In 2009, after Prevention magazine named Oklahoma City “the worst city for pedestrians in the entire country,” Jeff Speck was commissioned to complete his very first Walkability Study. The effort was timely, as it coincided with plans just underway to remake the center of the city. As a result of a new high-rise being constructed by Devon Energy, a $140M TIF was being issued to rebuild almost every street in the 40-block downtown core. The design team, led by Jim Burnett, asked the firm to create a curb-to-curb design for every street.

The resulting plan—initially rejected due to fears of congestion—reduced the number of driving lanes by one third, reverted a largely one-way system back to two-way, added comprehensive biking facilities, and more than doubled the amount of on-street parking. Now largely implemented without major congestion, these changes have been credited by local officials with bringing downtown Oklahoma City back to life.