I am writing as a concerned resident regarding the proposed development plans and environmental review exemptions currently under consideration. Spokane proudly identifies as “Near Nature, Near Perfect,” yet the direction of these policies appears to move us further from the natural beauty that defines our community’s character and identity. To ensure Spokane truly remains “Near Nature, Near Perfect,” I respectfully ask the Committee to address the following five critical priorities:
Comprehensive Inventory for Informed Policy
Spokane has set an ambitious goal of achieving a 30% tree canopy, yet we lack the necessary codes and baseline data to make this achievable. A complete inventory of our trees, wildlife habitats, and natural lands must be prioritized. Under the Growth Management Act, we have a responsibility to protect critical areas — and we cannot effectively manage what we have not measured.
Enforceable Critical Areas Ordinance
Current protections are inadequate. As demonstrated by the unprotected natural lands identified in Exhibit 3.3-3, we need a strengthened and enforceable ordinance that safeguards water quality, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and existing tree stands.
Opposition to Blanket Environmental Review Exemptions
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I strongly oppose the proposed two-phase blanket exemption from environmental review for Spokane neighborhoods (see Exhibit 7). Removing oversight for wetlands, forests, and riparian corridors places our local ecosystems at unnecessary and irreversible risk.
Targeted Exemptions Only
Environmental review exemptions should apply exclusively to sites that are already 100% disturbed and impervious, as outlined in Draft EIS Exhibit 3.1-3. Protecting remaining permeable and natural surfaces is essential for stormwater drainage, heat reduction, and overall ecological health.
Commitment to Climate Resilience:
I support the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board’s recommended Policy LU 2-4. Our urban forests and open spaces must be treated as interconnected natural systems that provide essential benefits, including carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, cooling, and habitat preservation. If development continues without transparency and rigorous environmental review, we risk permanently losing the natural areas that enrich the human spirit, sustain wildlife, and provide clean air and water, resources that are, fundamentally, our birthright.
I urge you to uphold the spirit of Spokane’s slogan by strengthening, not weakening, our environmental protections. I look forward to your response and to seeing these priorities reflected in the upcoming plans for our city.
Destiny McMillan
Feb 18, 2026
Local Resident
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Dear City Planning Committee,
I am writing as a concerned resident regarding the proposed development plans and environmental review exemptions currently under consideration. Spokane proudly identifies as “Near Nature, Near Perfect,” yet the direction of these policies appears to move us further from the natural beauty that defines our community’s character and identity. To ensure Spokane truly remains “Near Nature, Near Perfect,” I respectfully ask the Committee to address the following five critical priorities:
Comprehensive Inventory for Informed Policy
Spokane has set an ambitious goal of achieving a 30% tree canopy, yet we lack the necessary codes and baseline data to make this achievable. A complete inventory of our trees, wildlife habitats, and natural lands must be prioritized. Under the Growth Management Act, we have a responsibility to protect critical areas — and we cannot effectively manage what we have not measured.
Enforceable Critical Areas Ordinance
Current protections are inadequate. As demonstrated by the unprotected natural lands identified in Exhibit 3.3-3, we need a strengthened and enforceable ordinance that safeguards water quality, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and existing tree stands.
Opposition to Blanket Environmental Review Exemptions
[PDF page 2 of 2]
I strongly oppose the proposed two-phase blanket exemption from environmental review for Spokane neighborhoods (see Exhibit 7). Removing oversight for wetlands, forests, and riparian corridors places our local ecosystems at unnecessary and irreversible risk.
Targeted Exemptions Only
Environmental review exemptions should apply exclusively to sites that are already 100% disturbed and impervious, as outlined in Draft EIS Exhibit 3.1-3. Protecting remaining permeable and natural surfaces is essential for stormwater drainage, heat reduction, and overall ecological health.
Commitment to Climate Resilience:
I support the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board’s recommended Policy LU 2-4. Our urban forests and open spaces must be treated as interconnected natural systems that provide essential benefits, including carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, cooling, and habitat preservation. If development continues without transparency and rigorous environmental review, we risk permanently losing the natural areas that enrich the human spirit, sustain wildlife, and provide clean air and water, resources that are, fundamentally, our birthright.
I urge you to uphold the spirit of Spokane’s slogan by strengthening, not weakening, our environmental protections. I look forward to your response and to seeing these priorities reflected in the upcoming plans for our city.
Sincerely,
Destiny McMillan