This cover page is not part of the draft Comprehensive Plan and is intended to only help with navigation of the drafts.
The chapter you see here is the result of months of
work by countless individuals throughout the
community. It represents a combination of inputs
generously provided by the public, Plan
Commission, City Council, and many others. This
updated chapter will eventually be considered by
the Plan Commission and City Council for inclusion
in PlanSpokane 2046.
Our teams have worked hard to create these
updated chapters. Each has been discussed at the
Plan Commission, by various Plan Commission
subcommittees, with City Council in general, and
shared with the public at various points along the
way. These chapters represent the efforts of many,
helping to describe the policy and guidance the
Comprehensive Plan can provide in each topic area.
Please note this version supersedes any previously
published versions, including the release of many
chapters last October. All prior versions should be
considered out-of-date from this point on.
As with prior versions, this chapter includes the
basic text, but might not match the visual look and
format of the final document (we're still working on
that). To help readers identify where updated
language has been provided, a series of icons are
shown at right along the way. These aren't part of
the final document--they're provided to help
readers understand where certain changes may
have come from, where past policies have been
combined, etc. A guide to those icons is provided
below. Each chapter will use the same set of icons
for consistency.
General information or
notation is provided, clarifying
overall changes to the text.
Language was streamlined or
condensed for readability
or clarity.
A new Goal or Policy was added,
not sourced from the currently
adopted plan.
Policy language was added to ensure
consistency with changes in law at the
State/Federal level.
USEFUL
ICONS
Multiple Policies from the currently adopted
plan were combined into one, usually done
to eliminate redundant language.
Text was added as a result of the City's
study of Racially Disparate Impacts and
Displacement.
A policy or text was added as recommended by the Climate Resilience and
Sustainability Board (CRSB).
A goal or policy was removed or moved to
another chapter. These are listed at the end of
each chapter and include a reason.
What's Next for PlanSpokane?
Because this is the first complete view of some
chapters (e.g. Growth Strategy, Transportation,
Capital Facilities), we anticipate one more release
of updated chapters and maps later this summer.
After that, Plan Commission will likely hold a
hearing to consider the overall document. We'd
love to hear from you along the way.
Document Version: August 5, 2026
If you have any comments on the chapters, please
engage with us at http://planspokane.org or by
email at planspokane@spokanecity.org. All
comments are considered and each will be
provided to the Plan Commission and City Council
for their consideration prior to any hearings on
the proposed document.
[Page 2]
Chapter 7: Economic Prosperity
Introduction
Economic prosperity is the sustained, concerted actions of policy makers
and community members that strengthen local businesses and Spokane’s
diverse communities, support workforce development, and provide access
to improved well-being and quality of life. A strong economy provides for a
growing and thriving community through the creation and diversification of
jobs and other business opportunities, supports community investments,
and builds a tax base supporting essential services such as schools, police,
fire, and parks.
Either through services, incentives, or physical infrastructure, the City
actively shapes the business environment to support and foster a healthy
and inclusive economy. Public-private partnerships as well as partnerships
between all levels of government are also a crucial component in the
promotion of long-term and sustainable economic growth. The City’s role in
economic prosperity involves providing public sector advocacy and
investment in support of quality job creation, retention, and diversification.
Goals and Policies
Goals and policies provide specificity for planning and decision-making.
Overall, they indicate desired directions, accomplishments, or aims in
relation to the growth and development of Spokane.
Goal: EP-1, Cooperative Partnerships
Encourage cooperative partnerships between the City, regional jurisdictions and
agencies, the private and nonprofit sectors, and community members to support
the economic expansion of the city.
Policy: EP-1.1, Participation in Regional Economic Development
Participate in regional economic development planning and programs with
both the public and private sectors, ensuring plans and policies are
coordinated, monitored for long-term success, and implemented in a timely
manner.
Policy: EP-1.2, Economic Development Progress
Work with regional jurisdictions, organizations, and community members to
periodically review economic vitality metrics such as wages, percentage of
population below the poverty level, and business formation and expansion,
including multi-ethnic, minority, and women-owned businesses, ensuring all
economic development plans and actions are informed by and reflect
current data.
Review notes
The introduction has been substantially
rewritten, as the current version is too
focused in the past, not the current
realities of economic development and
the City’s situation. The Chapter has also
been reframed to include community
economic prosperity and not just
businesses, with language supporting
diverse opportunities incorporated
throughout.
Additionally, a new title is proposed for
this Chapter that encompasses
prosperity as a whole, not only growth
and development. As a result, goals and
policies in this draft use “EP”. However,
references to existing policies use the
“ED” indicator.
The first three original policies under
Goal 1 overlapped considerably. They
have been combined into two policies
here (1.1 and 1.2). Also, some of the
omitted discussion language from the
current document has moved into the
policies themselves.
[Page 3]
Policy: EP-1.3, Public-Private Partnerships
Partner with the private sector to extend infrastructure for development,
provide incentives and education, and support the creation of well-paying
jobs and quality affordable housing for Spokane’s workforce.
Goal: EP-2, Development and Redevelopment of Land and Structures
Ensure the supply of industrial and commercial properties is sufficient to meet
the future economic needs of the City.
Policy: EP-2.1, Land Supply and Site Selection
Remove barriers to entry for new, expanding, and relocating industries by
providing various site-by-site analytics and feasibility information, and
implementing incentives.
Policy: EP-2.2, Reuse and Revitalization Opportunities
Provide targeted redevelopment incentives and other support for historic,
abandoned, or underutilized sites in parts of the city where infrastructure
and service capacity already exist.
Policy: EP-2.3, Cleanup of Contaminated Sites
Offer site assessment, clean up, and redevelopment assistance for
environmentally contaminated properties so those sites can be revitalized or
mitigated to protect the health of residents and the environment.
Policy: EP-2.4, Brownfield Redevelopment
Incentivize brownfield redevelopment projects that incorporate resilient and
sustainable features through City investments and technical assistance,
particularly in overburdened communities.
Policy: EP-2.5, Vacant Storefronts
Foster economic vitality and prevent blight by actively supporting the reuse
of vacant storefronts by incentivizing occupancy, allowing for flexibility in
business retrofitting, and encouraging temporary uses between leases.
Goal: EP-3, Resilient, Sustainable, and Diverse Economies
Foster a resilient, sustainable, and diverse economy by supporting the formation,
retention, expansion, recruitment, and equitable distribution of business,
community investment, and employment opportunities, especially those adding
to the community and cultural identity of Spokane.
Policy: EP-3.1, Economic Development Plan
Establish and regularly update a citywide economic development plan that
identifies ways to support economic growth within the city, including through
programs, incentives, and partnerships.
Review notes
Housing as a topic has been added to
EP-1.3 to support HB1110 and HB1220.
Education was also added due to input
received during public engagement.
EP-2.1 has been rewritten but has
largely the same effect as the current
version.
Expanded beyond revitalization to
support overall reuse where
appropriate.
This was formerly ED-8.5 under a
separate goal. It was moved here.
Brownfields were identified specifically
as they represent a major option for City
involvement.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
Proposed policy to support revitalization
of commercial areas, including
Downtown.
Language from EP-3.1 incorporated into
overall goal.
New policy proposed to create an
overall economic strategy while
incorporating concepts from existing
Policy EP-3.1.
[Page 4]
Policy: EP-3.2, Economic Diversity
Encourage economic diversity by creating programs and policies supporting
the formation, retention, and growth of small and large businesses and
community investments that provide a healthy balance of goods-producing
and service-producing jobs across the city.
Policy: EP-3.3, Co-Locating Related Businesses
Incentivize and approve related and supportive economic sectors or
industries to locate near each other, creating productivity advantages from
their mutual proximity and relationships.
Policy: EP-3.4, Small and Locally Owned Businesses
Support programs and opportunities to improve processes as well as expand
and increase the number of small and locally owned, historic, cultural, and
unique businesses in Spokane to provide economic stability and community-
building, including small and locally owned businesses serving historically
underserved communities.
Policy: EP-3.5, Start Up Support
Promote incubator and accelerator programs that provide support such as
mentorship, training and education, technical assistance, funding
opportunities, and shared workshops to support small businesses and
entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on those from historically
underrepresented communities.
Policy: EP-3.6, Home-Based Businesses
Encourage opportunities for creating and expanding home-based businesses
while minimizing impacts on the surrounding community.
Policy: EP-3.7, Technology-Based Industries
Assist the development of advanced and emerging technology-based
industries by supporting education, identifying key infrastructure
improvements, and ensuring a welcoming economic environment.
Policy: EP-3.8, Sustainable Economic Strategies
Develop and implement programs assisting and supporting businesses that
minimize community and environmental impacts, including any businesses
that specialize in environmental protection and remediation.
Policy: EP-3.9, Regional Marketplace
Support growth of the regional economic environment creating markets for
local services and products, as well as supporting more well-paying jobs.
Review notes
EP-3.2 has been updated slightly to
concentrate on City action on this front
while also acknowledging the need for
support during all stages of a business.
EP-3.3 was updated to include
industries that support each other, not
only those that are the same (i.e.
lumber sales near cabinetmakers).
Existing polices ED-3.5 (locally owned
business) and ED-3.6 (small business)
have been combined here into policy
EP-3.4.
New policy specifically highlighting the
benefit of incubator and accelerator
programs to support local startups.
Language updated to encourage the
creation and expansion of home-based
businesses.
Policy EP-3.8 is a combination of original
policies ED-8.2 and ED-8.4. Language
updated to community, rather than
physical and social, to allow for a wider
range of potential considerations.
[Page 5]
Policy: EP-3.10, Downtown Spokane
Promote Downtown Spokane as the economic and cultural center of the
region by supporting the City’s economic partners, continually improving
Downtown’s commercial activity and employment opportunities, attracting
arts and entertainment, supporting tourism and recreation, and incentivizing
the development of downtown housing.
Policy: EP-3.11, Development Standards and Permitting Process
Provide an efficient, predictable, and customer-focused permitting process
to foster a positive business climate and ease needed development.
Policy: EP-3.12, Food Access and Production
Support farmers’ or public markets, fruit and vegetable stands, food
production services, small-scale farms, and other avenues for local food
production and access such as with simpler permitting processes or financial
incentives, as a means of local food security and diversity in business
opportunities.
Policy: EP-3.13, Circular Economy
Support a circular economy that increases demand for reused and recycled
materials, reduces demand for new raw materials and their embodied
carbon emissions, and fosters community education and participation
through regulations, incentives, and collaboration.
Policy: EP-3.14, Support Local
Support, incentivize, and encourage businesses that primarily employ local
people, use local materials, and produce and sell their products and/or
services locally to preserve existing businesses and reduce Vehicle Miles
Traveled and Greenhouse Gases. Such support can include mentorship
programs that alleviate procedural barriers and improving participation of
small, minority, women, and veteran owned businesses.
Goal: EP-4, Living Wage Jobs and Income Disparity
Enhance the economic conditions of the community by encouraging living wage
jobs, building personal and community wealth and economic resiliency, reducing
income disparity, and mitigating displacement of locally owned businesses,
driving equitable economic and workforce development through targeted
investments and resources.
Policy: EP-4.1, Living Wage Jobs
Encourage the recruitment and expansion of businesses paying at least a
living wage while providing competitive benefits to support increased wealth
and economic resiliency for all residents.
Review notes
The selection of the Preferred
Alternative for the city’s growth reflects
a downtown focus.
Formerly policy ED-7.6, this policy has
been reworked to function better as
policy.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
CRSB recommended policy.
CRSB recommended policy, expanded to
identify types of support.
[Page 6]
Policy: EP-4.2, Income Equity
Support local and regional community-based organizations and agencies to
address income equity and employment opportunities.
Policy: EP-4.3, Commercial Displacement
Promote and establish programs and incentives that mitigate displacement
of locally owned, historic, cultural, unique, Black, Indigenous, and People of
Color-owned businesses resulting from development, redevelopment, or
public investments.
Goal: EP-5, Education and Workforce Development
Improve Spokane’s economy through a qualified, competitive, and diverse labor
force, responsive to the changing needs of the city.
Policy: EP-5.1, Youth Programs
Promote and facilitate youth programs that provide exposure and
experiences that support future and potential employment opportunities
and diversity of the workforce, including through development of culturally-
informed community resources and facilities that support these programs.
Policy: EP-5.2, Post-Secondary Education and Job Training
Support continued efforts by the educational community to contribute to the
health and diversity of Spokane’s economy through post-secondary plans,
programs, and activities.
Policy: EP-5.3, Communication Links
Encourage greater communication between the City, educational and
training providers, businesses, community and cultural organizations,
employees, and residents to meet community educational and job-training
needs, with attention to culturally relevant communication.
Policy: EP-5.4, Employment Opportunities for All
Provide training and employment opportunities for all residents, including
supported employment to assist individuals with physical, mental, and/or
cognitive disabilities in gaining employment in the general workplace.
Policy: EP-5.5, Libraries as an Educational Resource
Provide services through the Spokane library system that help educate, train,
and assist residents in achieving new or better employment and business
opportunities.
Policy: EP-5.6, Environmental Jobs Pipeline
Collaborate with colleges, schools, technical programs, labor organizations,
and other agencies to encourage the development of an environmentally
Review notes
Policy EP-4.3 has been added based on
community feedback and larger
conversations around displacement.
Previously proposed EP-6.6, Investment
Caused Displacement, combined into
language to include potential impact of
public investments.
This policy has been substantially
rewritten to be more applicable to
actions the City can take.
Policy EP-5.5 (formerly ED-5.8) has been
updated to better match the role of
libraries today and to strengthen
connection to Economic Development.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
[Page 7]
focused jobs pipeline that benefits overburdened communities and supports
a circular economy.
Goal: EP-6, Infrastructure Development and Maintenance
Consider the needs of new businesses and employers when planning future
infrastructure upgrades and installations, accommodating necessary growth in
jobs and employment, in addition to housing needs.
Policy: EP-6.1, Investment in Public Infrastructure
Ensure fiscally responsible economic growth by aligning incentives for
business and economic development with existing public infrastructure
capacity.
Policy: EP-6.2, Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Private Investment
Recognize, support, and identify opportunities for targeted public
infrastructure improvements that catalyze business and economic growth,
supporting a healthy business climate, particularly in economically
disadvantaged and historically underserved areas.
Policy: EP-6.3, Communication Facilities and Networks
Develop a program by which the City will co-locate communication and
network infrastructure with other public infrastructure projects, ensuring
support for new high-speed communication whenever possible.
Policy: EP-6.4, Growing Communication Infrastructure Needs
Facilitate efforts to implement leading edge communication and networking
technology throughout the city to support stable education and employment
opportunities, business needs, and economic growth.
Policy: EP-6.5, Infrastructure Maintenance and Improvement
Maintain public infrastructure at a level commensurate with required Levels-
of-Service (LOS) while also considering infrastructure investments that can
support future commercial and industrial enterprises to enhance the city’s
business climate.
Policy: EP-6.6, Renewable Energy
Expand renewable energy production and storage opportunities through
code updates and incentives.
Goal: EP-7, Economic Regulations and Taxes
Ensure a regulatory environment and tax structure that supports economic
activity, investment, and growth.
Review notes
Goal 6 and its policies have been
reworked to focus on economic
development, not infrastructure in
general. A cross-reference to the Capital
Facilities Chapter is likely to be included
here.
Policy EP-6.2 is new, highlighting a
successful strategy employed many
times by the City in the past. A cross-
reference to the Transportation Chapter
is expected.
Policy EP-6.3 has been updated to focus
on co-location of facilities.
Policy EP-6.4 is new, highlighting the
need for the plan to accommodate new
economies and needs.
Policy EP-6.5 is a combination of original
policies ED-6.1 and ED-6.4.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
[Page 8]
Policy: EP-7.1, Revenue Sources
Ensure that tax revenue sources are stable and predictable, allocate costs
equitably within the community, do not penalize desired types of businesses,
and attract and retain businesses and residents.
Policy: EP-7.2, Tax Incentives for Land Improvement
Support tax instruments and levies that encourage business investment and
construction, especially in Urban Hubs and other areas identified for
significant development.
Policy: EP-7.3, Tax Incentives for Renovation
Use tax incentives and investments to encourage revitalization,
modernization, or rehabilitation of deteriorated residential and commercial
properties and buildings for new economic activity.
Goal: EP-8, Creative Economy
Support the creative economy through incentives and targeted investments in
infrastructure, education, workforce development, jobs, and business growth for
arts, culture, film, music, nightlife, and other creative industry occupations.
Policy: EP-8.1, Creative Spaces
Collaborate in the establishment of accessible and affordable spaces that
support start-up creative industries, including in historically underserved
communities.
Policy: EP-8.2, Local Investment
Identify programs, incentives, and standards to support increased City and
local investment in artists, arts and cultural nonprofits, and creative
businesses.
Policy: EP-8.3, Creative Districts
Support and implement statewide programs, such as creative districts, to
enhance the use of incentives and other economic strategies that support the
creative economy.
Policy: EP-8.4, Support Neighborhood Cultural Activities
Elevate and support neighborhood cultural assets, ensuring that residents
and visitors can easily access the creative economy in every neighborhood.
Goal: EP-9, Tourism Promotion
Promote the natural and built environment, as well as arts and cultural
communities, as assets that attract economic opportunities and enhance the City
of Spokane’s quality of life.
Review notes
Policies EP 2.2 and EP 7.3 work very
closely together—EP 2.2 calling for
action and EP 7.3 providing a way to
fund that action. As such, a cross-
reference is likely to be included here.
This new goal and its policies have been
a frequent topic of public engagement.
Originally Goal ED-8, this goal has been
substantially reworked to strengthen the
relationship between the natural beauty
of Spokane, its tourism industry, and the
economic environment. Language has
also been added to acknowledge the
ability of arts and culture to support
tourism.
Promote the region’s outdoor amenities, recreational opportunities, and
agritourism as features of both social benefit and economic growth,
while protecting the natural resources for the future.
Policy: EP-9.2, Supporting and Promoting Tourism
Partner with interested community organizations and local businesses
on the promotion of the natural and built environment as well as arts
and cultural communities in the City of Spokane, as well as the larger
region, to attract visitors and private investment to the city.
Policy: EP-9.3, Tourism and Events as an Economic Benefit
Attract and incentivize events in the city that bring in regional and out-
of-state visitors, supporting the local economy and raising national
attention to Spokane, including events that celebrate Spokane’s diverse
cultural heritage and create new opportunities for cultural enrichment.
POLICIES REMOVED FROM THE TEXT:
The following policies in blue have been removed from the text, largely due
to redundancy, unclear goals/success, and similar factors.
Policy: ED-2.3, Reusable Buildings Inventory
Continue to maintain an inventory of historic and significant older buildings
that could be redeveloped for economic activities rather than demolished.
Policy: ED-2.4, Mixed-Use
Support mixed-use development that brings employment, shopping, and
residential activities into shared locations that stimulate opportunities for
economic activity.
Policy: ED-3.3, Enterprise Opportunities
Continue to create economic development opportunities utilizing tools
available to the city which will foster the growth of Spokane’s economy.
Policy: ED-4.2, Benchmark Indicators
Work with the private sector to establish benchmark indicators for
employment and income levels, monitor progress toward reaching those
levels, and prepare an annual status report on progress.
Policy: ED-5.1, K-12 Education
Work cooperatively with local schools to help maintain and enhance the
quality of K-12 education in the city’s schools.
Review notes
Policies EP-9.1 and EP-9.2 separate the
two concepts of existing policy ED-8.3 as
they are interconnected but unique
aspects of tourism promotion.
New policy building off existing ED-8.3
to identify the attraction and
incentivization specific to events.
Existing policies reflect the prior Chapter
name of Economic Development and
naming conventions of ED.
Policy ED-2.3 is too similar in intent and
effect to EP-Policy 2.2, thus it’s
redundant.
Concept of Policy 2.4 captured in
Growth Strategy Chapter, particularly
Goal GS-4, Mix of Uses.
Policy 3.3 is far too broad and already
covered by the many policies in this
Chapter.
This is an implementation item, already
conducted by the City. As a policy it does
not inform decision making directly.
The City is unable to influence school
curricula. Other policies remaining in
the Chapter allow for interaction with
students. Thus, removal of policies 5.1
and 5.4 is recommended.
[Page 10]
Policy: ED-5.4, Program Evaluation
Support efforts to introduce new, high-quality programs into the curricula of
area technical schools, community colleges, colleges, and universities that
address the changing needs of businesses and employees.
Policy: ED-5.6, Employer Training Support
Encourage employers to support continuing education and training for their
employees.
Policy: ED-7.1, Collaborative Nurturing of the Business Climate
Work with the business community, labor, economic development
organizations and residents to maintain a good business climate.
Policy: ED-7.3, State Tax Changes
Lobby the state legislature for changes in state tax laws to allow more options
or mechanisms to be available as incentives to business investment.
Review notes
The City does not have the ability/tools
necessary to directly influence how
employers train their staff.
Policy 7.1 concerns more the overall
concept of Economic Development
rather than any policy direction the City
can implement.
Lobbying is an implementation action
and the purview of Council/Mayor, not
overall City operations and decision
making.
Chapter 7 - Economic Prosperity
PlanSpokane 2046 draft
Aug 7, 2026
[Page 1]
This cover page is not part of the draft Comprehensive Plan and is intended to only help with navigation of the drafts.
The chapter you see here is the result of months of
work by countless individuals throughout the
community. It represents a combination of inputs
generously provided by the public, Plan
Commission, City Council, and many others. This
updated chapter will eventually be considered by
the Plan Commission and City Council for inclusion
in PlanSpokane 2046.
Our teams have worked hard to create these
updated chapters. Each has been discussed at the
Plan Commission, by various Plan Commission
subcommittees, with City Council in general, and
shared with the public at various points along the
way. These chapters represent the efforts of many,
helping to describe the policy and guidance the
Comprehensive Plan can provide in each topic area.
Please note this version supersedes any previously
published versions, including the release of many
chapters last October. All prior versions should be
considered out-of-date from this point on.
As with prior versions, this chapter includes the
basic text, but might not match the visual look and
format of the final document (we're still working on
that). To help readers identify where updated
language has been provided, a series of icons are
shown at right along the way. These aren't part of
the final document--they're provided to help
readers understand where certain changes may
have come from, where past policies have been
combined, etc. A guide to those icons is provided
below. Each chapter will use the same set of icons
for consistency.
General information or
notation is provided, clarifying
overall changes to the text.
Language was streamlined or
condensed for readability
or clarity.
A new Goal or Policy was added,
not sourced from the currently
adopted plan.
Policy language was added to ensure
consistency with changes in law at the
State/Federal level.
USEFUL
ICONS
Multiple Policies from the currently adopted
plan were combined into one, usually done
to eliminate redundant language.
Text was added as a result of the City's
study of Racially Disparate Impacts and
Displacement.
A policy or text was added as recommended by the Climate Resilience and
Sustainability Board (CRSB).
A goal or policy was removed or moved to
another chapter. These are listed at the end of
each chapter and include a reason.
What's Next for PlanSpokane?
Because this is the first complete view of some
chapters (e.g. Growth Strategy, Transportation,
Capital Facilities), we anticipate one more release
of updated chapters and maps later this summer.
After that, Plan Commission will likely hold a
hearing to consider the overall document. We'd
love to hear from you along the way.
Document Version: August 5, 2026
If you have any comments on the chapters, please
engage with us at http://planspokane.org or by
email at planspokane@spokanecity.org. All
comments are considered and each will be
provided to the Plan Commission and City Council
for their consideration prior to any hearings on
the proposed document.
[Page 2]
Chapter 7: Economic Prosperity
Introduction
Economic prosperity is the sustained, concerted actions of policy makers
and community members that strengthen local businesses and Spokane’s
diverse communities, support workforce development, and provide access
to improved well-being and quality of life. A strong economy provides for a
growing and thriving community through the creation and diversification of
jobs and other business opportunities, supports community investments,
and builds a tax base supporting essential services such as schools, police,
fire, and parks.
Either through services, incentives, or physical infrastructure, the City
actively shapes the business environment to support and foster a healthy
and inclusive economy. Public-private partnerships as well as partnerships
between all levels of government are also a crucial component in the
promotion of long-term and sustainable economic growth. The City’s role in
economic prosperity involves providing public sector advocacy and
investment in support of quality job creation, retention, and diversification.
Goals and Policies
Goals and policies provide specificity for planning and decision-making.
Overall, they indicate desired directions, accomplishments, or aims in
relation to the growth and development of Spokane.
Goal: EP-1, Cooperative Partnerships
Encourage cooperative partnerships between the City, regional jurisdictions and
agencies, the private and nonprofit sectors, and community members to support
the economic expansion of the city.
Policy: EP-1.1, Participation in Regional Economic Development
Participate in regional economic development planning and programs with
both the public and private sectors, ensuring plans and policies are
coordinated, monitored for long-term success, and implemented in a timely
manner.
Policy: EP-1.2, Economic Development Progress
Work with regional jurisdictions, organizations, and community members to
periodically review economic vitality metrics such as wages, percentage of
population below the poverty level, and business formation and expansion,
including multi-ethnic, minority, and women-owned businesses, ensuring all
economic development plans and actions are informed by and reflect
current data.
Review notes
The introduction has been substantially
rewritten, as the current version is too
focused in the past, not the current
realities of economic development and
the City’s situation. The Chapter has also
been reframed to include community
economic prosperity and not just
businesses, with language supporting
diverse opportunities incorporated
throughout.
Additionally, a new title is proposed for
this Chapter that encompasses
prosperity as a whole, not only growth
and development. As a result, goals and
policies in this draft use “EP”. However,
references to existing policies use the
“ED” indicator.
The first three original policies under
Goal 1 overlapped considerably. They
have been combined into two policies
here (1.1 and 1.2). Also, some of the
omitted discussion language from the
current document has moved into the
policies themselves.
[Page 3]
Policy: EP-1.3, Public-Private Partnerships
Partner with the private sector to extend infrastructure for development,
provide incentives and education, and support the creation of well-paying
jobs and quality affordable housing for Spokane’s workforce.
Goal: EP-2, Development and Redevelopment of Land and Structures
Ensure the supply of industrial and commercial properties is sufficient to meet
the future economic needs of the City.
Policy: EP-2.1, Land Supply and Site Selection
Remove barriers to entry for new, expanding, and relocating industries by
providing various site-by-site analytics and feasibility information, and
implementing incentives.
Policy: EP-2.2, Reuse and Revitalization Opportunities
Provide targeted redevelopment incentives and other support for historic,
abandoned, or underutilized sites in parts of the city where infrastructure
and service capacity already exist.
Policy: EP-2.3, Cleanup of Contaminated Sites
Offer site assessment, clean up, and redevelopment assistance for
environmentally contaminated properties so those sites can be revitalized or
mitigated to protect the health of residents and the environment.
Policy: EP-2.4, Brownfield Redevelopment
Incentivize brownfield redevelopment projects that incorporate resilient and
sustainable features through City investments and technical assistance,
particularly in overburdened communities.
Policy: EP-2.5, Vacant Storefronts
Foster economic vitality and prevent blight by actively supporting the reuse
of vacant storefronts by incentivizing occupancy, allowing for flexibility in
business retrofitting, and encouraging temporary uses between leases.
Goal: EP-3, Resilient, Sustainable, and Diverse Economies
Foster a resilient, sustainable, and diverse economy by supporting the formation,
retention, expansion, recruitment, and equitable distribution of business,
community investment, and employment opportunities, especially those adding
to the community and cultural identity of Spokane.
Policy: EP-3.1, Economic Development Plan
Establish and regularly update a citywide economic development plan that
identifies ways to support economic growth within the city, including through
programs, incentives, and partnerships.
Review notes
Housing as a topic has been added to
EP-1.3 to support HB1110 and HB1220.
Education was also added due to input
received during public engagement.
EP-2.1 has been rewritten but has
largely the same effect as the current
version.
Expanded beyond revitalization to
support overall reuse where
appropriate.
This was formerly ED-8.5 under a
separate goal. It was moved here.
Brownfields were identified specifically
as they represent a major option for City
involvement.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
Proposed policy to support revitalization
of commercial areas, including
Downtown.
Language from EP-3.1 incorporated into
overall goal.
New policy proposed to create an
overall economic strategy while
incorporating concepts from existing
Policy EP-3.1.
[Page 4]
Policy: EP-3.2, Economic Diversity
Encourage economic diversity by creating programs and policies supporting
the formation, retention, and growth of small and large businesses and
community investments that provide a healthy balance of goods-producing
and service-producing jobs across the city.
Policy: EP-3.3, Co-Locating Related Businesses
Incentivize and approve related and supportive economic sectors or
industries to locate near each other, creating productivity advantages from
their mutual proximity and relationships.
Policy: EP-3.4, Small and Locally Owned Businesses
Support programs and opportunities to improve processes as well as expand
and increase the number of small and locally owned, historic, cultural, and
unique businesses in Spokane to provide economic stability and community-
building, including small and locally owned businesses serving historically
underserved communities.
Policy: EP-3.5, Start Up Support
Promote incubator and accelerator programs that provide support such as
mentorship, training and education, technical assistance, funding
opportunities, and shared workshops to support small businesses and
entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on those from historically
underrepresented communities.
Policy: EP-3.6, Home-Based Businesses
Encourage opportunities for creating and expanding home-based businesses
while minimizing impacts on the surrounding community.
Policy: EP-3.7, Technology-Based Industries
Assist the development of advanced and emerging technology-based
industries by supporting education, identifying key infrastructure
improvements, and ensuring a welcoming economic environment.
Policy: EP-3.8, Sustainable Economic Strategies
Develop and implement programs assisting and supporting businesses that
minimize community and environmental impacts, including any businesses
that specialize in environmental protection and remediation.
Policy: EP-3.9, Regional Marketplace
Support growth of the regional economic environment creating markets for
local services and products, as well as supporting more well-paying jobs.
Review notes
EP-3.2 has been updated slightly to
concentrate on City action on this front
while also acknowledging the need for
support during all stages of a business.
EP-3.3 was updated to include
industries that support each other, not
only those that are the same (i.e.
lumber sales near cabinetmakers).
Existing polices ED-3.5 (locally owned
business) and ED-3.6 (small business)
have been combined here into policy
EP-3.4.
New policy specifically highlighting the
benefit of incubator and accelerator
programs to support local startups.
Language updated to encourage the
creation and expansion of home-based
businesses.
Policy EP-3.8 is a combination of original
policies ED-8.2 and ED-8.4. Language
updated to community, rather than
physical and social, to allow for a wider
range of potential considerations.
[Page 5]
Policy: EP-3.10, Downtown Spokane
Promote Downtown Spokane as the economic and cultural center of the
region by supporting the City’s economic partners, continually improving
Downtown’s commercial activity and employment opportunities, attracting
arts and entertainment, supporting tourism and recreation, and incentivizing
the development of downtown housing.
Policy: EP-3.11, Development Standards and Permitting Process
Provide an efficient, predictable, and customer-focused permitting process
to foster a positive business climate and ease needed development.
Policy: EP-3.12, Food Access and Production
Support farmers’ or public markets, fruit and vegetable stands, food
production services, small-scale farms, and other avenues for local food
production and access such as with simpler permitting processes or financial
incentives, as a means of local food security and diversity in business
opportunities.
Policy: EP-3.13, Circular Economy
Support a circular economy that increases demand for reused and recycled
materials, reduces demand for new raw materials and their embodied
carbon emissions, and fosters community education and participation
through regulations, incentives, and collaboration.
Policy: EP-3.14, Support Local
Support, incentivize, and encourage businesses that primarily employ local
people, use local materials, and produce and sell their products and/or
services locally to preserve existing businesses and reduce Vehicle Miles
Traveled and Greenhouse Gases. Such support can include mentorship
programs that alleviate procedural barriers and improving participation of
small, minority, women, and veteran owned businesses.
Goal: EP-4, Living Wage Jobs and Income Disparity
Enhance the economic conditions of the community by encouraging living wage
jobs, building personal and community wealth and economic resiliency, reducing
income disparity, and mitigating displacement of locally owned businesses,
driving equitable economic and workforce development through targeted
investments and resources.
Policy: EP-4.1, Living Wage Jobs
Encourage the recruitment and expansion of businesses paying at least a
living wage while providing competitive benefits to support increased wealth
and economic resiliency for all residents.
Review notes
The selection of the Preferred
Alternative for the city’s growth reflects
a downtown focus.
Formerly policy ED-7.6, this policy has
been reworked to function better as
policy.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
CRSB recommended policy.
CRSB recommended policy, expanded to
identify types of support.
[Page 6]
Policy: EP-4.2, Income Equity
Support local and regional community-based organizations and agencies to
address income equity and employment opportunities.
Policy: EP-4.3, Commercial Displacement
Promote and establish programs and incentives that mitigate displacement
of locally owned, historic, cultural, unique, Black, Indigenous, and People of
Color-owned businesses resulting from development, redevelopment, or
public investments.
Goal: EP-5, Education and Workforce Development
Improve Spokane’s economy through a qualified, competitive, and diverse labor
force, responsive to the changing needs of the city.
Policy: EP-5.1, Youth Programs
Promote and facilitate youth programs that provide exposure and
experiences that support future and potential employment opportunities
and diversity of the workforce, including through development of culturally-
informed community resources and facilities that support these programs.
Policy: EP-5.2, Post-Secondary Education and Job Training
Support continued efforts by the educational community to contribute to the
health and diversity of Spokane’s economy through post-secondary plans,
programs, and activities.
Policy: EP-5.3, Communication Links
Encourage greater communication between the City, educational and
training providers, businesses, community and cultural organizations,
employees, and residents to meet community educational and job-training
needs, with attention to culturally relevant communication.
Policy: EP-5.4, Employment Opportunities for All
Provide training and employment opportunities for all residents, including
supported employment to assist individuals with physical, mental, and/or
cognitive disabilities in gaining employment in the general workplace.
Policy: EP-5.5, Libraries as an Educational Resource
Provide services through the Spokane library system that help educate, train,
and assist residents in achieving new or better employment and business
opportunities.
Policy: EP-5.6, Environmental Jobs Pipeline
Collaborate with colleges, schools, technical programs, labor organizations,
and other agencies to encourage the development of an environmentally
Review notes
Policy EP-4.3 has been added based on
community feedback and larger
conversations around displacement.
Previously proposed EP-6.6, Investment
Caused Displacement, combined into
language to include potential impact of
public investments.
This policy has been substantially
rewritten to be more applicable to
actions the City can take.
Policy EP-5.5 (formerly ED-5.8) has been
updated to better match the role of
libraries today and to strengthen
connection to Economic Development.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
[Page 7]
focused jobs pipeline that benefits overburdened communities and supports
a circular economy.
Goal: EP-6, Infrastructure Development and Maintenance
Consider the needs of new businesses and employers when planning future
infrastructure upgrades and installations, accommodating necessary growth in
jobs and employment, in addition to housing needs.
Policy: EP-6.1, Investment in Public Infrastructure
Ensure fiscally responsible economic growth by aligning incentives for
business and economic development with existing public infrastructure
capacity.
Policy: EP-6.2, Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Private Investment
Recognize, support, and identify opportunities for targeted public
infrastructure improvements that catalyze business and economic growth,
supporting a healthy business climate, particularly in economically
disadvantaged and historically underserved areas.
Policy: EP-6.3, Communication Facilities and Networks
Develop a program by which the City will co-locate communication and
network infrastructure with other public infrastructure projects, ensuring
support for new high-speed communication whenever possible.
Policy: EP-6.4, Growing Communication Infrastructure Needs
Facilitate efforts to implement leading edge communication and networking
technology throughout the city to support stable education and employment
opportunities, business needs, and economic growth.
Policy: EP-6.5, Infrastructure Maintenance and Improvement
Maintain public infrastructure at a level commensurate with required Levels-
of-Service (LOS) while also considering infrastructure investments that can
support future commercial and industrial enterprises to enhance the city’s
business climate.
Policy: EP-6.6, Renewable Energy
Expand renewable energy production and storage opportunities through
code updates and incentives.
Goal: EP-7, Economic Regulations and Taxes
Ensure a regulatory environment and tax structure that supports economic
activity, investment, and growth.
Review notes
Goal 6 and its policies have been
reworked to focus on economic
development, not infrastructure in
general. A cross-reference to the Capital
Facilities Chapter is likely to be included
here.
Policy EP-6.2 is new, highlighting a
successful strategy employed many
times by the City in the past. A cross-
reference to the Transportation Chapter
is expected.
Policy EP-6.3 has been updated to focus
on co-location of facilities.
Policy EP-6.4 is new, highlighting the
need for the plan to accommodate new
economies and needs.
Policy EP-6.5 is a combination of original
policies ED-6.1 and ED-6.4.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
[Page 8]
Policy: EP-7.1, Revenue Sources
Ensure that tax revenue sources are stable and predictable, allocate costs
equitably within the community, do not penalize desired types of businesses,
and attract and retain businesses and residents.
Policy: EP-7.2, Tax Incentives for Land Improvement
Support tax instruments and levies that encourage business investment and
construction, especially in Urban Hubs and other areas identified for
significant development.
Policy: EP-7.3, Tax Incentives for Renovation
Use tax incentives and investments to encourage revitalization,
modernization, or rehabilitation of deteriorated residential and commercial
properties and buildings for new economic activity.
Goal: EP-8, Creative Economy
Support the creative economy through incentives and targeted investments in
infrastructure, education, workforce development, jobs, and business growth for
arts, culture, film, music, nightlife, and other creative industry occupations.
Policy: EP-8.1, Creative Spaces
Collaborate in the establishment of accessible and affordable spaces that
support start-up creative industries, including in historically underserved
communities.
Policy: EP-8.2, Local Investment
Identify programs, incentives, and standards to support increased City and
local investment in artists, arts and cultural nonprofits, and creative
businesses.
Policy: EP-8.3, Creative Districts
Support and implement statewide programs, such as creative districts, to
enhance the use of incentives and other economic strategies that support the
creative economy.
Policy: EP-8.4, Support Neighborhood Cultural Activities
Elevate and support neighborhood cultural assets, ensuring that residents
and visitors can easily access the creative economy in every neighborhood.
Goal: EP-9, Tourism Promotion
Promote the natural and built environment, as well as arts and cultural
communities, as assets that attract economic opportunities and enhance the City
of Spokane’s quality of life.
Review notes
Policies EP 2.2 and EP 7.3 work very
closely together—EP 2.2 calling for
action and EP 7.3 providing a way to
fund that action. As such, a cross-
reference is likely to be included here.
This new goal and its policies have been
a frequent topic of public engagement.
Originally Goal ED-8, this goal has been
substantially reworked to strengthen the
relationship between the natural beauty
of Spokane, its tourism industry, and the
economic environment. Language has
also been added to acknowledge the
ability of arts and culture to support
tourism.
[Page 9]
Policy: EP-9.1, Promote Regional Natural Resources
Promote the region’s outdoor amenities, recreational opportunities, and
agritourism as features of both social benefit and economic growth,
while protecting the natural resources for the future.
Policy: EP-9.2, Supporting and Promoting Tourism
Partner with interested community organizations and local businesses
on the promotion of the natural and built environment as well as arts
and cultural communities in the City of Spokane, as well as the larger
region, to attract visitors and private investment to the city.
Policy: EP-9.3, Tourism and Events as an Economic Benefit
Attract and incentivize events in the city that bring in regional and out-
of-state visitors, supporting the local economy and raising national
attention to Spokane, including events that celebrate Spokane’s diverse
cultural heritage and create new opportunities for cultural enrichment.
POLICIES REMOVED FROM THE TEXT:
The following policies in blue have been removed from the text, largely due
to redundancy, unclear goals/success, and similar factors.
Policy: ED-2.3, Reusable Buildings Inventory
Continue to maintain an inventory of historic and significant older buildings
that could be redeveloped for economic activities rather than demolished.
Policy: ED-2.4, Mixed-Use
Support mixed-use development that brings employment, shopping, and
residential activities into shared locations that stimulate opportunities for
economic activity.
Policy: ED-3.3, Enterprise Opportunities
Continue to create economic development opportunities utilizing tools
available to the city which will foster the growth of Spokane’s economy.
Policy: ED-4.2, Benchmark Indicators
Work with the private sector to establish benchmark indicators for
employment and income levels, monitor progress toward reaching those
levels, and prepare an annual status report on progress.
Policy: ED-5.1, K-12 Education
Work cooperatively with local schools to help maintain and enhance the
quality of K-12 education in the city’s schools.
Review notes
Policies EP-9.1 and EP-9.2 separate the
two concepts of existing policy ED-8.3 as
they are interconnected but unique
aspects of tourism promotion.
New policy building off existing ED-8.3
to identify the attraction and
incentivization specific to events.
Existing policies reflect the prior Chapter
name of Economic Development and
naming conventions of ED.
Policy ED-2.3 is too similar in intent and
effect to EP-Policy 2.2, thus it’s
redundant.
Concept of Policy 2.4 captured in
Growth Strategy Chapter, particularly
Goal GS-4, Mix of Uses.
Policy 3.3 is far too broad and already
covered by the many policies in this
Chapter.
This is an implementation item, already
conducted by the City. As a policy it does
not inform decision making directly.
The City is unable to influence school
curricula. Other policies remaining in
the Chapter allow for interaction with
students. Thus, removal of policies 5.1
and 5.4 is recommended.
[Page 10]
Policy: ED-5.4, Program Evaluation
Support efforts to introduce new, high-quality programs into the curricula of
area technical schools, community colleges, colleges, and universities that
address the changing needs of businesses and employees.
Policy: ED-5.6, Employer Training Support
Encourage employers to support continuing education and training for their
employees.
Policy: ED-7.1, Collaborative Nurturing of the Business Climate
Work with the business community, labor, economic development
organizations and residents to maintain a good business climate.
Policy: ED-7.3, State Tax Changes
Lobby the state legislature for changes in state tax laws to allow more options
or mechanisms to be available as incentives to business investment.
Review notes
The City does not have the ability/tools
necessary to directly influence how
employers train their staff.
Policy 7.1 concerns more the overall
concept of Economic Development
rather than any policy direction the City
can implement.
Lobbying is an implementation action
and the purview of Council/Mayor, not
overall City operations and decision
making.