I love the Sightline Instiute and their blog, The Daily Score. I frequently turn to their robust site for sustainability information. Yesterday, they covered the passage of the Complete Streets ordinance back in December. While I was disapointed the article didn't really focus on the ordinance and the groundswell of grassroots support, it was nice to see some coverage outside of Spokane. It discussed the political climate in Spokane and the difference in the makeup of the current council from the legislative body that passed the ordinance, 5-2:

Complete Streets is a good move for Spokane. It will help reduce the city’s reliance on expensive fossil fuels; it will improve safety for walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users; it will help build community, encourage residents to exercise more; and it makes good economic sense. But there’s a real risk that Spokane’s new council will backtrack. The new council is expected to be less receptive to Complete Streets, and if they were to vote now, it’s not likely that they would replicate December’s 5-2 vote in favor. Between departures and election results, three of the supporters on the council were replaced (as was one opponent).

Spokane may not get the attention for sustainability that Seattle and Portland do, but the Lilac City has a legit track record. For example, in one 2009 analysis Natural Resources Defense Council ranked Spokane 6th in the U.S. for sustainability among medium-sized cities. That was just behind Eugene, and better than Berkeley, Irvine, and Everett. So Spokane should be proud of its past performance. It can continue to build an even more sustainable (and economically vibrant and safer) future if the new council affirms the Complete Streets program, and if Spokane voters approve the funds to implement it.

Now, I'm not sure Complete Streets wouldn't have passed under the current council. The new Council President is supportive and Councilmember Steve Salvatori has expressed support. But we need to keep fighting for Complete Streets. The passage of the ordinance was momentous, however, we've seen a recent uptick in bike and ped collisions in Spokane that serve as a dangerous reminder. As for the councilmembers, you can contact them here and I suggest touching base with them, and, as the Sightline article says, encourage them to affirm Complete Streets.

---

---