Jessica Fisher, Public Information Assistant, No Phone Number Available
Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 3:50 p.m.
The pilot program Spokane Matters is addressing specific needs and characteristics of each district throughout Spokane. All three districts and downtown have quarterly meetings where City of Spokane departments, social service agencies, the private sector, faith organizations and educational institution representatives meet. This process engages community stakeholders most familiar with the opportunities and challenges in each District and coordinates solutions collaboratively.
District 1 is the northeast portion of the City of Spokane. Currently the teams are focusing on six projects: a GIS abandoned property map; junk vehicles; solid waste; resource guide for neighborhood councils; block watch in coordination with COPS; and alleyway improvements.
As a project leader for Spokane Matters, Alexandra Stoddard has worked close with City staff on the alleyway project. She has been working with city engineers and the Street Department on ways to improve alley conditions, security, and lighting. Overall, her experience with the City’s staff has been informative and positive. “The Street Department spoke with me at length about alleys, grading operations and filling of ruts and holes,” explained Alexandra. “They were enthusiastically informative and courteous- always ending conversations with, If there is anything else I can help with, let me know!” Alexandra praised the staff for brainstorming new and great ideas. She also had great things to say about her local neighborhood representatives saying, “My fellow neighborhood representatives have been knowledgeable and proactive in gathering information and suggesting ideas to pursue.” Overall, Alexandra has had a positive experience working on her District 1 team.
Here are some of Alexandra’s suggestions on improving the overall Spokane Matters pilot program. “I would like to see more options for solution-finding coming from the citizens and neighborhood councils…I think incorporating the priorities of citizens in setting options would allow for greater satisfaction and possibly participation.”
If you live in District 1, the Quarter 3 meeting is Wednesday, July 26 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. at the Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook Street. Please contact Abbey Martin in the Office of Neighborhood Services: amartin@spokanecity.org, 509.625.6858 for further questions.
