares deeply for this community and for all of us who make it our home, and I am excited for him to lead planning in Edmond as we continue to grow and mature as a city.”

Bryan serves and gives back to the community beyond his work for the City. He is the Vice President of the American Planning Association-Oklahoma Chapter Board of Directors, where he helps advance the planning profession and develop resources for professional and citizen planners. Bryan is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. 

Bryan’s expertise in planning and promoting sensible growth will continue to benefit Edmond’s economic landscape, fostering an environment where businesses can grow and succeed.