Plan Would Demystify Development Process Council To Consider Program To Educate Public, City Officials
It’s no secret that developing property in Spokane can be confusing and time-consuming.
Developers, property owners and neighbors are often boggled by a maze of federal, state and local regulations.
Today, the Spokane City Council is expected to consider a proposal by Mayor John Talbott to launch a community education and training program about how to navigate the city’s development process.
The proposal is expected to save the city and citizens time, money and energy, Talbott said.
The proposal grew out of meetings with planners, neighborhoods and developers. It is endorsed by the Community Assembly of Neighborhood Councils’ land-use committee.
“I think it is going to be an excellent program for every segment of the community,” committee member Al French said.
“Everyone in the process should have the same understanding of the facts and how it is supposed to work,” French said.
“Frustration with the process that is generated from lack of knowledge should go away.”
If approved by the council, the city will seek proposals from companies interested in providing the training to developers and neighborhoods, as well as architects, City Council members and others.
The trainer will focus on the development process instead of advocating for a particular side.
The program could begin by November.
Also on the agenda Monday:
The council will hold a hearing on the proposed vacation of Queen Place from Driscoll Boulevard to Upper Driscoll Boulevard, next to Browne Elementary School.
As usual with vacations, the school district will pay the city half of the appraised value of the vacated land. In this case, the amount is $3,600.
The council is also scheduled to hear a report on the proposed Spokane Convention Center expansion.
MEETING A City Council briefing session will begin at 3:30 p.m. on the lower level of City Hall. The council’s regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chamber, also on the lower level.