About The Plan
Regional transportation planning is the critical link in the development of solutions for important and pressing issues, including regional economic development, land use, growth management, and environmental sustainability. The transportation network is the circulation system of a region, providing both access and mobility to diverse constituencies and users. Because of its importance, it is critical to plan deliberatively and carefully, developing a unified regional vision that can ensure sustained success and economic vitality.
The Spokane region is the economic engine of the Inland Empire, linking the inland Northwest to the Pacific Coast and the Intermountain West. Historically a rail hub, Spokane has been successful at maintaining its position as a major hub of transportation. Significant local, state and federal resources have been invested in the transportation infrastructure, such as improvements to and expansion of the airport, highway improvements, expansion of the transit system, and further development of the Centennial Trail. There have been multiple planning initiatives in the past ten to fifteen years that have resulted in positive change, including successful efforts to diversify the economy, revitalize downtown Spokane, and make the Spokane region a center for education, medical services and the arts.
In order to consolidate past transportation investments and set the stage for future success, the region needs to come together to develop a long-term regional vision that coordinates ongoing efforts, identifies strategies for achieving the vision and helps to deploy resources to accomplish regional goals. The region will compete better for state and federal funds which will set the stage for the continued economic and environmental health of the entire region.
In order for Spokane’s regional transportation plan to succeed, it must first arise out of the needs and desires of the region itself. No matter how intricately planned or technically correct, the plan will not be implemented and ultimately will not serve the needs of the region if it is not developed from the foundation of deep and meaningful participation from the public and the full range of stakeholders and partners. First and foremost, a regional vision must emerge from an open and transparent community conversation about the alternatives and implications of the choices that lay before them. We hope you will join us in this important endeavor.
