Projects

Division Street Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

Connecting Spokane, One Step at a Time!

The Division Street TOD Project is a collaboration between the City of Spokane, Spokane County, and the Spokane Transit Authority (STA), aimed at encouraging accessible mixed-use communities within proximity to public transit. Funded by a $405,000 grant from the FTA TOD Planning Pilot Program, this project builds on the DivisionConnects study by the Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) and STA, aligning land use, zoning, and infrastructure with the new transit investments.

If you're interested in information on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) work within Division Street's public right-of-way, visit the STA's Division Street BRT page.

Project Purpose and Scope

With a vision of establishing a corridor-wide TOD framework, this project will provide detailed, station-specific economic analysis, land-use recommendations, multi-modal infrastructure improvements, and a development policy framework that centers on sustainability and social equity. The goal is to improve transit conditions around Division Street's major transit stations.

Project Area

Engagement Goals

The Division Street TOD project will be built on community input. The project team will conduct a series of workshops, pop-up events, surveys, and regularly update the project website to ensure everyone has a chance to participate and engage with the project.

Who We're Engaging:

• Underserved communities: To amplify voices and reduce unintended impacts.
• Developers and businesses: To streamline growth and improve market conditions.
• Neighborhood groups and schools: To reflect local needs and student accessibility.
• Local organizations and the public: To gather insights from residents, visitors, and service groups.

We are prioritizing outreach to low-income communities and communities of color to ensure the plan and its implementation serve everyone equitably. Public meetings will be facilitated by the project team, with summary reports shared online and publicly available for review for each phase.

Why Division Street?

Division Street is one of Spokane's busiest corridors, connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and schools while serving as a critical route. There are around 50,000 cars on it every day and STA's Route 25 is used by almost a million people each year. With the City Line BRT service now running along Division Street, this corridor has the potential to become a model of TOD, addressing current connectivity challenges and opening opportunities that cater to the evolving needs of Spokane residents and visitors alike.

What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?

Transit-Oriented Development, or TOD, is an approach to city planning that encourages dense, mixed-use communities centered around public transit. The idea is to create a community where people can live, work, shop, and access essential services within walking distance of transit options. TOD not only increases travel options but also promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces environmental impacts, and strengthens the local economy by bringing more people to the area.

The Division Street TOD Project has set out to achieve the following:

1. Enhance Mobility and Accessibility: Improve connections between neighborhoods, transit stops, and key destinations along Division Street. This includes better sidewalks, bike lanes, and safe crossings that allow people to get around safely and comfortably, whether they're on foot, bike, or transit.
2. Support Mixed-Use and Infill Development: Encourage a mix of residential, retail, and office spaces to serve the diverse needs of the community. This approach will support affordable housing, expand economic opportunities, and make Division Street a more dynamic and economically resilient corridor.
3. Create Inviting and Safe Public Spaces: Design and activate spaces where people can gather, relax, and interact. Adding parks, plazas, and tree-lined streets will enhance community connections and contribute to a vibrant, attractive environment.
4. Promote Sustainable Development: By focusing on sustainable land-use practices, we can reduce environmental impacts, lower emissions, and support healthier lifestyles. TOD makes traveling via public transit, walking, biking more accessible and provides more travel options while contributing to Spokane’s sustainability goals.

Project Timeline

Phase 1: Project Kickoff

• Status: Completed (October 2024)
• This phase established the foundation for the project, including team coordination, setting goals, and conducting site visits to gather initial insights.
  • Kickoff Meeting with Staff and Project Area Tour – September 26, 2024
  • Kickoff Workshop #1 - September 26, 2024
  • Stakeholder/Developer Interviews - September - October 2024

Phase 2: Corridor Visioning

• Status: In Progress (January - February 2025)
• We're gathering input from the community through community workshop, pop-ups, survey, and advisory committee meetings. This input will help shape an equitably shared vision for Division Street.
  • TAC/ CAC #1 - January 2025
  • Workshop #2 - Upcoming
  • Pop-up Meetings - Upcoming
  • Boards and Commission Meeting #1 - Upcoming

Phase 3: Emerging Node Concepts

• Status: Summer 2025
• Building on the community's feedback, this phase will focus on developing concepts for key areas ("nodes") along the corridor, with a focus on opportunities and priorities identified earlier.
  • TAC/ CAC #2
  • Open House Workshop #3
  • Boards and Commission Meetings

Phase 4: Draft Plan

• Status: Fall 2025
• The draft plan will be created based on community feedback, technical analysis, and collaboration with advisory committees. Public input will be gathered to refine the plan further.
  • TAC/ CAC #3
  • Boards and Commission Meeting #3

Phase 5: Final Plan

• Status: Winter 2025
• The final plan will be presented for approval by city boards and commissions. Any final adjustments will be made before adoption, marking the completion of the project.
  • TAC/ CAC #4
  • Boards and Commission Meeting #4