Talbott Proposes City Development Panel Commission Would Draft Strategic Plan For Spokane, Mayor Says

Thu., March 9, 2000

By Oliver Staley olivers@spokesman.com

Spokane Mayor John Talbott is calling for volunteers to serve on a new commission on economic development.

The nine-person commission would help craft “a global, strategic development plan for the city of Spokane and what role government is going to play,” Talbott said. “Where are we going and how are we going to get there?”

Talbott said the commission would not exist indefinitely. “I see it as a temporary thing,” he said. “If you don’t, it takes on a life of its own.”

The commission also would address the role of public-private partnerships to avoid repeating some of the problems related to the River Park Square parking garage deal, Talbott said.

“How can we make sure all questions are asked and answered so we can go to the voters in confidence?” he said.

Not everyone on the City Council sees the need for the commission, however.

Councilman Rob Higgins said its proposed role is being filled by the Spokane Area Economic Development Council, which works to recruit and retain businesses.

“It’s not what we need,” Higgins said. “He needs to work with the EDC and maybe bring more people to the table. I don’t know what he’s trying to accomplish. It’s almost a waste of time.”

However, the head of the Economic Development Council is giving his tentative support to the project.

“Our sense is that any sort of heightened dialogue relative to economic development would be beneficial to the community,” EDC President Mark Turner said.

Turner said he has submitted his name for consideration as a commission member, and Talbott said Turner would be welcome.

“I feel Mark Turner would be a crucial part of it,” Talbott said. “He would be an asset, a resource.”

Talbott said he hopes to add representatives with financing or accounting experience as well as academics and developers.

Rich Hadley, president of the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce, said he hopes the mayor also would consider adding members with experience in international trade and small-business development.

He also said he hopes the new commission is not used to re-evaluate the city’s contracts with the EDC and other development agencies.

“I believe that the existing organizations are doing respectable work,” Hadley said.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.