Spokane University District CEO outlines district plan, seeks catalytic private partnerships and infrastructure investments

Juliette Smestera, CEO of the Spokane University District (UD), briefed Spokane County commissioners on July 7 on the UD's vision and recent work to catalyze housing, infrastructure and amenity investments across roughly 770 acres north of downtown Spokane.

Smestera told the board the UD has invested millions in recent years (about $3.5 million toward Sprague Avenue reconstruction, roughly $600,000 in public grant funding and $585,000 to support about 250 housing units) and described a portfolio of projects intended to attract larger private investment. "We're really wanting to gear up in the next couple years for a substantial $200 to $300 million investment in the district," Smestera said, adding the UD plans to pursue public‑private partnerships, new markets tax credits and philanthropic sources rather than public bonding.

She described a living infrastructure framework and a district thermal energy feasibility study funded in part with a $343,000 Commerce grant. She also flagged near‑term initiatives including a proposed kayak put‑in, improved streetscapes and a conceptual plan for a catalytic '400 block' with mixed‑use buildings and pocket parks. Smestera said the UD expects a developer to begin a market‑rate housing project (about 150 units) this year after a recent property sale.

Smestera summarized robust public outreach (open houses, focus groups, engagement with Catholic Charities residents and a 60‑person stakeholder forum) and said an economic multiplier or impact study could help quantify the UD's return on public investments. Commissioners asked about board composition and developer participation; Smestera listed current partners and noted the UD will continue to seek diverse capital stacks to make large projects feasible.

The briefing closed with commissioners thanking the UD for the update and noting interest in continued coordination.