City development adviser resigns

The city of Spokane’s economic development adviser will leave his job June 24 to become project manager for a housing and commercial development taking shape on the Spokane River’s north banks.

Tom Reese said this week he plans to go to work for developer Marshall Chesrown, who is creating a new urban village on 77 acres just north of downtown.

Reese has been with the city for 13 years, first as an urban design specialist and planner. He assumed his current job in May 2003 and has been the lead person handling many of the city’s economic development initiatives, including the University District and Chesrown’s planned Kendall Yards project. Kendall Yards calls for 1,000 residential units, 1.5 million square feet of commercial space and connections to regional trail systems.

Included in Chesrown’s development is a proposal to create a public market on a slice of Riverfront Park through a public-private partnership with the city. Chesrown has also proposed the vacation of some streets and reestablishment of others to create a pedestrian-friendly environment and enhance connections to downtown.

Reese has been a key liaison between the city and the developer as plans have progressed.

“He was the point guy,” Deputy Mayor Jack Lynch said of Reese’s role with the city. “He’s been a real asset to the city. I think (his new job) really provides an opportunity to have a significant linkage between the city and Marshall Chesrown.” Lynch said the city is likely to fill Reese’s position because “economic development is a priority for this administration.”

Reese currently is paid $76,000 as economic development adviser, according to the city.