Spokane Updates its Complete Streets Policy

Mayor Lisa Brown signed a revised version of the city’s Complete Streets framework that more closely aligns with state law and the city’s municipal code.

1 minute read

August 12, 2025, 11:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


People walking across crosswalk in downtown Spokane, Washington with enclosed glass skyway connecting two buildings in background.

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown signed a revised Complete Streets ordinance last week, “reaffirming the City of Spokane’s commitment to maintaining streets that are safely accessible to all who use them.”

According to an article by Sofia Helser for KREM, “The City said the updated ordinance aligns more with the Spokane Municipal Code and ‘harmonizes language with state law.’ The City also said the ordinance adds references to the Pedestrian Master Plan and Bicycle Priority Network, along with putting Spokane in a better spot for state grant funding.”

The ordinance also incorporates pedestrian and bike improvements into existing and upcoming projects in an effort to save money and, according to the mayor, “will move the City of Spokane forward and aid us in our goal of designing and building streets that are safely accessible for all.”

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 in KREM

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A cluster of wind turbines beneath a stormy sky, above a forest where the leaves are beginning to change colors.

5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project

Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.

6 hours ago - Inside Climate News

People boarding a bus on Maryland's Orange Route.

Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project

The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.

7 hours ago - Mass Transit

A brick building with a circular sign with the Airbnb logo hanging off of it.

Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin

The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.

September 16 - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.