Spokane County plans for 20 years of growth with comprehensive plan update

In a recent episode of the Spokane County podcast, Planning Director Scott Chesney discussed the ambitious task of updating Spokane County's comprehensive plan, which aims to guide urban land use for the next 20 years. This update is crucial as the county anticipates accommodating an influx of 100,000 to 120,000 new residents by 2050.

Chesney emphasized the complexity of this planning process, which builds on the foundational work established by the Growth Management Act (GMA) of 1990. The original comprehensive plan was created in 2001 and has since been amended to reflect changing economic conditions and population trends. The current update seeks to address how lifestyles and community needs have evolved over the past two decades.

A significant aspect of the planning process involves collaboration among various cities and towns within Spokane County. Chesney noted that local governments work together to allocate growth based on each area's capacity and historical growth patterns. This cooperative effort includes monthly meetings among professional planners and biannual gatherings of elected officials to ensure that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.

Central to this planning effort is the concept of Urban Growth Areas (UGAs), which are designated boundaries intended to focus urban development while preserving rural areas. These boundaries help optimize infrastructure use, ensuring that public investments in roads and services are effectively utilized within urbanized zones.

As Spokane County prepares for its future, the comprehensive plan update represents a critical step in shaping a sustainable and livable environment for its residents. The collaborative approach and strategic planning efforts aim to create a community that meets the needs of both current and future generations.