With the recent indecision about what to do with the downtown plaza, it's due time to get real about transit in Spokane. That's why I'm excited this antipicpated event is upon us: Futurewise and Spokane Transit Authority have teamed up to celebrate the launch of the Complete Streets Transit Zine on Friday August 8th, 6-8pm at the outdoor plaza of the MAC.

This the latest entry in a series of Complete Streets Zines that explore the streetscapes of the Spokane area through the eyes of Spokanites. The first publications focused on cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, respectively.

A lot of work went into this project.

Zines, always self-published, are incredibly labor intensive. The DIY zine approach makes perfect sense since Complete Streets are shaped by cultural, political, geographical and economic forces that go beyond transportation planning polices and urban design formulas. It's an opporunity to reach a whole new audience that wants a vibrant street life and the sense of belonging to a community- the chance to learn about a growing national movement.

There will be food and drinks and in the auditorium lobby you can check out a display of Spokane's historic transit system to see how transit shaped our city. In addition, you'll be able to hear Jarrett Walker, the author of "Human Transit: How clearer thinking about public transit can enrich our communities and our lives" talk about the future of transit in Spokane.

Walker is an international consultant in public transit network design and policy. He has been a full-time consultant since 1991 and has led numerous major planning projects in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. He currently serves as a Principal Consultant with MRCagney based in Australia. He provides expert advice to clients worldwide. I'll be curious for his take on the future of transit in Spokane, how we can make it better, and the information on hand. Plus, food and drinks at the MAC so what's not to like?

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