Advocates urge stronger Complete Streets language as council moves ordinance to next step

On first reading July 14, the Spokane City Council considered an update to the city's Complete Streets ordinance and heard multiple public comments urging stronger language on accessibility, prioritization and accountability. Advocates from Spokane Reimagined, the American Heart Association, Cascade Bicycle Club, AARP Washington and other groups praised the update as an improvement over the 2011 ordinance but urged specific changes. Alex Hamasaki of the American Heart Association asked the council to require that sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes and stops remain accessible during construction and maintenance and to include measurable engagement and prioritization of underinvested communities. Spokane Reimagined's Eric Lowe asked for clearer project-selection criteria, a structured implementation plan and language that ensures Complete Streets principles apply through planning, design, construction and maintenance phases. Cascade Bicycle Club representative Rachel Schafer urged language that prioritizes disinvested areas, holds the city accountable to multimodal plans and ensures safe crossings and continuous infrastructure. AARP Washington volunteer Jeff Kechel said the policy update would help older residents who increasingly rely on walking and transit. Public testimony included examples of sidewalks blocked during construction on West Garland that left pedestrians detouring. The ordinance had its first reading; speakers said they would follow up with written suggestions. The council did not adopt amendments at first reading; the ordinance will return for later consideration per the council's ordinance process.