July saw the Spokane City Council vote to approve a new wave of zoning changes with the passage of an interim zoning ordinance called Building Opportunity and Choices for All (BOCA). In the last several weeks, we have been learning more about what these changes actually mean for Infill & Development. There are several upcoming opportunities for the public to learn more about these new housing and zoning changes as well.

Building Opportunity and Choices for All Open Houses

• Tues., Aug. 23, 12–1pm at the Central Library

• Wed., Aug. 24, 5:30–6:30pm at the The Hive

• Thurs., Aug. 25, 5:30–6:30pm
Virtual Meeting via Microsoft Teams
 

After every census, based on population growth, every jurisdiction must undergo modifications to their voting districts. We refer to this process as Redistricting. The County and State completed their Redistricting maps in the fall of 2021 and now the City of Spokane is in the process of making updates to their Districts. 

 

The Redistricting Board is seeking public input on what issues are most important to the public in this process. If you would like to weigh in on the process, please help by scanning this QR code and taking our survey to give your feedback by Friday, August 19.

 

PLEASE SCAN!

We want your feedback!

Election Updates
In other local news, the Primary Election was held on August 2, and we now have a fairly good idea of which candidates are advancing to the General Election in November. All elections are significant, but at SHBA we are hyper focused on the County Commissioner races because of their impact on housing. This County Commissioner election cycle is going to shape the landscape of Spokane for decades to come. Commissioners handle the land use and budgeting for the entire county, and the five individuals elected this year will determine the best solutions to the current housing crisis we are all facing together.

Joshua Kerns and Mary Kuney are the incumbents for County Commissioner Districts 3 and 4; they are currently holding strong leads in each of their respective races over their challengers Bill Schreiner and Brian Noble. The third incumbent, Al French, is not currently leading his race, but is only a slight margin behind his opponent Maggie Yates. In the District 2 race, an open seat, Spokane City Councilmember Michael Cathcart currently trails Amber Waldref. And finally, in District 1, another open seat, we have a close race between Chris Jordan and Kim Plese.

It is important to remember that every vote counts in an election, and more importantly still, elections matter. Be sure to mark your calendars and set aside some time to vote during the General Election on November 8, 2022.