The Spokane City Plan Commission Workshop Meeting held on July 9, 2025, focused on the city's housing needs and compliance with House Bill 1220, which mandates a more nuanced approach to housing allocation. The meeting highlighted the significant population growth projected for Spokane County, with an expected increase of approximately 100,000 residents by 2046. This translates to a need for around 23,400 new housing units within the city.

The discussion emphasized the importance of breaking down housing needs by affordability brackets, as mandated by the new legislation. The analysis revealed that about 60% of the new housing units are intended for incoming residents, while 30% aims to address a backlog of underproduction from previous years. Additionally, 10% of the new units are designated to assist those experiencing homelessness.

The Department of Commerce's Housing Allocation Planning Tool (HAPT) was central to the analysis, providing a framework for determining housing needs across different affordability levels. The tool utilizes various data sources, including median income statistics and housing prices, to inform local jurisdictions about their specific housing requirements. Spokane's analysis indicated a shortfall in affordable housing units, particularly for those earning 0 to 80% of the area median income (AMI).

Commission members expressed concerns about the implications of these findings, particularly regarding the potential for increased market-rate housing without sufficient incentives for affordable options. The conversation underscored the need for policy discussions to address these challenges proactively, rather than waiting for the next comprehensive plan update in five years.

In conclusion, the meeting served as a critical platform for assessing Spokane's housing landscape and the necessary steps to meet future demands. The city is poised to explore policy changes that could facilitate the development of more affordable housing, ensuring that the needs of all residents are met as the population continues to grow.