Kevin Freibott, Senior Planner, No Phone Number Available
Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 3:45 p.m.
The City of Spokane – and those that live, work, and play here – have spent a considerable amount of time working on the PlanSpokane 2046 Periodic Update to the Comprehensive Plan and its various projects, studies, and strategies. At the same time, all local cities are doing the same; every city in Spokane County, and the County itself, must update their Comprehensive Plans by 2026. As such, you may have seen an array of public workshops and discussions announced by the county, City of Spokane, and our partner cities throughout the metropolitan area and wondered how they all work together.
Rest assured, the county and the cities aren’t working in a vacuum, disconnected from each other. Regional meetings are frequent, where the cities and the county coordinate on topics that cross city lines. We all do our best to make sure the various Comprehensive Plans work together towards the region’s vision for the future. As an example, the housing and population targets the City of Spokane is working towards were developed through this regional effort. Staff and elected officials from both the county and the various cities met and discussed various options and methods for allocating growth and, ultimately, agreed to use the targets we have today.
Some have asked, with such an array of meetings and workshops out there, where should they spend their time and attention? The key question you should ask is where do you live, work, or play?
If you live in the City of Spokane, then PlanSpokane 2046 is probably the most important effort in which to participate. However, if you also work in Spokane Valley or another city, then their Comprehensive Plan is important as well. Know that only PlanSpokane 2046 guides the City of Spokane directly, not Spokane County’s Comprehensive Plan. Likewise, the County’s Comprehensive Plan affects those properties and uses that lie outside incorporated cities like Spokane.
It’s also important to know that the Comprehensive Plan doesn’t just impact the people who live in a city or county. Aspects of the Comprehensive Plan can affect those that work, play, visit, and explore there too! Additionally, when it comes to the City of Spokane, we provide water and sewer services to areas outside the City and inside the Urban Growth Area. Those folks rely on the City for essential services – a topic also considered by any Comprehensive Plan.
If you’re not sure where your boundaries fall for where you live, work, or play, feel free to take a look at the Official City of Spokane Map. You can also use the online mapping tool, Map Spokane. Remember, the city listed in your property address may not indicate where you live – people who live in the County might have a “Spokane” address.
If you need help or you would like to discuss how PlanSpokane might concern you, your residence, or your job, feel free to contact us at planspokane@spokanecity.org. We’re happy to help you explore what’s happening now.
In Spokane
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