Spokane County adjusts housing allocation while updating 20-year-old EIS framework

During the recent Spokane County Growth Management Steering Committee meeting held on February 7, 2025, key discussions centered around housing allocations and the complexities of the Housing Allocation Plan Tool (HAPT). The meeting highlighted the ongoing adjustments to housing distribution across various cities within the county, emphasizing that while the total number of houses remains unchanged, individual allocations will vary significantly.

Kevin, a committee member, explained that the adjustments in the HAPT are designed to better align with the plan's objectives. He noted that some areas, such as the city of Spokane, will see an increase in housing allocations, while others, like Liberty Lake, will experience a decrease of approximately 1,500 units. This shift underscores the intricate nature of the HAPT, where changes in one area can lead to unexpected outcomes in others.

The committee also discussed upcoming timelines for various reports and presentations. The Local Comprehensive Plan (LCA) reports are expected to be finalized within the month, with plans to present them to the steering committee and constituent councils before the March meeting. Additionally, a second round of housing allocations will be addressed in March, aiming to resolve concerns raised by committee members.

Another significant topic was the update of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which has not been revised in over 20 years. The committee plans to engage in scenario building and coordinate efforts with major cities to ensure a comprehensive approach to planning. This includes a focus on placemaking and resiliency, particularly in unincorporated Urban Growth Areas (UGAs), which will be explored in a virtual work session.

Public engagement is also a priority, with three forums scheduled in different regions to gather community input on neighborhood planning. The committee is set to conduct policy audits throughout the year, addressing new elements such as housing allocation and climate resiliency.

In summary, the Spokane County Growth Management Steering Committee is actively working to refine housing allocations and update planning documents to better serve the community's needs. The anticipated changes and public forums reflect a commitment to inclusive and adaptive growth management strategies in the region.