Anthony Gill, an economic development professional and writer on urbanism in Spokane, teams up with Robyn Leslie, director for strategic partnerships at California YIMBY. They dive into Spokane's recent zoning reforms and the city's unique political landscape, where diverse perspectives unite on housing challenges. The discussions showcase Spokane's historical roots, evolving housing market, and innovative strategies aimed at enhancing urban livability. Insights on how community involvement shapes urban planning are also highlighted, making for a timely and enlightening conversation.
Spokane's urban layout, preserved from early eras, enhances its appeal for future urban development as seen with its strong street grid.
Recent zoning reforms in Spokane allow up to eight residential units on single-family lots, significantly addressing housing supply and affordability issues.
The city's unique political environment has fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders to smoothly implement progressive housing reforms without major opposition.
Deep dives
Characteristics of Spokane
Spokane, a mid-sized city in eastern Washington, has a vibrant history rooted in transportation, forestry, and mining. With a population of about 250,000, it has a strong urban grid and charming natural features, including a river running through the city. The presence of a well-structured street grid supports potential urban development, as most of the city's layout is preserved from early eras. This foundational character sets Spokane apart, making it an appealing and functional locale akin to cities like Seattle and Portland from earlier decades.
Impact of Recent Zoning Reforms
Spokane has undergone significant zoning reforms aimed at addressing housing supply and demand, particularly in response to increasing living costs. Prior to these changes, the city was predominantly zoned for single-family homes, which limited housing options and exacerbated affordability issues. Key reforms now permit the construction of up to eight residential units on single-family lots, thereby increasing density and diversifying housing types. This shift aims to foster a more inclusive community by providing additional affordable housing options for residents.
Pandemic-Driven Population Changes
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a population shift toward Spokane as individuals sought more affordable living conditions away from costly coastal cities. This influx has driven up rental and housing prices, significantly altering the local real estate market. Between 2020 and 2022, some prices surged as remote work opened opportunities for relocation. For instance, the price of available condos jumped from around $250,000 to nearly $500,000, showcasing a drastic change in demand within a few years.
Political Landscape and Support for Reforms
Spokane's unique political climate has facilitated the passage of progressive housing reforms through a diverse coalition of stakeholders. While the city council comprises both conservative and progressive members, a shared commitment to addressing housing challenges enabled collaborative efforts. Interestingly, there was minimal organized opposition during the legislative process, allowing for smoother implementation of zoning changes. Broad support from various groups, including home builders and housing advocates, further underscores the city's adaptable political environment.
Future Planning and Transportation Initiatives
Looking ahead, Spokane plans to update its comprehensive plan, focusing on fostering varied housing types and improving transportation networks. There is a particular emphasis on integrating more neighborhood commercial spaces, such as corner stores and cafes, which can enhance community interaction and reduce vehicle miles traveled. Additionally, the city aims to eliminate outdated commercial parking requirements to promote healthier urban growth. Overall, these initiatives will help align Spokane with emerging trends in urban planning, ensuring it remains an attractive place for future residence and investment.
Welcome back to the Abundance Podcast! In this episode, M. Nolan Gray chats with Anthony Gill. Anthony is an economic development professional and the write of Spokane Rising, an urbanist blog focused on ways make Spokane a better place to live. They’re joined in this episode by Robyn Leslie, the director for strategic partnerships at California YIMBY.