Long Range Planning

The primary purpose of Long Range Planning is to prepare and maintain the City's Comprehensive Plan, which guides the future development of the City and its Urban Growth Area (UGA). Long Range Planning is responsible for researching, analyzing, and working with the public on land use policies. Spokane has an extensive history and tradition of working with citizens to ensure that the public's values are expressed through land use planning documents that provide a vision of a vibrant and balanced community. Staff also provide resources for other City departments, City Council, Plan Commission, Design Review Board, and state agencies.

Boards and Commissions

  • Plan Commission
    The Planning Director supports the Plan Commission and secures resources and expert assistance as needed for workshops and hearings. Plan Commission provides advice and makes recommendations on broad planning goals and policies and other matters as requested by the City Council. The Commission provides opportunities for public participation in City planning by providing through its own membership an informed opinion to complement the work of the City's elected officials and administrative departments. They also solicit public comment on planning issues of City-wide importance or of a substantial community concern, evaluating those comments received.
  • Design Review Board
    The Senior Urban Designer and staff support the Design Review Board, as well as other departments and city initiatives. The Design Review Board is comprised of citizens and practicing professionals who represent community interests including a diversity of design and technical professions. Board members are nominated by the Mayor, appointed by City Council, and serve without compensation.

Current Projects

  • Downtown Plan Update
    The new plan will fully update and replace the City's existing plan for Downtown, the Fast Forward Spokane Downtown Plan Update (2008). The updated plan is expected to result in a series of recommended actions and guide new improvements for the next ten years.
  • North Bank Sub-Area Planning (Completed)
    The North Bank Plan is focusing on strategies to guide and optimize new development to ensure a vibrant North Bank for future generations. Planning for the North Bank is a coordinated community effort of City staff, local stakeholders, key public representatives, and technical staff from partner agencies.
  • South University District Sub-Area Planning (Completed)
    Planning for the future of South University District subarea is a coordinated community effort of City staff, local stakeholders, key public representatives, and technical staff from partner agencies. The opening of the University District Gateway Bridge has spurred expanding development interest in this business district. A continuous public engagement strategy is key to guiding any proposed changes to zoning or development standards.
  • Grand Boulevard Transportation and Zoning Analysis
    The City of Spokane is launching an effort to consider possible changes to transportation and zoning in the business district along Grand Boulevard south of 29th Avenue. This project was initiated by the Comstock Neighborhood Council as part of a traffic calming project and is engaging the surrounding neighborhood councils, Rockwood and Manito-Cannon Hill, as well as the wider community and other partners.
  • Infill Housing Strategies and Development
    The City's Comprehensive and Strategic Plans encourage the development of more compact, affordable forms of housing and high-quality, diverse residential development. People need more affordably priced housing options in appropriate locations. Changes to the development code to allow for new infill housing types are intended to make more efficient use of available land near existing services and facilities, effectively reducing additional expenses for taxpayers.
    • Housing Choices
      The City's Comprehensive and Strategic Plans encourage the development of more compact, affordable forms of housing and high-quality, diverse residential development. People need more affordably priced housing options in appropriate locations. Changes to the development code to allow for new infill housing types are intended to make more efficient use of available land near existing services and facilities, effectively reducing additional expenses for taxpayers.
  • Economic Development
    The City's economic development policy is to align public investments in neighborhood planning, community development and infrastructure development with private sector investments, resulting in increased opportunities for business growth and to provide its citizens with safe, affordable and quality residential living environments.

Documents and Resources