Spokane Planning Commission Updates Comprehensive Plan for First Time in 25 Years

The Spokane City Plan Commission's Chapter Review Subcommittee convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the city's comprehensive plan, a crucial document guiding local development and policy decisions. This meeting marked the third in a series aimed at revising the plan, which has not undergone a major update since its inception in 2001.

A key focus of the meeting was the need to modernize the comprehensive plan, which currently spans nearly 700 pages. Subcommittee members emphasized the importance of streamlining the document to enhance its usability and relevance. The goal is to eliminate redundant language and ensure that policies serve as frameworks for decision-making rather than prescriptive mandates. For instance, the subcommittee discussed removing outdated policies that dictate specific actions, such as requiring buildings to be painted a certain color, in favor of more flexible guidelines.

Another significant topic was the incorporation of community feedback into the plan. The subcommittee is committed to integrating insights gathered from various outreach efforts and technical studies, ensuring that the updated plan reflects the desires and needs of Spokane residents. This approach aims to foster a more inclusive planning process, allowing for a broader range of voices to influence the city's growth and development.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the importance of updating terminology within the plan. The term "character," previously used to describe neighborhood attributes, has been flagged as potentially exclusionary. The subcommittee is considering replacing it with "context" to better reflect how developments interact with surrounding areas, aligning with contemporary community values.

As Spokane prepares for this comprehensive update, the subcommittee's discussions underscore a commitment to creating a more accessible and responsive planning document. The next steps will involve further revisions based on feedback from this meeting, with the updated plan expected to be presented to the full Plan Commission for consideration in the near future. This ongoing effort aims to ensure that Spokane's comprehensive plan not only meets state requirements but also serves the evolving needs of its community.