Spokane
City Council Rejects Rezoning Approved by Planning Commission, Planning Staff
It's a tale as old as time: A plan to rezone ten acres of land in Spokane splits the public and the City Council from the opinions of the city's planning staff and Planning Commission.
Seattle-to-Spokane Intercity Rail Proposal Studied
Washington State planners have completed a feasibility study into the proposed East-West Passenger Rail System for Washington State.
Late Action, Local Opposition Frustrate Emergency Homeless Shelter Plans
Some progress, but not nearly enough, has been reported as California and its cities scramble to procure temporary shelters to house homeless people during the pandemic.
Spokane Disallows ICE from Operating on Public Transit
Spokane city government went forward with the ordinance after they were unable to reach an agreement with the federal agency.
Mayoral Candidate Wants Density in Spokane, But Do Voters?
As City Council president, Ben Stuckart passed legislation to facilitate apartments and limit parking requirements. He hopes voters see the additional housing as a benefit.
Nine Highway Expansions Identified as Worst Boondoggles of 2018
In a new report, U.S. PIRG and the Frontier Group describe nine costly highway projects amounting to $30 billion in their fourth annual "Highway Boondoggles" report. All share the theme of induced travel demand.
Pacific NW States to Study Regional High-Speed Rail
The proposal promises a one-hour commute between Vancouver and Seattle.
A History of Female-Led Opposition to Urban Freeways in Spokane, Washington
Former Washington State Representative Margaret Hurley, aided by Margaret Leonard at the local level, saved the Logan neighborhood in Spokane from a freeway plan that would have razed 600 homes. Now the plan is reborn in another part of town.
Spokane Considers Tax Incentive to Redevelop Downtown Parking Lots
It's an idea that has already had some success in Philadelphia: give developers a tax abatement on projects that achieve some desired end, in this case fewer surface parking lots.
Spokane Voters to Decide Whether to Regulate Oil and Coal Trains
Proposition 2, the Safer Spokane Initiative, would require railroads to reduce health and safety risks posed by certain types of oil and coal trains traveling through specified parts of the city or risk being fined.
Spokane Rolls Out New Homeless Camping Deterrent
The city of Spokane is piling large boulders where homeless people used to sleep. Critics are calling the city's actions inhumane.
Calling for a Moratorium on Skywalks in Spokane
Despite declining use of existing skywalks in the city and a new appreciation of the importance of a pedestrian-friendly streetscape, developers are moving forward with several plans to add new skywalks around downtown Spokane.
Spokane Faces Big Decision on Future of Transit
Spokane, Washington may be at a crossroads as voters consider expanding the city's urban transportation system. Some say it's key to attracting young workers and building a walkable urban environment. Others see it as a waste of money.
City of Spokane Could Vote on Transit Funding After Failed Countywide Measure
Following in the footsteps of Seattle, which recently followed a similar narrative arc, the city of Spokane will go back to the ballot for transportation funding, leaving the county of Spokane to its own devices.
Ranking Cities By Infill Developments
A list of the cities doing the most to build infill development, courtesy of Infill Score.
Word-of-Mouth Walking
In this holiday essay, spelunker John Watts delivers an everyman’s take on Chesterton’s oft-noted adage: Places don’t become loved because they are great; they become great because they are loved. Does your town invite “word-of-mouth walking?”
Ambitious City Center Plan Moves Forward
Despite the economic downturn, city officials in Spokane Valley, WA move forward with a plan to build something the city has always lacked: a true city center.
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.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
