Clarion Associates has been introduced to the Spokane Planning Commission as the consultant leading a yearlong modernization of the city's development code. Jenny Baker of Clarion told commissioners the firm's work will focus on making the code easier to use, aligning zoning with the comprehensive-plan update and streamlining permitting to help achieve housing and equity goals.

"My name is Jenny Baker with Clarion Associates...the only thing that we do is rewrite zoning," Baker said, describing Clarion's national experience and an adoption-focused approach designed to make the code more accessible and implementable.

Why it matters: City staff and the consultant said a modernized code will help the comprehensive plan 'become actionable' by translating policy goals into clear regulatory language, graphics and decision tools. Clarion emphasized plain-language drafting, graphics and an installment approach so commissioners and the public can review manageable sections rather than a single large document.

What the presentation said: Baker outlined a compressed schedule to meet state timing and local priorities. The plan is to produce an assessment first, then start drafting in spring and continue through September, with adoption hearings in October-November and implementation support in December. Baker also described Clarion's team roles, noting the firm's high code adoption rate and capacity to support legal reviews and graphics.

Commissioners asked about concurrency with the comprehensive plan, ownership and platforms. Clarion said drafting would proceed alongside available draft comp-plan chapters and that the city would receive a Word and PDF version of the new code; staff indicated the code will ultimately be posted on a third-party platform for accessibility while the city retains source files.

Questions and concerns raised: Commissioners sought examples of comparable projects (Baker cited Boise, Rochester and Grand Junction), expressed concern about future amendments and urged redundancy in hosting (a city copy plus a third-party site). Staff agreed to provide additional meetings and one-on-one briefings with the consultant.

Next steps: Clarion and its local partner Kimley Horn will return with an assessment, expected in February, and subsequent draft chapters. Staff invited commissioners and stakeholders to schedule follow-up sessions and noted outreach and engagement materials will accompany the work.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the contract during this presentation; the consultant said the procurement and contract approval processes are complete and the team will begin engagement and assessment work immediately.