Plan Commission recommends honorary name "Friends of the Falls Bridge" for Post Street Bridge

The Spokane Plan Commission voted 6‑0 to recommend City Council add an honorary name for the Post Street Bridge: "Friends of the Falls Bridge." The commission amended the original proposal (which included the word "Memorial") to remove the term "Memorial" and approved the shorter honorary name by unanimous vote.

Tim Thompson presented the request and explained staff reviewed administrative policy and plan commission procedures dating to 2014, as well as Chapter 18.10 of the municipal code adopted in 2024, to determine the appropriate process. Thompson said the administrative policy gives the mayor authority to designate names for city‑owned structures under established procedures, and that, after consulting with the mayor, staff brought the item to the Plan Commission for transparency and public input even though the code did not strictly require a commission review.

Rick Hastings, a founding member of the Friends of the Falls effort, provided historical context and urged the commission to approve the honorary name. Hastings described the organization’s role in convening community discussion around the falls, developing a conceptual plan in the early 2000s and contributing to outcomes including protections for the falls viewscape, Huntington Park improvements, the Gorge Loop Trail and increased public access and overlooks. "I actually was cofounder of Friends of the Falls in 1997," Hastings said, and described the group’s community engagement and subsequent projects that benefited riverfront access.

Staff reported receiving a single written comment: a family member of Dr. John Moyer stated Dr. Moyer had preferred not to have infrastructure named personally after him and favored recognition of the organization rather than an individual. Commissioners discussed whether to include the word "Memorial," "Legacy" or use the shorter "Friends of the Falls Bridge." Several commissioners said the shorter name reads more clearly on signage and avoids implying the bridge is a memorial to a single person. One commissioner noted the honorary name does not change the legal street name — the city will continue to refer to the crossing as Post Street for addresses and property records.

After limited public comment the commission amended the staff proposal to strike the word "Memorial" and moved to recommend approval to City Council. The roll call vote recorded six ayes and the recommendation passed 6‑0. Staff said a council packet will include the materials submitted with the application, including letters of support and historical documentation; the city’s final naming language and any sign program would be resolved by the council and follow city administrative procedures.