The Oxford Board of Aldermen approved a request on Oct. 1 to hire Orion Planning & Design to conduct an annexation assessment, a step to prepare the city for potential future expansion. Planning Director Ben Requet presented the request during the recessed meeting, emphasizing the importance of being proactive as Oxford grows. The assessment will help the mayor and aldermen identify areas most suitable for annexation, ensuring that future decisions align with state law and support responsible development. The proposed scope of work includes a Phase I Annexation Assessment, which will deliver a comprehensive profile of the study area. These findings are expected to guide future discussions about annexation and provide a foundation for long-term planning.