subURBAN! Reimagining the Suburban Downtown

What if your suburban downtown could thrive again—economically, socially, and culturally?

subURBAN! Reimagining the Suburban Downtown is a timely call to action—and a blueprint for transformation. Through the lens of Edmond, Oklahoma, Dr. J. David Chapman shows how overlooked suburban cores can be transformed into resilient, walkable, economically vibrant destinations.

With a compelling blend of personal narrative, historical insight, and professional analysis, Dr Chapman invites readers to rethink what’s possible for America’s suburban downtowns. Drawing from decades of experience as a speaker, entrepreneur, real estate investor, urban economics professor, and civic leader, Chapman explores how small cities and suburban centers—often overlooked in favor of dense urban cores—can become thriving, resilient, economically vital hubs.

This book isn’t just about city planning. It’s about building places where people want to live, work, and gather. Whether you're a city leader, developer, policymaker, or curious citizen, subURBAN! offers the insight and inspiration needed to help shape the future of your own community.