Council adopts preferred alternative map for Plan Spokane 2046 after environmental-process assurances; vote 6-1

The Spokane City Council voted 6-1 to adopt Resolution 2026-35, which establishes a preferred alternative map for future growth as part of the Plan Spokane 2046 periodic update and directs staff to prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS). The resolution is a nonbinding policy guide intended to inform where the city will examine higher-intensity uses and where protections may be considered.

Kirsten Angel, representing Spokane Urban Nature, told the council the preferred alternative risks simplifying zoning and could allow faster development without adequate analysis or protection of the city’s natural infrastructure; she urged stronger protections for critical natural systems and broader community representation in decision-making. Councilors and staff responded that the preferred alternative is an early, policy-level guide and that the programmatic EIS and subsequent code updates will provide more detailed, site-specific analysis. Several council members reiterated that the preferred alternative does not automatically change zoning but signals areas for further review and more surgical EIS analysis.

Council member McKecker said she supported much of what the plan proposes but would vote no because she is concerned about process, the absence of finalized land-use or zoning details, and the need for more holistic underlying data. Other members urged continued public engagement and noted forthcoming amendments before final adoption of the comprehensive plan. The resolution directs planning staff to develop the programmatic EIS and further refine related regulatory changes.