Why does downtown say it needs 3,200 more homes?

Good afternoon, Commission. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Kevin Campbell. I'm here on behalf of the Downtown Spokane Partnership, and I'm here to express the DSP's support for the city center and regional hubs option as the preferred growth alternative. Downtown Spokane serves as the region's primary hub for employment, culture, education, healthcare, and tourism. Concentrating growth within key centers rather than dispersing it reinforces downtown's role as the economic core while supporting a more efficient and sustainable development pattern. It also encourages higher density housing near jobs and services, supports walkable mixed-use districts, and reduces infrastructure costs and environmental impacts associated with sprawl. This approach aligns with Spokane's long-standing centers and corridors strategy. A key priority within the strategy must be expanding market-rate housing in the downtown core. Today, there's an imbalance between employment activity and residential population, and lack of market-rate housing. In 2025, the DSP initiated a downtown housing study, which identified a need for 3,200 net new market rate units in the central business district over the next 10 years. Right now, I will say currently under construction, we only have 160 units, and so that gap highlights the need to make downtown development more attractive and feasible for developers through thoughtful policy and incentives. Increasing residential density is essential to activate streets and public spaces, support local businesses, improve safety through activity and presence, and strengthen the downtown tax base. Growth must also be supported by strategic public investment. This includes transportation connections to regional employment hubs, utility and infrastructure capacity, and streetscape improvements that make downtown more livable and walkable. Investments in parks, public safety, and public services will also be critical to supporting a growing residential population and enabling private development. By focusing growth downtown, Spokane can build a more vibrant, sustainable, and economically competitive city. Infill development and development housing are not only economic priorities, but essential components of a strong long-term growth strategy. So thank you for your time and consideration. If there are any questions about the downtown housing study or anything downtown related, please feel encouraged to reach out to our organization. Thank you.