Written by KayCee Downey, AICP
The City of Spokane is planning for the future, actively updating its Comprehensive Plan through the PlanSpokane 2046 Periodic Update. The Comprehensive Plan includes goals and policies that guide and prioritize how our City grows and makes decisions, helping shape everything from housing and transportation to neighborhoods and economic development. Through PlanSpokane 2046, community feedback is helping shape those future decisions.
During early engagement, community members shared a strong desire for more connected neighborhoods and vibrant community spaces. Fortunately, we already have a great resource to support this envisioned future – Spokane Public Library.
Libraries are more than places to check out a book. They are community hubs that bring people together, support learning, and provide access to critical resources. PlanSpokane 2046 can further support access to these community services by understanding where growth and investment should be directed to make it easier for people to visit our libraries.
Additionally, PlanSpokane 2046 is adding a new element to the Comprehensive Plan – climate and resiliency planning. The City of Spokane recently conducted a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment to better understand how our community is impacted and who is most affected. Rising temperatures and extreme heat, along with wildfires and smoke, were identified as growing threats to our region.
So how do we build local resilience in the face of these challenges?
One answer is our libraries.
Spokane Public Libraries are already a great place to get out of the summer heat, but did you know that they have the potential to provide even more community support? The Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment has been partnering with the City of Spokane since 2023 to start planning for resilience hubs in Spokane during extreme weather events. Potential pilot resilience hubs being considered include the Carl Maxey Center, Northeast Community Center, MLK Family Outreach Center, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and six Spokane Public Library locations, with planning still underway.
Our library system is just one example of how the City can plan for its future. Whether you live, work, or study in the City of Spokane – or simply enjoy the many resources our libraries have to offer – we want your help in planning the next 20 years of our City.
Visit the project webpage at PlanSpokane.org to learn more about this effort, subscribe to the PlanSpokane monthly newsletter to receive timely updates, and keep an eye out for future community workshops where you can have your voice heard.
