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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-26 PC AGENDA PACKETSookane jW1ey' Notice and Agenda for Regular Meeting Spokane Valley Planning Commission Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Remotely via ZOOM meeting and In Person at Spokane Valley City Hall located at 10210 E Sprague Avenue NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Spokane Valley Planning Commission meeting will be held on March 26, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at Spokane Valley City Hall located at 10210 E Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley, Washington. The purpose of the meeting ism consider the items listed below on the agenda. NOTE: Members of the public may attend Spokane Valley Planning Commission meetings in -person at City Hall at the address provided above, or via Zoom at the link below. Members of the public will be allowed to comment in -person or via Zoom as described below: Public comments udll only he Accepted for those &ems noted on the Wends ps "public comment' or "public heroine." If making a comment via Zoom, comments must be received by 4:00 pm, the day of the meeting. Please email planningAspokanevallevwa.eov car call the Planning Commission Secretary at 509-720-5110 to be added to the Zoom speaker list. Otherwise, comments will betaken in -person at the meeting, as noted on the agenda below: LINK TO ZOOM MEETING INFORMATION httus://snokanevallev.zoom.us/i/86262747051 US: +12532158782„ 86262747051#or+16699006833„86262747051#US US: +1 253 215 9792 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 962 6274 7051 AGENDA: 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 26, 2026 6. COMMISSION REPORTS 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT 8. PUBLIC COMMENT: Zhuis an opporthaeb for thepublis to speakon any subject except items listed aspublic comment opportunity orpublic hearing as comments will be taken when those items appear on the agenda. 9. COMMISSION BUSINESS: a. Presentation: Comprehensive Plan Draft Element Review(Presented by Community Attributes) o Chapter 5: Housing Element • Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis o Chapter 8: Utilities Element o Chapter 11: Climate & Resiliency Element 10. FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER 11. ADJOURNMENT Regular Meeting Minutes Spokane Valley Planning Commission Spokane Valley City Hall February 26, 2026 I. Chairman Robertson called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in person and via ZOOM meetings. II. The Commissioners and staff stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. III. Administrative Assistant Denise Mclain took attendance, and the following members and staff were present: John Robertson Steve Roberge, Planning Manager Bob McKinley Tony Beattie, Deputy City Attorney Thomas Dingus Justan Kinsel, IT Specialist Emily Meyer - Late Denise Mclain, Administrative Assistant Kristopher Pockell Justin Weathermon Ann Winkler There was a consensus to excuse Commissioner Meyer from the meeting. IV. AGENDA: Commissioner McKinley moved, and it was seconded, to approve the agenda for February 26, 2026. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed. V. MINUTES: Commissioner Pockell moved, and it was seconded, to approve the minutes as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed. VI. COMMISSIONER REPORT: There were no Planning Commissioner reports. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Planning Manager Steve Roberge reported that staff are working on a schedule for meetings over the next few months. He let the commissioners know that the deadline for submitting the draft element documents was June of this year. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment offered. February 26, 2026: Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 2 DC. COMMISSION BUSINESS: a. Study Session: Comprehensive Plan Draft Element Review Mr. Roberge reviewed the changes requested at the last meeting, beginning with the Economic Development chapter. The changes requested were on pages 7 and 8, as well as page 14. The commissioners discussed the changes and requested additional changes to further clarify the goals and policies. Commissioner Meyer arrived at 6:22 pm. The commissioners continued their discussion on the goals and policies of Economic Development. Mr. Roberge presented the changes requested to the Land Use chapter, most of which included updating or clarifying language. There were no changes requested on the chapter for Natural Resources. The commissioners discussed the plan for reviewing the next group of elements. X. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner Meyer reported that she will not be able to complete her term as a Planning Commissioner and this will be her last meeting. She thanked the other commissioners for all they do for the city. Commissioner Winkler was encouraged by the changes presented today to the draft elements. Commissioner McKinley thanked Commissioner Meyer for her time and congratulated her on her new job. Chairman Robertson discussed civility and the 25011 anniversary of the United States. He thanked the other commissioners for their efforts to better the direction of the community. XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Meyer moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 6:56 p.m. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed. John Robertson, Chairman Date Signed Denise MClain, Secretary CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY Request for Planning Commission Action Meeting Date: March 26, 2026 Item: Check all that apply ❑ old business ❑ new business ❑ public hearing ❑ information ® study session ❑ pending legislation AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Presentation: Comprehensive Plan Draft Element Review - presentation and introduction to Elements on Housing including appendix on Racially Disparate Impact Analysis (RDIA), Public & Private Utilities Elements, and Climate & Resiliency. GOVERNING LEGISLATION: RCW 36.70A. PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTION: Study session on 2/26. BACKGROUND: This is the first of two meetings focused on the next set of Comprehensive Plan Elements. It will be structured as a regular meeting with commissioners at the dais. Attached is the Element Review Process overview providing a summary of the full process and major steps. The new elements are Housing, Climate, and Utilities. You will also find the Racially Disparate Impact Analysis (RDIA) attached. The RDIA is a new requirement and augments the Housing Element. It will be an appendix to the Comprehensive Plan. Each Element starts with a memo summarizing the key themes and major changes. The memo is not part of the Comprehensive Plan, but we hope it will provide context. Because the Climate and Resiliency Element is new, the memo starts by providing background and discussion of the statutory requirements that shaped the element. The second meeting to discuss these elements will be just a week after our March 26e meeting on April 2°d. The second meeting will be structured as a study session with Commissioners sitting in a rectangle configuration below the dais. If you have questions or concems, please let us know. MOTION: No action needed. STAFF CONTACT: Steve Roberge, Planning Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1) Element Review Process 2) Chapter 5: Housing a. Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis 3) Chapter 8: Public & Private Utilities 4) Chapter 11: Climate & Resiliency Page 1 of 1 !Mley VALLEY 2046: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE ELEMENT REVIEW SESSION 2 Spokane Valley's Comprehensive Plan charts a path for growth through 2046 that reflects community priorities while meeting state requirements. The Plan accommodates new housing and economic development through density increases, targeted infill, and expanded housing options, without dramatic changes to neighborhood character. By leveraging existing infrastructure and transit, and addressing environmental risks such as drought and wildfire, the Plan supports intentional, balanced growth that preserves the City's livability and community feel. STATE REQUIREMENTS This periodic update is required under Washington State's Growth Management Act jGMAj. It must be drafted by mid-2026 and adopted by December 31, 2026, with Planning Commission recommendation and City Council approval, to maintain compliance with state law and countywide planning policies. The update process includes robust public participation with workshops, surveys, and opportunities for community input, and integrates state mandates such as housing planning and climate considerations.The update will also be accompanied by a State Environmental Policy Act jSEPAj review using an Environmental Impact Statement (Ell PROCESS SCHEDULE To meet the Commerce deadline in June 2026, we are circulating the draft elements that will compose the Valley 2046 comprehensive plan for review. Below is a timeline for development of the entire comprehensive plan with major milestones. These three review sessions are part of a larger process, and will help shape and refine the final comprehensive plan. Review Session 1 • Economic Development • Land Use • Preferred Land Use Scenario • Natural Resources Started June 2025 February March I 1 Review Session 2 • Housing • Racially Disparate Impact Analysis • Climate & Resiliency • Public & Private Utilities Commerce May Element Draft Deadline Review Session 3 • Parks • Transportation • Capital Facilities Finalized Comprehensive EIS Review Plan ier2026 December2026 L — — — — — — — — — J Planning Council) City Council Three Element Review Sessions Recommendation Adoption October 2026 December 2026 Quesfions fo keep in mind during your review: • Do the Goals and Policies align with the City's Vision for the future? • Do these elements represent your understanding of the current conditions of the city? • What is the preferred land use scenario to plan toward for 2046? CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY I VALLEY 2046 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE MARCH 2O26 Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Housing Element Review To City of Spokane Valley From: Community Attributes Date: March 16, 2026 Project: Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update Subject Housing Element Update Summary Key Themes & Approach: • Support increased housing development to meet population growth projections • Ensure housing policy aligns with recent state mandates, including middle housing and accessory dwelling unit requirements • Locate multifamily and mixed use housing strategically near employment centers and transportation corridors • Provide for a variety of housing types • Support the preservation of existing housing stock and maintain a balanced housing inventory What has changed: Since 2016, the Washington Department of Commerce has established new guidance for the Housing Element which contains detailed requirements related to planning for housing affordability, capacity, and diverse housing types. • As a result of House Bill 1220, jurisdictions must now "plan for and accommodate housing affordable to all economic segments" rather than simply encouraging affordable housing. This includes an inventory and analysis of housing needs by area median income (AMI) level, including low (51-80% AMI), very low (31-50%AMI) and extremely low (0-30%AMI) income households as well as emergency housing, shelters and supportive housing. • Plans must document land capacity to accommodate housing types that meet the community's identified housing need. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update • Plans must identify sufficient land for diverse housing types, including multifamily, manufactured, low-income and supportive housing. • Plans must include policies for moderate density and "middle' housing options (e.g., duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, accessory dwelling units) within urban growth areas in accordance with House Bill 1110 and House Bill 1337. • Plans must document barriers to housing production and displacement risks across economic segments of the community. • Cities must employ adequate provisions to overcome documented barriers to housing production for all economic segments of the community • Plans must examine racially disparate impacts of housing policy, including development regulations, and adopt policies to undo harmful impacts (see appendix]. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update V. Housing Introduction Why the Housing Element is Important Housing is a critical component of the Comprehensive Plan as it represents a basic need for area residents. Housing also plays a vital role in the Spokane Valley economy as it creates opportunities for workers to live near local jobs in the City's employment areas. The Housing Element aims to advance an understanding of the local housing market and identify future housing needs, ensuring adequate housing for all economic segments of the community The Housing element utilizes market data to inform Goals and Policies that guide the City's efforts to ensure the availability of quality housing for all residents. Community Values in the Housing Element While Spokane Valley must plan for future population growth, the Housing element seeks to balance new development with the aspects of existing neighborhoods that residents value. It addresses current housing shortages and housing affordability by identifying targeted locations for modest density increases. Policies promoting diverse housing types enhance livability for residents at every life stage and maximize flexibility for residents and property owners. By allowing for housing in close proximity to commercial areas, the Element expands access to daily goods and services and supports local businesses. Throughout, the focus is on quality of life and opportunity for all. Planning Context Under the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), a city's Comprehensive Plan must be consistent with the Countywide Planning Policies (CWPP) which create a regional framework for counties and cities to coordinate local housing needs. The CWPP's establishes regional growth projections, which inform the objectives laid out in the Housing and Land U se Elements of this Comprehensive Plan. Based on guidance from Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce), the Housing Element must plan for and accommodate housing affordable to all economic segments of the community, encourage a mix of housing types across a range of densities, and support the preservation of existing housing stock. In the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, the City recognized the predominance of single family housing and identified opportunities to expand residential choice for residents. This objective aligns with findings from the 2021 Housing Needs Assessment, which identified a growing demand for middle housing options. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Countywide Planning Policies A jurisdictions Housing Element must identify existing and projected housing needs, policies to preserve and contribute to additional housing, sufficient land for housing, barriers to housing production, racially disparate impacts and displacement risk within the community The Element must then establish policies to address identified barriers and their resulting outcomes. The County's affordable housing policies provide a framework for jurisdictions to accommodate development, incentivize housing production and reform policies that have led to displacement and racially disparate impacts in the community There are nine policies established in the CWPP's. They are outlined below with reference to where in Spokane Valley's plan they are addressed. 1. Housing Allocation Implementation - Land Use Element 2. Diversify and Increase Housing Stock - Housing Element Goals and Policies 3. Plan for and Accommodate Housing for All - Land Use Element 4. Identify and Undo Racially Discriminatory Impacts - Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis S. Mitigate Displacement and Exclusion - Adequate Provisions, Housing Goals and Policies 6. Plan for Emergency Shelters and Permanent Supportive Housing - Housing Element Current Conditions 7. Preserve Existing Affordable Housing - Housing Element Goals and Policies 8. Preserve Historic Housing - Housing Element Goals and Policies 9. Monitor Housing Development - Housing Element Goals and Policies House Bill 1220 House Bill 1220 requires local governments to plan for and accommodate housing for all economic segments of the community. To do this, cities first undertake a land capacity analysis as part of their comprehensive plan update, with detailed guidance and steps provided by Commerce. Local governments then follow guidance provided by Commerce to summarize land capacity, housing needs by income band, and the sources of funds and regulatory changes necessary to ensure that the housing units can be built. As a fully planning GMA city, Spokane Valley is required to comply with the provisions of House Bill 1220 in its 2 02 6 Comprehensive Plan. House Bill 1110 House Bill 1110 updated the GMA mandating that eligible cities include middle housing types, such as duplexes, triplexes, cottages, and other multi -unit homes, at minimum densities within six months of the periodic update due date. It also requires that specific Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 4 provisions be made for middle housing in the city's development regulations, such as restricting local jurisdictions from imposing more stringent development standards on middle housing developments than are currently required for other housing types. As a city with over 75,000 residents, Spokane Valley is required to permit middle housing at a minimum density of four units per lot, and six units per lot for developments that include affordable housing or are within one quarter mile of a transit station. Senate Bill 5184 Senate Bill 5184 revised minimal residential parking requirements for middle housing development. It mandated that cities fully planning under the GMA may not require off- street parking as a condition of permitting development for middle housing within one-half mile of a major transit stop or require more than one off-street parking space per unit on lots smaller than 6,000 square feet or more than two on lots greater than 6,000 square feet. The bill contains additional limits on parking requirements for affordable housing, senior housing and market rate multifamily housing. Cities may establish requirements for additional parking if a housing unit is in area with lack of access to street parking or has other physical space impediments. Developers may also choose to provide parking greater than the minimum requirements. House Bill 1337 House Bill 1337 requires the construction and use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) be allowed by right on all single family lots in fully planning cities and counties within Urban Growth Areas (UGA's). Jurisdictions must allow at least two ADUs per single family lot, including both attached and detached units. The bill includes several policies related to the regulation of ADUs, particularly those which may be restrictive to their construction or use. It eliminates barriers such as owner -occupancy requirements, establishes impact fee limits, and limits dimensional restrictions such as lot size and height. Cities and counties may apply general development regulations to ADUs which would be applicable to the principal unit, however other governing bodies such as homeowners' associations may not prohibit their development or use. As a fully planning GMA city, Spokane Valley is required to update its local land use code to allow for accessory dwelling units in single-family districts. Current Conditions This section uses market data and data from the U.S. Census Bureau to provide an overview of housing conditions within Spokane Valley, and to convey the community's existing and projected housing needs. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 5 In recent years the City of Spokane Valley has experienced greater demand for housing due to population increases in the region. This has led to an increase in housing costs and concerns over housing availability, even with recent and ongoing residential development. While the need for greater housing supply and a diversity of housing types is important, residents have expressed a desire to maintain a balance between current land uses and higher intensity infill development. Community stakeholders further identified strategic considerations for residential land uses and the housing development process. Demographic Characteristics As housing needs vary based on resident age, household size, household income and other factors, an understanding of the demographic composition of Spokane Valley residents helps to inform an understanding of local housing demand. Population Growth The population in Spokane Valley is growing at a similar rate compared to the countywide population (Exhibit 1). Since 2016 the City has experienced approximately a 13.30/0 growth rate, with an annual growth rate of about 1.8%, while Spokane County has seen a 12.6% growth rate and annual rate of nearly 1.6%. Though population growth creates demand for housing, population trends are only briefly summarized in this Element. More detailed data is contained in the Land Use Element. Exhibit 1. Spokane Valley and Spokane County Population, 2016 — 2025 600,000 500000 400, 000 300000 200000 100000 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 ■Spokane County ■ City of Spokane Valley Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Source: Washington Office afFinancial Management, 202S, CAI, 2026. Age Overall, Spokane Valley's age segmentation closely resembles that of Spokane County (Exhibit 2). Both regions have seen the largest increase in the population aged 65 years or older, increasing by 4%. They have also both seen a decrease in the population under 19, comprising 21% of Spokane Valley's population in 2024 and 24%for the County. These trends together suggest a potential decrease in the demand for large single family homes and increased demand for housing types that accommodate non -family or empty -nester households. Exhibit 2. Spokane Valley and Spokane County Age Distribution, 2016 — 2025 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 2015 2024 Spokane Valley •65+ • 55 to 64 .35 to 54 • 20 to 34 • Under 19 2015 2024 Spokane County Source: Washington Office afFinancial Management, 205,CAI, 2026. Income Over the past 10 years, incomes in both Spokane Valley and Spokane County have risen at similar rates (Exhibit 3). In Spokane Valley the median household income is approximately $47,400 dollars, while across Spokane County it is near $50,000. Accordingly, the proportion of the population earning higher incomes is slightly higher across the County than in Spokane Valley, with 42%of County households earning over $100,000 annually compared to 32 % of City households. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Exhibit 3. Income Distribution, Spokane Valley and Spokane County, 2015 — 2024 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 2015 2024 2015 2024 Spokane Valley Spokane County Source: American Community Survey, 2024, CAI, 2026. Housing Inventory and Existing Needs Housing Needs Assessment $200,000, • $100 000 - $199,999 • $60,000 - $99,999 • $25,000 - $50,000 • Less than $24 999 The City of Spokane completed a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) and Housing Action Plan (HAP) in 2020. The findings from the HNA revealed that Spokane Valley's housing stock has been underproduced in recent decades, has gotten more expensive, and lacks diversity in housing typology to meet current population needs. An evaluation of housing inventory data from 2020 to 2024 revealed an increase in housing unit delivery, expanded housing diversity, and increasing, but leveled housing costs. The 2 02 0 HNA identified that the delivery of housing units annually would need to exceed current production to address the underproduction of units from the last decade and accommodate the City's anticipated growth needs. The assessment found that from 2 010- 2 019 the current production resulted in an average of 345 housing units being built each year. Housing unit delivery has more than doubled since 2019, with an average of 1,007 housing units delivered per year far exceeding the pace set by the 2021 HNA (Exhibit 4). Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 8 Exhibit 4. Housing Unit Delivery, 2010-2019 and 2020-2024 Housing Units Average Delivered Per Year 2010 - 2019 3,445 345 M20 - M24 5,035 1,OD7 Source: Spokane Valley Housing Needs Assessment 2021; Office of Financial Management, 2025,CAI, 202S. Note: The 2021 HNA utilized Spokane County Assessor data to estimate housing unit deliveries. Of the housing units delivered between 2020 and 2024, the majority (69%) were multifamily units (Exhibit S). This aligns with needs and expectations set forth in the 2021 HNA. The rate of multifamily housing development has increased in recent decades as land constraints and construction costs have limited the delivery of single family detached homes. Exhibit 5. Housing Unit Delivery, 2020 — 2024 Unit Type 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 •Single Family •Multifamily Source: Office of Financial Management, 202S, CAI, 202S. Rental units comprise the majority of the multifamily inventory delivered over this period. The largest portion (37%, or 894 units) was delivered in 2021 (Exhibit 6). Post -pandemic, the pace of new construction has slowed, with 2024 deliveries at less than one-third of 2021's peak. Despite slowing development activity, there remains a need for additional housing inventory The recent decrease in delivery may signal a need for the Housing Element to provide greater incentives and policy revisions to support housing construction. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 1,000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Exhibit 6. Multifamily Rental Housing Deliveries 895 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Source: CoStar, 2025,CN, 202S. While multifamily housing construction has increased in recent years, Spokane Valley's housing stock continues to consist predominately single-family detached homes, as demonstrated in Exhibit 7. The 2021 HNA found that the addition of middle housing options, such as townhomes, duplexes, and quadplexes, provides options for two of the largest population sectors, young families and aging baby boomers. The growth of two and four -person households between 2012 and 2018 and growth in industry sectors with salaries below 100%AMI provide additional evidence for middle -income and middle housing demand. In 2 02 0 these homes (identified as attached housing units with one to four units in a structure) accounted for 9% of Spokane Valley's housing stock, while in 2024 they accounted for 10.7% of housing inventory. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 10 Exhibit 7. Housing Units by Type, 2024 Unit Type 2024 Total Percent Sir le -Family Detached 27,604 597% SingleFamilyAttached (1-4 Units in Structure) 4,961 10.7% Apartment (5+ Units in Structure) 10,893 23.6% MobilelManufactured Home 2,601 5.6% Other 158 0.3% Total 46,217 Source: American Community Survey, 2024, CAI, 2025. While Spokane Valley has seen modest growth in middle housing options, it may not be sufficient to accommodate current needs given the continued growth of multi -person households (Exhibit Il From 2018 to 2024, the share of two -person households in Spokane Valley has increased by 29% and three -person households by 14%. This is a similar rate of increase when compared to that from 2012 to 2018, which saw growth in two and four -person households. Exhibit 8. Change in Household Size, 2018— 2024 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 0 m 1,500 i 1,000 500 29% 3,509 (500) (yz� -3% (1,000) (351) 1 2 3 4 People per Household Source:Amer(can CommunitySurvey, 2024, CAI, 202S. Much like other cities in Washington and across the nation, Spokane Valley has faced rising housing costs, with housing costs accounting for a larger portion of income, on average. This leads to an increase in the number of cost -burdened households, or households who Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 11 spend greater than 30% of their monthly income on rent. In 2018, a majority of renters earning below 80% of area median income (AMI) were considered cost -burdened, whfle a majority of owners earning below 50%AMI were cost -burdened. In 2024, half of Spokane Valley renters were considered cost -burdened (Exhibit 9). Cost burden overall affects a smaller portion of homeowners than renters, with 22.8% of homeowners affected by cost burden. This may be in part due to the older age of single family owner -occupied housing stock. Exhibit 9. Housing Costs as a Percentage of Income, by Tenure, 2015 — 2024 Cost Burdened Owner 35+% of Income 30% of Income 25 - 29.9% of Income Cost Burdened 20 - 24.9% of Income Renter < 20% of Income 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Source: American Community Survey, 2024, CAI, 2025. Cost increases are reiterated in analysis of multifamily rental data. Rent prices have continued to increase regardless of fluctuations in the vacancy rate (Exhibit 10). Multifamily vacancies have varied between four and eight percent over the past ten years and currently sit near the national multifamily vacancy rate of 6%.1 Meanwhile, the cost of rent has seen less variation over time but has maintained a modest steady increase between 2016 and 2021 and a plateaued rate since 2022. 1 Fannie Mae, Multifamily Economic and Market Commentary. 2025 Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 12 Exhibit 10. Multifamily Vacancy Rate and Rent per Square Foot, by Quarter, 2016 —2025 Vacancy Rate 9% 8% 8% 8% 7% 7% "' 5% 6 5% 4% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% 2016 2017 2018 2019 202C 2021 2022 2023 202 Vacancy Rate —Cost per SF Source: CoStar, 2025,CAI, 202S. Rent Per SF $1.8 $1.6 $1.4 6% $1.2 $1.0 $0.8 $0.6 $0.4 $0 2 $0.0 2025 Unlike vacancies, the inventory of multifamily housing in Spokane Valley has seen steady growth in the past five years. Analysis of rental inventory shows that units have grown by 35% since 2016 and 17% since 2020 (Exhibit 11). The increase in the supply of housing may have offset the growth in year over year rent increases, which decreased between 2021 and 2023, and were slightly negative in the fourth quarter of 2025. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 13 Exhibit 11. Multifamily Housing Inventory and Rent Growth, By Quarter, 2016 — 2025 Housing Units rrr 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 Rent Growth 16.0% 15,348 14.0% 2016 2017 2013 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 —Housing Units —Rent Growth (YoY) Source: CoStar, 2025,CN, 202S. 12 0% 10.0% 80% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% -2.0% -4.0% While Spokane Valleyhas seenprogress in several targets identified inthe 2021 Housing Needs Assessment, such as an increased rate in annual housing unit delivery and an increase in middle housing options, housing costs and the rate of housing cost -burden remain high. This underscores the value of a needs -based approach, ensuring that future plans accommodate housing challenges in addition to planning for projected growth. The City is planning for a lower population growth rate through 2046 than was experienced over the last decade, which will allow the city to accommodate future growth without large increases in density or dramatic changes to its development pattern. Under this strategy, growth management emphasizes incremental increases in housing variety, targeted infill, and modest density adjustments where they best leverage existing infrastructure and current and future transit. Land Available for Housing Development Spokane Valley has adequate land to support anticipated population growth. The City's ability to accommodate anticipated population growth is evaluated based on its residential land capacity, which is calculated in the Land Capacity Analysis (LCA). The LCA inventoried vacant and underutilized parcels and estimated their residential capacity under recent middle housing legislation to understand if adequate land is available to meet future Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 14 housing growth projections. This analysis found that there is a net residential capacity for approximately 13,000 additional housing units. This aligns with the updated housing unit allocation of 12,866 units, based on anticipated regional growth and adjusted for recent housing deliveries. Additional residential capacity is identified in other zones affected by middle housing legislation. Exhibit 12. Combined Total Development Capacity by Zone Padially Net Vacant Used Underutilized Baseline New ADU Residential Zoning Acres Acres Acres Capacity Capacity Capacity Capacity Acres Acres Acres Units Uniis Units Units R-1 2.98 - NIA 2 11 - 13 R-2 27.91 26.08 N/A 140 172 - 312 R-3 128.02 339.43 N/A 2,423 2,574 - 4,997 R-4 2.09 40 N/A 254 361 - 615 MFR 29.58 116 1 3,878 - - 3,878 MU 44.85 NIA 18 705 - - 705 CMU 41.80 N/A 29 779 - - 779 RC 17.17 119.14 43 976 - - 976 Toiol 294 641 91 9,158 3,119 800 13,077 Source: Spokane Valley Land Capacity Analysis, 2026, CAI, 2026. Exhibit. Preferred land use scenario map Housing for all Economic Segments The land capacity analysis must also project housing needs by income level and summarize deficits or surpluses. while Spokane Valley's anticipated residential capacity is sufficient to accommodate overall growth projections, there is a deficit in housing units for low, very low and extremely low income housing units (Exhibit 13) with the greatest deficit for extremely low, non-PSH housing, requiring 4,572 units to reach capacity These assumptions are derived from analysis of local real estate data, which revealed that the market rarely delivers housing available to the lowest income earners. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 15 Exhibit 13. Estimated Housing Unit Capacity by Income Percent AM Allocated TOTAL and Special Housing Need Housing Surplus or Units Housing (Units) Capacity Deficit Requiring Income Level Needs (Units) (Units) Subsidies Extremely Low 0-30%PSH 1,380 141 (1,239) (1,239) Extremely Low 0-30%Other 4,713 141 (4,572) (4,572) Very Low > 30 - 50% 2,811 1,201 (1,610) (1,610) Low > 50 - 80% 378 6,467 6,088 0 Moderate > 80- 100% 583 1,708 1,125 0 High > 100 - 120% 694 945 251 0 Very High > 120% 2,306 2,473 167 0 Total 12,866 13,077 211 (7,421) Source: CAI, 202S. Note: Final housing unit allocations by income hand have been reduced by a total of3,79S units from the HAPT figures in Spokane Valley's original allocations to reflect permitted units in projects built since 2020, per Department of Commerce guidance. Note 2: The projections assume that the entirety of housing units far 0-30°% income will require subsidies, incentives or other measures. Similarly, the above projections assume a portion of units in the 30-S0% income band will be produced by the market and additional subsidy is required to produce the necessary units. Supportive Housing The 2023 update to the comprehensive plan process stipulates that housing unit inventory include projections for housing units by income level as well as emergency housing, emergency shelters, and permanent supportive housing. It also must identify sufficient capacity of land for government -assisted housing, group homes and foster care facilities. Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is defined by the State legislature as subsidized, leased housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and living with a disabling condition. 3 PSH is along -term housing solution and is included in housing need projections as a subset of 0-30%AMI income band. Emergency housing meanwhile is defined as temporary accommodations for households experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.3 The capacity for emergency housing is evaluated independently from that for permanent housing. Group homes, while not defined by legislation, are commonly defined as residential environments for people with mental or physical disabilities, such as adult family homes.4 Foster care facilities, or foster family 3 RtW 36 070 030 3lbld "MSRG Group Homes Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 16 homes, are defined as a person(s) licensed to regularly provide 24-hour care in their home to children.6 All supportive housing is allowed by right within any zone which permits residential dwellings. Emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing may not be prohibited in any zones that allows hotels or residential dwellings.b Similarly, foster homes and adult family homes are considered a residential use and are permitted in all areas zoned for residential uses.7,8 Land Availability for Other Housing Types The Land Use Capacity Analysis evaluated the housing types available by zone, to ensure that code ensures land availability for additional housing types, such as manufactured homes and multifamily housing. Manufactured housing is allowed by right in zones R-1, R- 2, R-3 and R-4. Per Exhibit 12, there is residential capacity for 5,937 housing units within these zones. Multifamily housing, distinguished from middle housing as housing units within a structure containing four or more housing units, is allowed by right in MFR, CMU and MU zones. They are also allowed in residential zones in specific formats. There is demonstrated capacity for multifamily housing in MFR CMU and MU zones for up to 5,362 housing units. Approach to the Housing Element The following summarize challenges and opportunities related to housing strategy which will guide goal and policy development in the Housing Element. Challenges and Opportunities The primary challenge for improvements to the housing landscape in Spokane Valley exists in the balance between increasing and diversifying the housing supply while maintaining housing costs and existing residential land use patterns. While the cost, access to and supply of housing remain obstacles, new state level legislation provides opportunities for streamlined development, increased housing capacity and support for middle housing types. Managing Growth Regional population growth continues to cause strain on Spokane Valley's housing supply with housing costs and availability cited as a concern for many residents. Spokane Valley is s WAC.110.148.1305 6 RCW 3 521 683 ] WashiWon State Department of Children. Youth & Families a RCW. 70.128.140 Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 17 required to comply with Countywide housing allocations and plan for adequate capacity to accommodate predicted population growth. Preserving Affordability The proportion of cost -burdened residents, both renters and owners, has increased since 2 02 1. This indicates that recent increases in housing supply have supported stabilized housing costs, but continued development is needed to meet regional demand. Tools such as land banking, surplus land transfers, and coordinated land use and transportation planning can help ensure adequate housing capacity while promoting equitable access to amenities and services. Maintaining Diverse Housing Options Much of the existing housing stock in Spokane Valley consists of larger homes on large lots, which inherently limit inventory and are increasingly unaffordable for many resident populations. At the same time, there is an opportunity to expand housing choice through milli development, middle housing, short plats, and multigenerational housing, as well as by leveraging affordability tools to better meet the needs of diverse households and address homelessness. Enabling Expedient and Strategic Development While development policies and standards such as zoning regulations, parking minimums, new density standards, permitting timelines, and public hearing requirements may represent some constraints on development, they are in place to ensure development is safe, consistent with the City's vision and standards, and provides a mechanism for public input. Balancing competing pressures, the City strives to support expedient and appropriate development with afocus on continuous process improvement. Planning for Housing in the Right locations The amount of land available for development within the Urban Growth Area is finite, raising concerns about long-term housing capacity and where future growth should occur. While some areas near urban services, parks, transit, or the river remain underutilized due to current zoning or land use designations, these locations present opportunities for more strategic residential development. The concentration of mixed -use zoning along corridors such as Sprague Avenue —which are not pedestrian- or bicycle -friendly —also raises concerns about residential suitability Updating zoning to allow greater density, reduced parking requirements, and more mixed - use development, particularly in R3 and R4 zones, and reconsidering land use near parks, rivers, transit, and services could expand housing capacity and improve neighborhood livability. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 18 New and Emerging Trends A combination of recent cultural, legislative, and economic developments inform the emerging trends pertinent to this Housing Element. The need to improve housing affordability, increase housing capacity and the role of housing within the urban environment permeates local, regional and national conversations. The following represent new and emerging trends with implications for Spokane Valley's Housing Element policies. Walkable, Mixed Use Development There is a high demand for mixed use and residential development in walkable, amenity rich areas. Coordinating infill housing development in locations with access to goods and services and transportation options supports neighborhood vitality and limits urban expansion beyond the UGA Increased Housing Capacity As new Growth Management legislation allows for increased density and more diverse housing typologies, there is greater opportunity to increase the supply and availability of housing. Spokane Valley can support housing construction through updated zoning codes, flexible development standards and expedited permitting processes. Housing Affordability for All Households While the increased supply of housing in Spokane Valley will improve housing affordability, affordable housing is an important consideration as the market does not currently provide housing affordable for all income levels. The provision of affordable housing is critical to meet the needs of all households, including those that have special needs or are on fixed incomes. Any build out of Affordable Housing in the City should align with existing programs and systems that seek to serve those that are unsheltered or unstably housed. The City should strive to work with regional providers to streamline and coordinate the distribution of limited resources. Coordinated Homeless and Supportive Services Similar to many other cities in Washington, there is an increasing need for housing options for unsheltered individuals and those facing housing insecurity. In Spokane Valley, there are greater options for social services providing food and clothing than there are options for housing homeless residents. Cities are required to plan for current and projected emergency housing needs, although current needs are higher than what the anticipated local progress can address. State guidance aims to promote additional emergency housing availability by allowing facilities within any zone in which hotels are allowed, except in such cities that have adopted an ordinance authorizing emergency housing in a majority of zones within a one -mile proximity to transit. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 19 In addition to allowing for additional emergency shelters, planning for access to supportive services can assist in meeting other immediate needs to reduce housing instability. Future planning should aim to co -locate support services with emergency housing in locations in close proximity to public transportation. Ensuring state requirements are reflected in the updated zoning code and coordinating access to supportive services can improve outcomes for homeless and housing insecure individuals. Strategic Priorities The priorities outlined aim to support Spokane Valley's strategic housing goals while also fulfilling the updated requirements for Housing Element as set by Commerce. Housing Choice for All As identified in the current conditions, housing access and affordability continue to pose a significant challenge for many Spokane Valley residents. In addition to a need for increased housing supply, there is a need for greater diversity in housing type and location. By supporting and prioritizing diverse housing production, Spokane Valley can support positive housing outcomes for residents of varying need, age, ability and income levels. Compliance with State Statute Guidance from Commerce for the latest Comprehensive Plan cycle includes new requirements for evaluating housing access and disparities by racial group and economic segment. Planning for Racially Disparate Impacts New Commerce guidance requires that Housing Elements examine the racially disparate impacts of local policies and regulations which can lead to disinvestment, exclusion and displacement risk for affected populations. Racially disparate impacts are defined by Commerce as when policies, practices, rules, or other systems result in a disproportionate impact on one or more racial groups. Conditions that indicate that policies have racially disparate impacts can include segregation, cost burden, displacement, exclusion, educational opportunities, and health disparities. Cities are required to complete a Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis (RDIA) to analyze current conditions, evaluate local policies, and revise harmful policies and regulations. The RDIA found that both past and current conditions contribute to disparate impacts in housing outcomes by race and ethnicity It identified policies that can be revised to improve adverse housing outcomes such as displacement and gentrification. The RDIA is included as an appendix to this element. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 20 Adequate Provisions for Housing Development In accordance with recent legislation, Spokane Valley is required to make adequate provisions for existing and projected needs for all economic segments of the community, including consideration for low, very low, extremely low, and moderate -income households. While the land capacity analysis in the Land Use Elements chapter finds that Spokane Valley has adequate housing inventory to meet population projections, when evaluated by income, the current market does not provide for all economic segments. Additional considerations are needed in the Housing Element to make housing stock accessible for all community members, including low and extremely low-income households. This includes a review of housing production trends, an assessment of barriers to development, and documented programs and actions to overcome each barrier. The following section compares housing needs to production trends to identify barriers to housing production, determine what kind of barriers exist and document appropriate programs and actions to overcome identified barriers. Exhibit 14 demonstrates that there is a barrier to housing production in Spokane Valley due to historic average unit production, which, when evaluated by income level, is below the annual unit production needed to keep pace with population growth. Exhibit 14. Housing Production Trends Compared to Projected Housing Needs Projected Housing Types) Annual Unit Historic Housing Need That Best Serves Aggregated Production Average Barrier to Income Level (2025 -2046) Needs Housing Need Needed Production Housing? 0-30%PSH 1,380 Moderate to High 0-30%Non-PSH 4,713 Density+Mid-Rise 8,905 445 398 Yes 31-50% 2,811 51-80% 378 Middle Housing + 378 19 Condos + ADU's 230 No 81-100% 583 Low Density+ 101-120% 694 ADU's 3,583 179 Above 120% 2,306 Source: Washington Office of Financial Management, 202S, CAI, 2025. Similarly, sub -market housing, which includes emergency housing and permanent supportive housing (PSH), has not been historically produced at the rate needed to meet housing needs (Exhibit 15). This provides evidence of the need to identify barriers to production and corresponding funding programs and actions to overcome barriers. Similarly, sub -market housing, which includes emergency housing and permanent supportive housing (PSH), has not been historically produced at the rate needed to meet housing needs (Exhibit 15). This provides evidence of the need to identify barriers to production and corresponding funding programs and actions to overcome barriers. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 21 Exhibit 15. Production Trends of Sub -Market Housing Projected Historic Housing Annual Unit Annual Income Level Need Production Production Housing/ Shelter 733 37 0-30% PSH 1,380 69 Source: Spokane Valley Land CapacityAnalysis, 202S, CAI, 202S. In order to gather information on existing barriers to housing production, this Housing Element utilizes Commerce provided checklists to review development regulations, process obstacles, land availability and environmental constraints and funding gaps. The checklists in Exhibit 16 through Exhibit 21 review barriers to moderate density development, emergency housing and permanent supportive housing (PSH), ADU development and funding sources. Note: the following checklists are draft placeholders pending City decisions on which adequate provisions to pursue. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 22 Exhibit 16. Moderate Density Barriers, Development Regulations Itmrier m Rmaier ProducYon? W yorwhynot? Acdonsto Address UevelopmmtRegWado unrdear Development Regulations Pr ohibtted h Dosing types Cduples, triplex, t ownhom% cottage, live -work, mnnufartnred] High Mnuium. Lot A.. Low Maainnm Density Low Maximum Building Heights Ur, Setback gegnlrements forge off-street parking r,—ements Highimpervious coverage limits lack ofaU un..t between building and development codes Source: Spokane Valley Land Use Code, 2026, CAI, 2026. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 23 Exhibit 17. Moderate Density Barriers, Process Obstacles earrerto Barrier Production? Nhyorwhynot? Acronsto Address yrocess Obxtaaes Conditionalusepermit process Design renew Lark of clear andacressible information about process and fees Permitf s,®paaloesand utility connection Pees thatare notpmpoaomtem®pea Processing times and staffing challenges SEPAProcess Source: Spokane Valley Land Use Code, 2026, CAI, 2026. Exhibit 18. Moderate Density Barriers, Land Availability and Environmental Constraints B o,rbo Barrier Production? Whyorwhynot? AcLi.w Address land Avvlabd.W Bnvirosao..w Constraints Lack oflacg. parcels for infi6 development Envv.caaocal Constraints Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 24 Exhibit 19. Emergency and Permanent Supportive Housing Barriers Berrien. Harrier Aetions to Address Development Regulations Sparing requmements (distance from parks, schools, oNer emergency housing facilities] Pmkmgregavements Onb to recreation and or. specerequiremu,U Restrictions on support spaces, such as office space, within transitional or PSH building in remdentialzone Arbitrary limits on number of occupants RequaemenU for PSH not imposed on housing developments generally Other: Allowance by Zone Source: Spokane Valley Land Use Code, 2025,CAI, 2025. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 25 Exhibit 20. Accessory Dwelling Unit Barriers As tionsto Harrier Harrierto Production? Whyorwhynot7 Address Heve] opment Regulations Consistentwith H31337 (2023) Uncleardevelopment regu b. Off street parldng requirements Burdensome design standards Source: Spokane Valley Land Use Code, 202S, CAI, 202S. Exhibit 21. Funding Gaps Barriers Local option funding tools for affordablehousing ImplemnatatioasGtus Plan for implementati on Housing and related services sales tax Affordable housing property tax levy REET2 Affordable housing sales tax credit LodgingG Mental Ilness and Drag Dependency tax Donating surplus public lands for affordable housing prof een Impact fee waivers for affordable housingpoEdes M FCE with affordable housing protects General funds (induding levy Ed lift to increase funds available) Homeless Housing Program Ford Sources: Spokane Valley Annual Budget 2025,CAI, 202S. In addition to the proposed method for identifying gaps in local funding for housing needs, jurisdictions should also estimate the gap in funding associated with capital costs for new affordable housing development. Exhibit 22 utilizes Commerce's example methodology to calculate the gap in affordable housing funding. The number of Annual Affordable Housing Units Needed, presented by income level, is informed by Land Capacity Analysis calculations and the Annual Average Unit Production is informed by housing estimates Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 26 reported by the Washington Office of Financial Management. The Gap in Annual Affordable Housing Production represents the difference between the number of units produced annually (398) and the total number of affordable housing units needed (445 for all three income levels combined). Finally, the Gap in Funding is estimated based on the average cost per affordable housing unit. The estimate for Spokane Valley, $219,417, is an inflation - adjusted value based on a review of low-income housing tax credit affordable housing developments from 2015-2022. Exhibit 22. Affordable Housing Funding Gap Annual Gap in Annual Estimated Annual Affordable Average Affordable Cost per Housing Units Units Housing Affordable Gap in 0-30%Non-PSH 1 2361 3981 47, $217,4191 $10,218,693 Source: Spokane Valley Land CapacityAnalysis, 2025,Washington Office of Financial Management 2025, Washington State Housing Finance Commission, 2022, BERK, 2022, CommunityAttrihutes, 2026. Exhibit. Barriers and Strategies Mix This exhibit will identify and document appropriate programs and actions to overcome identified barriers to housing production, pending City guidance. Goals and Policies The Goals and Policies listed here guide priorities related to housing density, development, and location. Goals H-G1 Allow for a broad range of housing opportunities to meet the needs of the community H-G2 Plan for and accommodate housing affordable to all economic segments of the community H-G3 Work collaboratively with local stakeholders to develop and continue to implement a Homeless Response System specific to the needs of the Valley. H-G4 Work closely with and support the Regional Homeless System to ensure continuity of care for community members that are unsheltered and unstably housed in the Valley and throughout our region. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 27 Policies H-P1 Adopt development regulations that expand housing choices by allowing innovative housing types including tiny homes, accessory dwelling units, prefabricated homes, co -housing, cottage housing, and other housing types. H-P2 Leverage federal, state and local funds, when appropriate, to bolster existing programs provided to Valley residents. H-P3 Plan for, accommodate, and support the development of affordable housing units using available financial and regulatory tools. H-P4 Plan for and enable the creation of housing for all income levels and individuals and families needing assistance from social and human service providers. H-PS Enable a variety of housing types at increased densities within 'A mile of funded high performance transit networks. H-P6 Preserve and enhance the city's established single-family neighborhoods by minimizing the impacts of more dense housing typologies such as duplexes and cottage development. H-P7 Support voluntary efforts by property owners to rehabilitate and preserve buildings of historic value and unique character. H-P8 Work with service providers to bring additional resources to Valley Residents. H-P9 Encourage community resource hubs where service providers can co -locate in areas near public transportation. H-P10 Support service providers that desire to serve Valley residents through targeted programs focused on homeless service delivery. H-P11 Ensure that homeless and housing services are sited properly and have commensurate on -site support to maintain the character of neighborhoods and minimize public service calls. H-P12 Support the implementation of the Continuum of Care Five -Year Strategic Plan to End Homelessness. H-P13 Continue active participation on regional committees that address homelessness and housing instability such as the Continuum of Care Board and the Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee. H-P14 Encourage and support new projects and programs which seek to assist in maintaining housing stability or provide exits from homelessness to housing. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 28 H-P15 Analyze and collect data through the Homeless Management Information System and use this data to help drive homeless and housing policy H-P16 Continue to support and participate in the Coordinated Entry implementation. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 29 V. Housing Appendix - Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Introduction In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1220 (HE 1220) as an amendment to the state Growth Management Act (GMA). HE 1220 requires that local governments plan for housing at all income levels and assess the racially disparate impacts (RDI) of existing housing policies. Conditions that indicate that policies have racially disparate impacts can include segregation, cost burden, displacement, educational opportunities, and health disparities. According to the Washington Department of Commerce ('Commerce"), Racially Disparate Impacts exist "when policies, practices, rules, or other systems result in a disproportionate impact on one or more racial groups" Commerce prescribes five steps for understanding and addressing racially disparate impacts: • Step 1: Engage the Community • Step 2: Gather & Analyze Data • Step 3: Evaluate Policies • Step 4: Revise Policies • Step S: Review &Update Regulations This report covers Step 2 and Step 3 - it includes a summary of findings based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and other sources. These findings then inform the policy evaluations and recommendations found at the end of the report. Key Findings Both past and present policies, practices and regulations contribute to disparate impacts in housing outcomes by race and ethnicity. While these impacts can be traced back to patterns of historic discrimination, such as exclusion from wealth -building opportunities, desirable neighborhoods, or higher education, black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) in Spokane Valley also face disparate impacts due to policies and regulations in place today. Spokane Valley has a similar racial and ethnic diversity as that found in Spokane County, but many neighborhoods are experiencing demographic changes beyond County - level trends. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Spokane Valley is diversifying, albeit slowly. The overall portion of the population that identifies as BIPOC residents increased from 15% in 2015 to 22%in 2024. The risk of gentrification and displacement are greater in neighborhoods with higher concentrations of BIPOC populations. This is driven by both demographic and market changes, such as rising incomes, land values and neighborhood racial composition. BIPOC populations have lower rates of homeownership, higher monthly cost burden and lower average incomes. Historical Context Throughout the history of the United States, a combination of laws and practices have impacted where specific groups of people live, what opportunities they have access to, and their ability to build wealth through stable housing. Unfortunately, many of these policies explicitly or implicitly benefited white residents at the expense of all others. The legacy of policies like redlining, which used racial criteria in determining which neighborhoods were suitable for government -backed loans, highway development through predominantly -Black neighborhoods, and racial covenants explicitly excluding certain groups from owning specific properties continues to impact nonwhite communities today. While many cities have acknowledged the harms of these policies, many of which are no longer legal, there are still policies in effect today that hold cities back from rectifying systemic harms. These can include policies that reference vague concepts like "neighborhood character," as well as those that permit only the most expensive homes to be built, thus shutting lower -income residents out of high -opportunity areas. This section contains a historic review of some of the known policies and programs that caused racially disparate impacts in Spokane Valley as a starting point in understanding present-day conditions. Throughout the U nited States, racial covenants were used to exclude certain races and religious groups from residing in specific neighborhoods, creating exclusive areas for white, Christian residents. These deed restrictions were legally enforceable from 1927 to 1968. In the area now incorporated as the City of Spokane Valley, property owners added racially restrictive covenants to over 1,500 lots (Exhibit 1). There are many clusters of restricted parcels, as they were often applied to entire neighborhoods, but are also included in individual deeds. Covenants were most common near Dishman and Opportunity, with the largest located South of Opportunity between South University Road and S Dishman Mica Road. Racially restrictive covenants are clustered near the center of the city in part due to historic development patterns, as more rural and suburban areas were not yet developed. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Exhibit 1. Racially Restrictive Covenants '„ Yc In :in ' . -Uri 1, 1,211 el "1' z.. Voll yN -gip l Fl,n�a y P k.F ce f 80p SP3CSG�ce �!CAI Ie.wureU"ecp,enph �. C Miles Soarce: Washington Smte Racially Restrictive Covenants Project, 2022. The combination of racially restrictive covenants and redlining impacted the ability of Black veterans to fully access homeownership loan benefits through the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (GI Bill), which enabled white veterans to buy housing and build wealth in the suburbs. Racial covenants have since been declared unconstitutional, and Fair Housing laws have been put into effect. The impact of redlining and racially restrictive covenants are still visible in Spokane Valley today. The areas with the greatest percentage of BIPOC residents (by Census tract) coincide with neighborhoods which lacked racially restrictive covenants, specifically in the northeast area surrounding Mirabeau Park (Exhibit 2). Conversely, several neighborhoods with large restrictive covenants, such as that along S Dishman Mica Road, have lower proportions of BIPOC residents. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 3 Exhibit 2. BIPOC Population in Spokane Valley, 2020 omnk-e de, M-1, n.l =—d." ..rig BI=DO Prncnnfagc 9009 M 26%- M = 91%-959 M']%-X0% Source: US Decennia/ Census, 2020, Washington Dep[. afCammerce, 2023, CAI, 2025. Racial and Ethnic Composition in Spokane Valley The racial and ethnic population in Spokane Valley today is predominately white Exhibit 3], with approximately 23% of the population identifying as BIPOC. This aligns closely with the composition of Spokane Courtyard other nearby jurisdictions. Hispanic, of any race, is the next largest ethnicity in both areas, followed by those who identify as Some Other Race. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 4 100% 90% 30% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Exhibit 3. Racial and Ethnic Composition, Spokane Valley, 2024 Total Population BIPOC Population 100% . Hispanic (any race) 90% 30% ■ Some Other Race 70% so% ■ Native Hawaiian/ 50% Pacific Islander 40% ■ Asian 30% 20% ■American Indian/ 10% Alaska Native 0% . Black or African American Source: American CommunitySurvey, 2024, CAI, 2025. Nate: Dam includes race alarm or in combinatum with one or mare races When compared to the previous decade, the racial composition of Spokane Valley has diversified slightly (Exhibit 4), however White residents remain the largest racial and ethnic group by a significant margin. The greatest increase in racial diversity is due to the population of residents who identify as another race (Some Other Race), which has more than doubled in the time since 2015. The proportion of Black, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander residents has also increased since 2015, while White and American Indian populations have decreased slightly, relative to the overall population. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 5 Exhibit 4. Racial and Ethnic Composition, Spokane Valley, 2015, 2024 White 93.5% 93.1% Black or African American L2.2% 3.9% American Indian and Alaska Native 2.6 1.9% Asian 3.0/ 3.9% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander ` 1.0% 1 1.5% Some Other Race 6 .6% 5.3% Hispanic (any race) 4.8% 5.3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% :IpzrzllmEpzorzt Source: American Commuaity5urvey, 2015, 2024, CAI, 2025. Now Data includes mce alone or in combination with one or more races and as such may represent figures largerthan Spokane Valleys [oral population. Tomis may also reflect valuesgreater than 1009c as Hispanic is classified as an ethnicity rather than mce. Demographic Changes and Displacement Risk Washington Department of Commerce data provides evidence that gentrification, disinvestment and displacement have occurred in Spokane Valley over the past decade. This section utilizes the Washington Department of Commerce's guidance to evaluate demographic changes as indicators for racially disparate impacts, specifically gentrification' and disinvestment2. In this context, demographic change refers only to gentrification and disinvestment. The primary indicators for these occurrences are m Gemrtrification is defined by Commerce as the process of neighborhood change resulting in households being unable to remain in their neighborhood or naive irm a neighborhood that would have been previously accessible to them The neighborhood change includes emnnormc change in a historically disimested neighborhood, such as rising land values and rising housing costs, as wi as demographic change representing a shift in the income, racial composition, or educational level of residents. This is also referred to as "neighborhood exclusionary change" or "exclusionary displacement" 2 Disinvestment is defined by Commerce as a process by which a community is not prioritized for investment, or by which a system, policy or ac iondisimenrivizes investment in a specific area. Disinvestment processes occur over time, often in the long term Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update change in household income and change in racial composition, evaluated using Census tract data from 2010 and 2 02 0. Gentrification, the process of neighborhood change due to population influx, rising costs and investment interest, among others, is a central concern in evaluating racially disparate impacts. For this analysis, Commerce determined that a decrease in BIPOC residents coinciding with a decrease in low income households provides evidence of gentrification. Gentrification can occur regardless of racial composition changes, therefore areas experiencing a decrease in low income households without changes in racial composition are still at risk. Additional examination of the driving forces behind population shifts may inform an understanding of the rate and severity of gentrification in a neighborhood. Conversely, areas with increasing BIPOC populations and increasing low income households may be at risk for disinvestment, caused by opposite forces from gentrification. When an area gains BIPOC residents but also loses income, disinvestment may occur due to loss of tax dollars, influence or resources. The classification of demographic change (as evaluated by Commerce) is demonstrated in the matrix in (Exhibit 5). Exhibit 5. Demographic Change Classification Matrix Decreasing BIPOC Tracking County Change Increasing BIPOC Increasing Low Tracking County Decreasing Low Income Change Income Households Households No Gentrification Gentrification Disinvestment No Gentrification Disinvestment No No Source: Washington Dept of Commerce, 2023, CAI, 2025. Examining Changes in BIPOC Populations The first step to evaluating demographic change involves examining the change in BIPOC populations within the City. While the racial composition of Spokane Valley has seen minimal variation in recent years overall, within the City there are changes apparent at the neighborhood level. Analysis completed by the Washington Department of Commerce evaluated each Census tract's percent change in the BIPOC population and compared to the County change in BIPOC populations.3 This revealed that, compared to County trends, many a Percent change in the BIPOC population (2010-2020). Each tract's percent change in the population that is BIPOC was compared to the county percent change in population that is BIPOC. Each Census tract was categorized based on the following classification system: • BIPOC population grew at or below 75% of the county rate is classified as "Decreasing BIPOC." The BIPOC population may have increased, but the rate of growth is lagging the countywide rate. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update central tracts have increasing BIPOC populations while only two areas have BIPOC population growth below the County rate. Overall: • 13 Census tracts have increasing BIPOC populations • 13 Census tracts are following County changes • 2 Census tracts have decreasing BIPOC populations Areas with increasing BIPOC populations include the tracts surrounding Mirabeau Point Park to the north, Greenacres to the east, along Sprague Avenue between Pines Road and Evergreen Road, and surrounding S Dishman Mica Road to the south. Tracts with decreasing BIPOC populations are located north of I-90 between North Park Road and University Road, and a small area south of Shelly Lake (Exhibit 6). Composition changes may be the result of changing incomes, increasing rents, or other economic and cultural motivators, as well as relocation of residents from areas outside the City. • BIPOC population grew between 75-125% of the county rate is categorized as'Yracldng the county change' • BIPOC population grew above 125% of the county rate is categorized as'7ncreasing BIPOC' Washington Department of Commerce, 2023 Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 8 Exhibit 6. BIPOC Population Change by Census Tract, 2010 - 2020 PR n M SpDkCne b II 'M nary 1 n, aM c 3,euot d Open 3 POC Changes SmIB i I.C2a5fn, 81FOC - �ecrsarng 'loot ��MIIes Sources: US Decennial Census, 2010, 2020, Washington Dept. afCommerce, 2023, CAI, 2025. Changes in Household Income Similar to BIPOC change, income changes in Spokane Valley between 2010 to 2020 are evaluated by comparing Census tract changes to Countywide changes (Exhibit 7). 4 Examination of changes in income reveal there is an overlap in the neighborhoods with "This measure reflects whether the change in the percent of households with incomes at or below 00% of the county median income departs from the county -wide trend. • "Decreasing Low Income Households" ifthe tract percent change in low income households is less than 75% of the county change in low income households. The number of low income households may have increased, but the proportional change is less than seen in the county. • "Tracking county change" ifthe tract percent change in low income households is between 75% and 100% of the county change in low income households • "Increasing Low Income Households" if the tract percent change in low income households is 125%or greater than the county change in low income households. Washington Department of commerce. 2023. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 9 decreasing BIPOC residents and decreasing low income households as well as increasing BIPOC residents and increasing low income households. This provides further indication for gentrification in select Census tracts. Overall: • 13 Census tracts have increasing low income households • 11 Census tracts have decreasing low income households • Four Census tracts are tracking the County change As stated, the changes in household income by Census tract follow a similar pattern to the changes in racial composition. While central Spokane Valley has Census tracts experiencing both increases and decreases in the number of low income households, the majority of the westernmost Census tracts are experiencing a decrease in low income households. The tracts north and directly west of Mirabeau Point Park have increasing low income households. The locational occurrences of income change in Spokane Valley are demonstrated below in Exhibit 7. Exhibit 7. Income Change by Census Tract, 2010 — 2020 t a _I -- Oce y rcpd Bwntlay Cem e e rml M �&O p Ch n90 L .ehdholds �De[m gL I me1.HeisHdf 4CAi . irv1U'SC CM1 n5e � )Ornlles Sources: US Decennial Census, 2010, 2020, American Community Survey, 2006-2010 and 2017-2021; Washington Dept. of Commerce, 2023, CAf, 2025. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 10 Gentrification and Disinvestment Examining the overlap between income change and racial composition change reveals patterns of both gentrification and displacement. • Six Census tracts have evidence of gentrification • 13 Census tracts have evidence of disinvestment • 9 Census tracts have seen little to no change Exhibit 8 demonstrates the demographic changes seen from 2010- 2 02 0 by Census tract. The western most Census tracts comprise the largest area experiencing gentrification whfie areas on the interior perimeter, such as the neighborhood around Mirabeau Point Park, are experiencing disinvestment. Large portions of both central and northeast Spokane Valley are tracking County change. This may be due in part to the presence of industrial and commercial areas which limit the amount of residential change which an occur. Exhibit 8. Demographic Change, 2010 - 2020 vri�C'. - `s 1V N OSpc i.. v._nc Fal eeoneay I _. mLad BnuntlaXei I PaAS. Recaotler.80pen Space ppmptflppMC CiIOINJC � Genitlf mtlm f� I Jis meslrt9nl �1r�i [ _�601es voCh, Sources: US Decennia/ Census, 2010, 2020, American Community Survey, 2006-2010 and 2017-2021; Washington Dept. of Commence, 2023, CAI, 2025. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 11 Evidence of Displacement As communities experience economic pressures due to increased median incomes, greater demand for housing or changes in median income, housing demand and job access, market changes can lead to displacement. Displacement primarily occurs when existing neighborhood residents are unable to maintain housing when housing costs rise and are forced to move. Market changes, analyzed by changes in average rent, in combination with gentrification risks, inform displacement risks estimates in Spokane Valley (Exhibit 9). Displacement risk follows a pattern similar to demographic change, with the west end of the city composing the largest area at high risk. This is due to the demonstrated increased risk of gentrification in combination with market rent changes (as evaluated by Commerce in Displacement Score assessments). There is moderate displacement risk in the tracts located south of I-90, between University Road and Evergreen Road, and low risk in the south and east ends. The tract with the highest percentage of BIPOC residents, that surrounding Mirabeau Point Park, has a low displacement risk. 5 Economic displacement occurs when neighborhood residents are unable to maintain housing when housing costs rise. The displacement risk methodology measures housing price changes reflected in rental costs. Displacement Risk Score findings indicates Census tracts which may have experienced Demographic and Market Change but do not confirm risk of displacement. Washington Department of Commerce, Displacement Risk Data, 2023 Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 12 Exhibit 9. Displacement Risk, 2021 I 1Mdvc:co¢ rr J • fir. p�� <"/� ;; ek, IF Ash M'¢ M SpckarcVA oa MunO IBouncp ' �`k aK n oper5pa:e Ds, .cement RA M HGt Rk[ ' hMdwNF BiR /i DxnnS,aoMc anc M1KM1S-CTcnA� A, OM'Icsl wa Sources: American Community Survey, 2006-2010 and 2017-2021; Washington Dept afCommerce, 2023, CAI, 2025. Housing Outcomes by Race and Ethnicity In addition to facing greater rates of disinvestment, gentrification and subsequent displacement risk, BIPOC residents face disproportionately greater housing obstacles as evidenced by disparate homeownership rates and the rate of housing cost burden. Homeownership rates in particular demonstrate disparate impacts by race and ethnicity, as depicted in Exhibit 10. while nearly 60% of white and Asian households in Spokane Valley own homes, only 20% of Black or African American residents and 15% of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander populations live in owner -occupied units. Homeownership can create opportunity for wealth-bufiding and potential long-term cost -savings, so the disparities between populations represents a significant barrier to equitable housing outcomes. Additionally, the stability and continuity provided by homeownership can have far reaching benefits. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 13 Exhibit 10. Housing Tenure by Race and Ethnicity, Spokane Valley, 2024 All Households White alone, non -Hispanic Black or African American American Indian or Native Alaskan Asian Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Some other race Two or more races Hispanic or Latino alone 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% ■Owner -Occupied ■Renter -Occupied Source: American CommunitySurvey, 2024, CAI, 2025. Nate: Dam includes race alarm or in combinatum with one or mare races. When compared to the County, Spokane Valley has lower overall homeownership rates, but similar racial and ethnic disparities (Exhibit 11). Similar to Spokane Valley, all racial and ethnic groups evaluated, except for white, non -Hispanic, have homeownership rates below the County average. While 66% of County households are owner -occupied, only 42% of Hispanic and Latino residents own homes, while 29% of Black and African American residents and 15%of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents own their homes. The disparities in home ownership by race in Spokane County contributes to the continued imbalance in regional housing outcomes. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 14 Exhibit 11. Housing Tenure by Race and Ethnicity, Spokane County, 2024 All Households White alone, non -Hispanic Black or Afncan American American Indian or Native Alaskan Asian Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Some other race Two or more races Hispanic or Latino alone ■Owner -Occupied ■Renter -Occupied 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Source: Sauree: American Community Survey, 2023, CAI, 2025. Now Dam includes race alone or in combination with one or more races. Income and Cost Burden Disparities Beyond homeownership rates, housing needs can be measured by the number of households that are experiencing housing "cost burden", or the number of households paying more than 30% of their gross income on housing.6 Households who spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs are considered "severely cost burdened". Increased housing costs leads to more households facing cost -burdens, and as such greater risk for displacement when housing costs rise. Additionally, cost burden may be felt greater by lower -income households who have less income remaining after housing costs to cover other life expenses. In Spokane Valley approximately 35% of households are housing cost -burdened, which is higher than the state average of 32.50/0. 7 However, among BIPOC populations, the average rate of cost burden is nearly 42%, 15% of which are severely cost burdened. The greatest disparity in cost burden occurs for Black and African American residents, with 69% of the 6 Commerce, ] State of Washington's Housing Report. 2024 Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 15 population facing housing cost burdens, whereas only 34% of White residents face cost burden. Exhibit 12. Cost Burden by Race and Ethnicity, Spokane Valley, 2024 Total Cost Burden: 34% White alone Total Cost Burden: 69% Black or Atncan American Total Cost Burden: 37% American Indian or Native Alaskan Total Cost Burden. 50% Asian r Total Cost Burden: 29% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Some Other Race Total Cost Burden: 32% Two or More Races M Hispanic or Latino alone 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% ■ Not Cost Burdened ■Cost Burdened ■ Severely Cost Burdened Source: American CommunitySurvey, 2024, CAI, 2025. Nate: Dam includes race alarm or in cambinatum with one or mare races. A driving force behind disparities in cost burden is due to disparities in income, which impacts housing location, housing access and the percent of income spent on housing. Within Spokane Valley, median incomes vary greatly by race and ethnic group (Exhibit 13). Given the limited sample size for populations in Spokane Valley, the County data provides a better economic snapshot for these populations. Please note for some racial or ethnic populations, the small sample size may lead to a high margin of error in reporting values. Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 16 Exhibit 13. Median Household Income by Race and Ethnicity, Spokane Valley and Spokane County, 2023 $120,000 $100,000 S86.2 $80,000 $74.1 $75.4 $70.5 $60,000 $49.6 $40,000 $34.8 $20,000 I $0 All White Black or Households alone, not African Hispanic or American Latino $97.6 $98.6 $70.1 []$64.7 $80.0 $80.6 $68.2 $67.3 11 Native Asian Native Some Two or Hispanic or American Hmaiian Other Race More Latino or Alaska and Other Races Native pacific Islander •Spokane Valley •Spokane County Source: American Community Survey, 2023, CAI, 202S. Note: The average margin oferror far Spokane Valley estimates is near $21,000, while the margin oferror far the County is near $8,000, with variation between each racialgroup. Alt Note: The margin oferror far Native American and Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander incomes estimates isgreater than +1-$30,000. While this report evaluates disparate impacts in housing outcomes like homeownership rate or cost burden, housing also supports access and outcomes that are difficult to measure, like green space access, academic opportunity, proximity to high paying jobs and neighborhood safety The opportunities provided by adequate housing are often disproportionately afforded to more white and affluent residents. Policy Evaluation Based on the analysis above, Spokane Valley has opportunities to strengthen its policies to lessen racially disparate impacts. The data informed the next phase of the assessment process —reviewing and updating policies that perpetuate longstanding patterns of segregation, displacement, and unequal outcomes. Taking a proactive role in policy development to address these issues will support all Spokane Valley households as the city works toward a more equitable future. Following guidance from the Washington State Department of Commerce, the policy evaluation framework below was applied to assess Spokane Valley's current Housing Element policies: Criteria I Evaluation Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive P1anUpdate 17 The policy is valid and supports meeting the identified housing needs. The policy is needed and addresses identified racially S dis crate impacts, di splacement and exclusion in housing. Supportive The policy can support meeting the identified housing needs but may A be insufficient or does not address racially disparate impacts, Approaching dis ]acement and exclusion in homing. The policy may challenge the jurisdiction's ability to meet the identified housing needs. The policy's benefits and burdens should be G reviewed to optimize the ability to meet the policy's objectives while Challenging improving the equitable distribution of benefits and burdens imposed by the policy, The policy does not impact the jurisdictions ability to meet the NA identified housing needs and has no influence or impact on racially Not Applicable disparate impacts, displacement or exclusion. Goal/Policy # Existing Goal/Policy Equity Why Assessment H-G1 Allow for a broad range of housing S opportunities to meet the needs of the communitySupportive H-G2 Planfor and accommodate housing S affordable to all economic Supportive segments of the community. H-G3 Work collaboratively with the local stakeholders to develop a S Homeless Resource System Supportive specific to the needs of the Valley, H-G4 Work closely with and support the Regional Homeless System to ensure continuity of care for S community members that are Supportive unsheltered and unstably housed in the Valley and throughout our region H-P1 Adopt development regulations that expand housing choices by allowing innovative housing types S including tiny homes, accessory Supportive dwelling units, pre -fabricated homes, co -housing, cottage homing, and other housing es. H-P2 Leverage federal, state and local funds, when appropriate, to S bolster existing programs Supportive provided to Valley residents. H-P3 Plan for, accommodate, and S support the development of Supportive affordable homing units usin Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 18 available financial and regulatory tools. H-1`4 Plan for and enable the creation of housing for resident individuals S and families needing assistance from social and human service Supportive providers. H-PS Enable a variety of housing types at increased densities within''A S mile of funded high performance Supportive transit networks. H-1`6 Preserve and enhance the city's A established neighborhoods. Approaching H-1`7 Support voluntary efforts by property owners to rehabilitate A and preserve buildings of historic Approaching value and unique character. H-PB Work with service providers to S bring additional resources to Supportive Valley Residents. H-1`9 Support community resource hubs where service providers can co- S locate in areas near public Supportive transportation. H-1`10 Engage in active recruitment of service providers that desire to S serve Valley residents through Supportive targeted programs focused on homeless service delivery, H-Pll Ensure that homeless and housing services have commensurate on- site support to maintain the S character of neighborhoods and Supportive minimize public service calls. H-1`12 Support the implementation of the Continuum of Care Five -Year S Strategic Plan to End Supportive Homelessness. H-1`13 Continue as active members on regional committees that address homelessness and housing S instability such as the Continuum Supportive of Care Board and the Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee. H-P14 Encourage and support new projects and programs which seek S to assist in maintaininghousingSupportive Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 19 stability or provide exits from homelessness to housing. H-P15 Analyze and collect data through our local Community Management S Information System and use this Supportive data to help drive homeless and housing policy, H-P16 Continue to support and S participate in the Coordinated Supportive Entry implementation. Exhibit. Example Policies Revision List Exhibit. Matrix of Policies and Implementation Measures Housing Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 20 Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Utility Element Review To City of Spokane Valley From: SCJ Alliance Date: March 16, 2026 Project: Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update Subject Utility Element Update Summary Purpose The purpose of this memo is to summarize how staff used the state's periodic review checklist to update the Utilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan in accordance with the Growth Management Act (GMA) periodic review requirements. This update is required under Revised Code of Washington 36.70A 130, which mandates that jurisdictions fully planning under the GMA conduct a periodic review and update of their comprehensive plans and development regulations to ensure continued compliance with state law. Approach Per the city's request, this review updated data and statutory changes while keeping the majority of the content as it appeared and was written in the last Comprehensive Plan Update. The updates included in this document reflect that approach and were kept to high- level review of data updates to reflect current demand, usage, and projections to support growth identified in the city-wide planning process. :1.7[e11iTa0 0 $1(.7d415MONTE ].70i The GMA periodic review checklist is designed to assist local governments in evaluating whether their comprehensive plans and development regulations reflect changes in state law since the last update cycle, address current local conditions and growth projections, maintain consistency across plan elements, and align with Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs), where applicable. Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Staff used the checklist as a framework to audit and evaluate the Utilities Element and identify areas requiring updates. Scope of Utilities Element Review Using the checklist, staff reviewed: • Updated policies to reflect amendments to the Growth Management Act adopted since 2018 • Consistency with Countywide Planning Policies • Internal consistency with the Land U se, Capital Facilities, Transportation, and Climate/Resilience elements • Service providers and service area boundaries • Level -of -service assumptions, where applicable • Water, sewer, stormwater, solid waste, energy, and telecommunications current capacity and projected growth • Alignment with adopted population and employment forecasts • Capital improvement planning to ensure utilities infrastructure investments support planned land use patterns • Consistency between the Utilities Element and the Capital Facilities Element • Outdated references or statutory citations Key Findings • Content updates were needed to confirm current data for utility providers. Data that has been found is reflected in this draft and other data is still being obtained. Content was added to supplement the telecommunications portion of the chapter and a map of existing cell towers and other utilities is in development. • Goals and Policies were reviewed with CWPPs and the GMA periodic checklist and found to primarily be in alignment. One goal and two policies were added to more fully align with goals of the County Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Chapter VIII. Public and Private Utilities Introduction Spokane Valley residents rely on facilities and services that help define their quality of life. These facilities include those provided by several privately -owned utilities in the region. Although these utilities are privately owned and regulated at either the state and/or federal level, coordinated planning at the local level is essential to ensure that adequate utility service is available to all citizens. Sanitary sewer and potable water are typically considered "utilities"; however, for purposes of the City's Comprehensive Plan, sewer and water are addressed in the Capital Facilities Element of this Plan. This Element addresses electrical service, natural gas, and telecommunications utilities. The Utilities Element is an opportunity to identify ways of improving the quality of services provided within the City. The City will use this element to identify priorities and develop implementation strategies to ensure that provision of utilities is properly coordinated with land use. Planning Context The GMA requires cities to prepare a Utilities Element that generally describes the location of existing and proposed utilities, and the related capacity This Element must be internally consistent with all other appropriate elements of the Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan. At a regional level, the Countywide Planning Policies (CWPP) provide a regional policy framework to achieve the overall goals of the GMA The CWPP were coordinated by the Spokane County Steering Committee of Elected Officials (SCEO) and adopted by the Spokane County Board of County Commissioners. A Regional Utility Corridor Plan was prepared by the Spokane County Regional Utility Technical Committee and adopted in 1995 by the SCEO to ensure the CWPP's were met. The interlocal agreement was replaced by a Steering Committee, which better meets GMA requirements, and the adoption of Countywide Planning Policies. Many utilities that operate within the region are planned and regulated at higher levels. Privately and publicly owned electrical, natural gas, and landline telephone utilities are regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WU TC). Wireless telephone communication companies are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Cable television companies are regulated by the FCC and the Communications Acts of 1934 and 1996. Utilities must have a franchise agreement to place utilities in the public right-of-way Franchise agreements give each utility the non-exclusive right to provide its services within the City Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Why the Public and Private Utilities Element is Important Utilities area foundational component of the infrastructure that supports a vibrant and growing community. The City of Spokane Valley envisions itself as a place of opportunity where businesses prosper and residents thrive. Achieving this vision requires effective management of both public and private utilities, as well as strong relationships and agreements with private utility providers to ensure that service levels support continued growth and prosperity Utilities support key community objectives, including public health and economic development, through services such as electricity, telecommunications, waste management, and other essential systems. This element lays out the long-range plan for both public and private utilities, as well as the goals and objectives for all critical utilities. While many cities own all their utilities, Spokane Valley own only their stormwater and signal/ITS utilities. This element describes how the City will coordinate with private providers and also manage the public, city -owned utilities so that growth and development can occur unimpeded. Current Conditions This section provides information related to the current providers of electrical service utilities and telecommunications utilities in Spokane Valley. Electrical Service Utilities There are currently five providers of electrical services serving Spokane Valley. These include the Bonneville Power Administration, Avista Utilities, Vera Water & Power, Modern Electric Water Company, and Inland Power and Light. This section introduces each company and provides an overview of services. Bonneville Power Administration The BPA is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Energy that markets wholesale electrical power and operates and markets electrical transmission services in the Pacific Northwest. Although BPA is part of the U.S. Department of Energy, it is self -funding and covers its costs by selling its products and services. BPA markets wholesale electrical power from 31 federal hydroelectric projects in the Columbia River Basin, one non-federal nuclear plant and several other non-federal power plants. The dams are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation. BPA manages over 15,000 circuit miles of transmission lines and owns 260 substations. The hydroelectric projects and the electrical system are known as the Federal Columbia River Power System. Approximately 28% of the electric power used in the Spokane Valley region comes from BPA. BPAs transmission system accounts for approximately three - fourths of the high -voltage grid in its service territory and includes major transmission Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update links with other regions. BPA's service territory covers 300,000 square miles and includes Idaho, Oregon, Washington, western Montana, and small parts of eastern Montana, California, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. EPA operates a SOOkV line just north of the existing City limits. Additionally, EPA operates the Trentwood substation and 115kV transmission lines within the City Avista Utilities Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission, and distribution of energy Avista provides energy services and electricity to customers in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corporation and is the principal electricity provider in the City Avista is statutorily obligated to provide reliable electricity service to its customers at rates, terms, and conditions that are fair, just, reasonable, and sufficient. To determine how to best meet the future electric needs of its customers, Avista produces an Electric Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The IRP looks ahead 20 years to identify resource strategies and portfolios that will cost-effectively meet customers' long-term needs. The Electrical IRP is refreshed in odd years, as required by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission where Avista has customers. In the 2 02 5 IRP, Avista stated that it needed to acquire additional electricity generation soon from renewable resources, because customer demand is expected to grow by 0.9% a year. To help with demand, Avista supports the North Plains Connector transmission line and other transmission upgrades. In addition to increasing supply to meet growing demand, Avista is also using energy efficiency measures to help reduce future demand, potentially by 32% over the next 20 years. Avista is also projected to meet Washington's Clean Energy Transition Act by 2030, which helps reduce greenhouse gases.2 Vera Water & Power Vera Water and Power (Vera) is a nonprofit, publicly owned utility that supplies water and electricity to the Veradale area. Vera currently operates three substations in Spokane Valley including the Valleyway substation located at 13211 E Valleyway Ave; and the Sullivan substation located at 15420 E 16th Ave. Vera purchases the majority of its power from the EPA which is then distributed to its customers through an underground and overhead electrical distribution system. Vera takes delivery of power from EPA at the substations indicated above. Vera serves roughly 13,000 electric customers. Vera Water and Power also operates a Community Solar Project that allows customers to purchase "blocks of power" and share in the cost of a solar electric installation. As of 2026, Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update E 65 Vera customers participated in the program, supporting local renewable energy generation Modern Electric Water Company Modern Electric Water Company (MEWCO) is a nonprofit, customer -owned corporation that serves 10,000 electricity customers in the Opportunity neighborhood of Spokane Valley. MEWCO purchases power from BPA and currently is in an agreement to purchase all its electrical power from BPA through September 30, 2029. MEWCO's mission is to provide reliable, economical, and safe electric and water distribution services. Its goal is to make the City of Spokane Valley more attractive to businesses looking to locate and expand here by offering the lowest rates in the area. MEWCO's electrical supply system consists of three substations including the Locust station, located south of Interstate 90 on the west side of Locust Street; Nelson station, located south of 4th Avenue, east of Walnut; and the Opportunity station located at MEWCO main office site on Pines Road, north of Broadway. Inland Power & Light Inland Power & Light (Inland) serves electrical customers in 13 counties in eastern Washington and northern Idaho and is the largest electric cooperative in the state. Inland currently purchases all its power from BPA Island's customer base has grown to over 45,000 customers with a relatively small number located in the southern portion of the City Inland is a member -owned company focused on providing safe, reliable electricity at affordable rates. Additional information on services and processes and the most recent IRP can be found on Island's website at https://wwwinlandpower.com. Natural Gas Service Avista Utilities Avista Utilities also operates and maintains the natural gas distribution system serving Spokane Valley and is the only provider of natural gas in the city. Avista provides natural gas to customers in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of southern and eastern Oregon. For more information, please visit www.avistautilities.com The Pacific Northwest receives natural gas from various regions of the United States and Canada. Natural gas is transported throughout the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho via a network of interstate transmission pipelines owned and operated by Northwest Pipeline Corporation. Natural gas delivery from Williams Pipeline is via Avista s distribution system. To determine how to best meet the future natural gas energy needs of its customers, Avista produces a Natural Gas IRP. The IRP looks ahead 20 years to identify resource strategies Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update and portfolios that will cost effectively meet customers' long-term needs. The IRP is refreshed in even years as required by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission. Telecommunications Utilities Telecommunications is the transmission of voice, data, images, or signals over distances using wired or wireless technologies. Telecommunications include infrastructure like cables, satellites, fiber optics, and cell towers, and allow for services like email, VoIP, and direct messaging. Telecommunications is a vital service that supports essential services and is required for a functioning economy. Spokane Valley is served by 19 different providers, with 13 providing home use and 6 providing only business services. Provider Service T-Mobile 5G Home Xfinity Cable ComCast Business Cable CenturyLink Business DSL Allstream Business DSL, & Other Copper Wireline Zayo Business DSL, Fiber, Fixed Wireless & Other Copper Wireline Quantum Fiber (AT&T) Fiber EarthLink Fiber WOW Fixed Wireless Ptera Fixed Wireless Wind Wireless Fixed Wireless NHC Business Fixed Wireless Startouch Fixed Wireless Viasat Satellite Starlink Satellite Ooma Business Wireless LTE Fatbeam Fiber TDS Fiber Ziply Fiber Mobile Broadband Mobile broadband delivers high-speed internet over cellular networks using radio signals instead of physical cables. A mobile device or home internet gateway connects to the nearest cell tower, which sends and receives data via technologies such as 4G LTE and SG. Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update As you move, the connection seamlessly hands off between towers, allowing continuous service. Because it relies on wireless spectrum rather than buried infrastructure, mobile broadband can be deployed quickly and often reaches areas where fiber or cable are limited. Fixed Wireless Fixed wireless broadband delivers internet service using radio signals sent between a provider's transmission tower and a small antenna installed at home or business. U nlike mobile networks, the connection is point-to-point and does not move with the user. A rooftop or wall -mounted antenna communicates with the nearest tower to provide a stable, high-speed link without the need for buried cables. Because it relies on wireless signals rather than extensive infrastructure, fixed wireless can be deployed quickly and is often used to reach rural or hard -to -serve areas. Broadlinc Countywide Broadband The Spokane Regional Broadband Development Authority Broadlinc was established in 2 02 2 by the Spokane County Commissioners to coordinate with local governments, tribes, public and private entities, nonprofit organizations, and consumer -owned and investor - owned utilities to develop strategies and plans promoting development of broadband infrastructure and greater broadband access. Broadlinc is leveraging Public -Private Partnerships (PPPs) in an innovative way to expand broadband capacity across rural Spokane County By working with a range of internet service providers (ISPs) and infrastructure partners, we are building high -quality, open - access fiber and wireless networks. Figure 1: Spokane Valley Broadband Coverage Expansion Areas [INSERT MAP] Fiber-optic Broadband Fiber-optic broadband transmits data as pulses of light through thin glass fibers, enabling extremely fast, reliable internet connections. Because light encounters very little resistance, fiber can deliver symmetrical upload and download speeds with low latency. This makes it ideal for high capacity uses such as streaming, cloud services, and remote work. Fiber networks require buried or aerial fiber cables, but offer the most future -proof broadband option. Satellite Satellite broadband delivers internet service by sending data between a user's dish and orbiting satellites. The dish communicates with satellites that relay signals to ground stations connected to the broader internet. Modern lowEarthorbit (LEO) systems reduce Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update lag and improve speeds compared to older geostationary satellites. Satellite broadband is available almost anywhere, making it an important option for remote or hard to reach areas. Cable Cable broadband provides internet access over the same coaxial cable networks used for cable TVA home modem connects via neighborhood cable lines to the provider's network, delivering high download speeds and widely available service. Because cables use shared bandwidth within local nodes, speeds can vary depending on network demand. Still, it remains one of the most common and reliable broadband technologies in urban and suburban areas. Figure 2: Map of Cell Tower Locations in Spokane Valley Area PHONE T-HO rawk 3 adEZ64F NO +Y F V. S Landline Telephone System Telephone service is offered through two main providers, although service is available through various cable companies. CenturyLink Communication, Inc. (CenturyLink) provides telecommunication service to the Spokane Valley planning area as regulated by WUTC. CenturyLink's facilities maybe aerial or buried, copper or fiber. Comcast also offers Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update wired phone service to the Spokane Valley area. Comcast utilizes existing telecommunications infrastructure for this service. Comcast is regulated by the WUTC. It is anticipated that additional upgraded facilities will be needed to handle the growing demand. However, due to advances in technology, additional capacity is easily and quickly added to the system. Wireless Telephone System The City is served with a number of wireless communication service providers. Currently, these services rely on ground -based antennae and are often co -located. Expansion of the wireless system is demand driven; therefore, wireless providers maintain a short response time and a tight planning horizon. Providing wireless service involves adapting to changing technologies, which may make current forms of receivers obsolete. Cable Television and Internet Service Internet service is available through multiple providers. CenturyLink and Comcast are the primary cable television and Internet providers. CenturyLink provides Internet service via telephone lines and Comcast provides Internet service via cable. However, numerous cable providers serve the area, and generally, include Internet access service options. The city supports increasing the availability of improved telecommunications services throughout the city The city encourages new telecommunications technology that balances the costs and benefits of health and safety, aesthetics, the environment, and the economy. In most cases, telecommunications services will use existing utility corridors and public rights -of -way and will be able to provide services to all parts of the city The city encourages the shared use of space for telecommunication infrastructure projects within the street right-of-way and for telecommunication infrastructure opportunities. The city's infrastructure investment and aesthetic quality should be protected from unnecessary degradation caused by the construction of telecommunications infrastructure. Approach to the Public and Private Utilities Element Challenges and Opportunities Developing and Supporting New Technologies New technology offers new opportunities to bring high-speed Internet access to the City Ensuring that quality, affordable Internet connectivity is available will further the City's goal of economic growth. The City will need to work to ensure that there are not excessive visual impacts and that access is not limited to select areas of the City. A balanced permitting process will help encourage deployment of high-speed telecommunications infrastructure while protecting neighborhood character. Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 10 Maintaining Utility Infrastructure Some of Spokane Valley's utility infrastructure is aging and will require repairs and replacement over the next 20 years. The costs of replacing utility infrastructure may be substantial for each utility and may take years for planning and implementation. Each utility has strategies and plans for funding and building the necessary improvements. Accommodating Future Demand Increased demand will require investment to build new facilities. As demand increases, which may be a likely outcome of continued population and employment growth, non -City utility providers will need to plan for new or improved facilities and residents may turn to providers for expertise in energy efficiency Protecting Neighborhood Character It is important to ensure that new and expanding utility facilities are sensitive to neighborhood character. Some utilities have the potential to create significant incompatibilities with Spokane Valley neighborhoods. Such sensitivity factors as proximity to residential neighborhoods, visual access, and expansion within or beyond an existing facility border should be considered in identifying potential incompatibilities. Community and Economic Development Priorities Accommodating New Development Ongoing economic development efforts will lead to new private development projects in Spokane Valley For these projects to be viable, utilities must ensure sufficient capacity and reliable delivery forfuture tenants. Spokane Valley's focus on catalytic projects also involve development at scales that may require explicit utilities planning. Investing In Key Corridors Economic development relies on selling Spokane Valleyto potential business owners, employees, and residents. The aesthetic appearance of gateways and corridors is one component of these marketing efforts. Substations, overhead wires, and other quotidian components of utilities infrastructure can affect the experiential quality of Spokane Valley's neighborhoods and commercial areas. Therefore, to the extent possible, the City should support efforts by private utilities to locate infrastructure in practical but unobtrusive areas. This may involve the continuation of current efforts to limit the placement of telecommunications facilities within rights -of -way New and Emerging Trends There are many new technologies and emerging best practices that make utility operations more efficient and affordable, and that reduce the likelihood of damage to utility assets. Because of increased threats to utilities posed by increasing frequency and severity Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 11 of weather events, it is more critical than ever to implement emerging best practices. Listed below are examples of how utility providers are implementing best practices. Energy Energy Independence Act (EIA) or I-937 requires utilities providers with over 25,000 customers and requires covered companies to obtain 15% of their electricity from qualified renewable resources by 2020. Many providers, not required bylaw, have incorporated these targets into their IRPs, and the City may support these providers in their efforts to meet and exceed renewable energy standards. The Energy Independence Act is still active with 18 different utilities subject to the act. Undergrounding Utilities Undergrounding utilities is the process of installing utilities underground to prevent service interruptions due to infrastructure damage from external factors. A good example of this is putting power lines underground, protecting them from ice storms and helping prevent wildland fires during extreme heat events. The city should support undergrounding efforts by private utilities to underground utility infrastructure. The requirement for undergrounding can be included in future franchising negotiations. Evaluating Life -Cycle Costs Evaluating both public and private investments in utilities infrastructure, the City should encourage decision -makers to assess the life -cycle costs of the proposed improvements. Life -cycle cost analysis will ensure that decisions are based on a long-term assessment and will help the City maintain fiscal responsibility Encourage Sustainability Tracking Increasingly, private utilities are providing customers with tools to track usage and make informed decisions about their consumption. This can save money for individual consumers and also improves the long-term sustainability of the City's available resources. Goals and Policies Note: This matrix is structured for City review and will be reformatted to match the other elements (a list of goals followed by a list of policies). Goal #1 Coordinate with utility providers to balance cost-effectiveness with (environmental protection, aesthetic impact, public safety, and public health. Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 12 the efficient co -location of new utilities. U-P2 Promote the development of citywide communication networks using the most advanced technology available. U-P3 Promote the undergrounding of utility distribution lines. U-P4 Coordinate with utility service providers to prevent obstructions to regional utility corridors. U-P5 Require the placement of cellular facilities, substations, and antennas in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts on adjacent land uses and utilizes existing structures. U-P6 Coordinate with utility providers to ensure that sizing, locating, and phasing of utility systems are appropriate for planned growth. U-P7 Participate in regular updates of the Inland Northwest Regional Pavement Cut Policy. U-PO Encourage the construction and maintenance of utility, communications, and technology infrastructure that will help attract business and industry. U-Sl Extend sewer infrastructure to support industrial development. U-S2 Extend water infrastructure to support industrial development. G2 Expand and strengthen relationships with utility purveyors. U-P9 Coordinate on identifying and planning for future utility corridors. Draft Public & Private Utilities Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 13 Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Climate and Resiliency Element Review To City of Spokane Valley From: Cascadia Consulting Group Date: March 18, 2026 Project: Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update Subject Climate and Resiliency Element Update Summary Background: Draft Climate and Resiliency Element The City of Spokane Valley is incorporating a new Climate and Resiliency Element into their Comprehensive Plan as part of this periodic update, as required by Washington s Growth Management Act. Per these requirements, this Element seeks to encompass policies aimed at addressing the serious climate risks facing the city's social, economic, and environmental sectors and systems -requiring a dynamic mix of measures to reduce emissions and build resilience. Included in the Draft Climate and Resiliency Element are draft goals and policies for review. Goals and policies are organized by sub -element in tables for internal review only to demonstrate policy rationale. Numbering and/or sequencing of goals and policies will be updated later to align with the full Comprehensive Plan structure. Climate Element Requirements The Climate Resilience Sub -element must, at a minimum, address the following Department of Commerce requirements: • Requirement 1: Address natural hazards created or aggravated by climate change, including sea level rise, landslides, flooding, drought, heat, smoke, wildfire, and other effects of changes to temperature and precipitation patterns; • Requirement 2: Identify, protect, and enhance natural areas to foster climate resilience, as well as areas of vital habitat for safe species migration; • Requirement 3: Identify, protect, and enhance community resilience to climate impacts, including social, economic, and built -environment factors, which support adaptation to climate impacts consistent with environmental justice. Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Sub -element must, at a minimum, address the following Department of Commerce requirements: • Requirement 1: Result in reductions in overall greenhouse gas emissions generated by transportation and land use within the jurisdiction but without increasing emissions elsewhere in Washington; • Requirement 2: Result in reductions in per capita vehicle miles traveled within the jurisdiction but without increasing greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere in Washington; and, • Requirement 3: Prioritize reductions that benefit overburdened communities in order to maximize the co -benefits of reduced air pollution and environmental justice. The draft Climate and Resiliency Element begins on the next page. Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update XI. Climate and Resiliency Introduction Why the Climate and Resiliency Element is Important The Climate and Resiliency Element seeks to increase the City of Spokane Valley's resilience to climate and extreme weather impacts and support a healthy, thriving community. Climate and extreme weather —events or trends related to the climate that can cause damage or disruption to people, infrastructure, ecosystems, and the local economy —pose risks to the city and its residents. This chapter identifies current extreme weather risks to the City of Spokane Valley and their impacts on community health and wellbeing, the environment, and community infrastructure, while establishing how to best use existing systems to promote resilience and sustainabihty. Planning Context The Growth Management Act was amended in 2 02 3 under House Bill 1181, requiring cities and counties to integrate climate goals and policies into their comprehensive plan updates. Per this amendment, the City of Spokane Valley is required to include a Climate Element in the City's 2 026-2 046 Comprehensive Plan update that promotes climate resilience and reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while prioritizing actions that support overburdened communities and vulnerable populations affected first and worstby climate and extreme weather events. Current climate initiatives in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline Master Program, the Regional Stormwater Management Plan, the Commute Trip Reduction Plan and the Spokane County Hazard Mitigation Plan focus on general extreme weather resilience, especially as it relates to ecosystems and land use, and include policies that support a reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The Climate and Resiliency Element will build on existing commitments to provide compliant, clear and actionable guidance on climate resilience and GHG emissions reduction that prioritizes equitable outcomes for all residents. Current Conditions Hazards and Impacts The City of Spokane Valley is already experiencing climate impacts and an increased frequency of hazardous events that can cause damage or disruption to people, infrastructure, ecosystems, and the local economy. Extreme weather hazards most relevant to the city include extreme heat and rising temperatures, decreased snowpack and drought, wildfire and smoke, and extreme precipitation and flooding. For example, the 2021 heat Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 3 dome resulted in at least 19 heat -related deaths in Spokane County including at least two in the City of Spokane Valley' The 2023 Gray and Oregon wildfires to the west and north of the City destroyed over 600 structures and caused dangerous air quality conditions in the region.2 In early 2025, rain on snow precipitation events caused flooding that affected homes, businesses and roads as well as proposed development areas.' These recent experiences emphasize the importance of preparing for climate impacts and building adaptive capacity and resilience in the City of Spokane Valley Figure 1 describes key specific climate and extreme weather hazards facing the City These projections are based on comparisons to historical baselines and are intended to enable planning for the future, though wildfire risk is discussed in more immediate terms. See the Climate Impacts Summary for greater detail. Figure 1. Climate and extreme weather hazards in the City of Spokane Valley. Sources: Climate Toolbox (n.d.J; USDA Wildfire Risk to Communities (ad); UW Climate Impacts Group (n.d.) Hipperammal rempersymms are Smay ark levels may decline by Increased snldlire activityin the Winter precipitation is prajecteci ticiprted W[b eapeciegy B6100%by2100mmpere1 regiomiaenticrated, likely ts m arby Ilea by 2100 hlgherfemperature increases in Milt 1920-2000 levels. Sammer resulting in increased smoke and reamearadvadatim 1950-2005 Nemmmermontbx rn,nda,sl.. aee a 14W poorain gw4ty. rbe City faces a beadine,wiNmoreprecipitatia. 0y 1100, mmmertime awoBc demaee in precipidtinn 6246hisherasildfirenak Mr," rain ratbertban new emperemres are ex ecsdta Togetleq these changes could compared m coke, B3. This shN maid Increase the risk xe by LT P compared in lead to m0re frequent and aevere muwnnmee. cd goodies&am awre frequent ' basellne oemperztures kom droughm. and beense prelpleadmi mrers. 1950-2005. Vulnerability and Resilience Rising temperatures, reductions in snowpack, increased drought, wildfire and wildfire smoke, and more intense precipitation and inland flooding are already affecting the City of Spokane Valley and are expected to intensify in the coming decades. Vulnerability to these risks is assessed using three factors —exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity —that reflect the City's level of preparedness to manage risks associated with climate impacts. Figure 2 explains these terms and how they interrelate. 1 Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment (n.d.). Heat Dome Gonzaga University Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment. Retrieved June 19, 2025 2 Walston, J., & Beaton, R. (202Q August 30). Gmy and Oregon Wildfires. Facilitated Learning Analysis Group. s, N. (2025a, February 25). Weekend flooding highlights neighborhood concerns over proposed Spokane Valley development. The Spokesman -Review. Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Figure 2: Climate vulnerability framework. Claude risks reform the reaps of potential unpacrs a system might face boon climate change, influenced by the system's exposure to climate -related hazards, and Its sensitivity to such changes. To characterize risks, we looked at, T FW Exposure Sensitivity Adaptive Capacity o� Vulnerability To inform the Climate and Resiliency Element, the City conducted a Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) focusing on three sectors relevant to the City of Spokane Valley's long- term growth and community priorities: health and wellbeing, natural environment, and built infrastructure. Findings for each section are provided in more detail below. Health and Wellbeing This sector focuses on social Vulnerability, public health, community resources, and public services. Overall, the City of Spokane Valley's residents face risks to their health and wellbeing due to extreme weather hazards and changing conditions, with extreme heat and wildfire smoke posing the greatest risks. These hazards can worsen existing health conditions, strain mental health, and disproportionately impact people who are already vulnerable due to age (young children and seniors face higher risks), income (lower income residents have fewer financial resources to adapt), housing status, or chronic illness. The CVA assesses vulnerabilities across various impacts. Additionally, the City's network of critical facilities and community services, including emergency responders, schools, health facilities, and libraries, face service disruptions and increased demand for services, for example, during extreme heat and wildfire smoke events. Natural Environment The City of Spokane Valley's parks, recreation, open space, tree canopy and water resources are valuable community assets. They face risks from extreme weather hazards such as extreme heat, extreme precipitation, drought, wildfire and wildfire smoke. The City has over 373 acres of parks and open space, ranging from small neighborhood playgrounds to large, multi -use parks like Mirabeau Point Park. Many of the City's parks Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update and open spaces are in environmentally sensitive areas, including the Dishman Hills, Antoine Peak, and the Spokane River and its adjoining riparian corridor and flood zone. There are also multiple access points to the Spokane River Water Trail, where fishing and canoeing/kayaking are popular activities. These parks are valued by city residents and are important to the city's climate resilience, providing flood mitigation and cooling and shade; however, climate and extreme weather hazards can negatively impact these benefits. Community parks and trails may be unusable or unsafe during extreme heat and smoke events, drought may impact water levels or watering costs, and wildfire threatens open space and tree canopy, especially on the edge of the city. Tree coverage varies widely across the City of Spokane Valley. Residential neighborhoods in the south, like Chester, tend to have higher canopy coverage (34-42% in the highest canopied areas), while areas along I-90 and Hwy 290 like Parkwater and Trentwood (which are mainly industrial districts) and near Millwood and Felts Field Airport have less canopy (4-5% coverage in the lowest coverage areas). Figure 3 demonstrates coverage variability, with higher tree coverage areas in dark green, and lower coverage areas in light green Figure 3. Tree canopy map of the City of Spokane Valley. The City's primary water resource is the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer (SVRP), which is regionally coordinated and managed. However, the aquifer lacks a natural Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update protective barrier and is susceptible to contamination from run-off and wildfires. Meanwhile, increased drought conditions alongside increased water withdrawal are leading to lower levels in the Spokane River, impacting fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The pressure on water supply could lead to rising costs for water, financially straining low- income and cost -burdened residents. Water efficiency and conservation measures may help mitigate these risks. Built Infrastructure The built infrastructure in the City of Spokane Valley —including utilities, energy, housing, and transportation infrastructure —faces increasing risks from flooding, extreme heat, and wildfire. Increased stormwater runoff from heavy precipitation can overwhelm stormwater system capacity, while extreme heat events can cause energy disruptions. In wfldfire-prone areas, overhead powerlines pose ignition and service failure risks. Nearly 60% of the city's housing stock was built before the adoption of modern building codes, and as a result, many homes — particularly those in wfldfire-prone areas and mobile home parks —are more vulnerable to extreme heat, wildfire and flooding. Affordability concerns further compound these risks: over half of renters and a quarter of homeowners are cost - burdened, limiting their ability to invest in energy efficiency or protective upgrades or respond to climate -related damage. Figure 4. Wildfires threatening homes and power lines just northwest of the City of Spokane Valley. The City's transportation network, including major corridors such as Interstate 90, faces risks from hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires, which can disrupt transportation infrastructure and impact public safety, including evacuation routes. The systems reliance on single -occupancy vehicles and limited public transit may increase these risks. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Another component of the Climate and Resiliency Element is the GHG emissions reduction sub -element. To support the development of goals and policies, the City conducted a communitywide GHG emissions inventory. U sing data from 2022, the inventory quantifies emissions produced by activity from the city's residents, businesses, organizations, and visitors, including from local buildings, transportation, solid waste generation and disposal, and wastewater treatment (Figure S). In 2022, the community produced approximately Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 766,127 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e), which equates to approximately 7.15 MTCO2e per capita. Transportation and other mobile sources represented the largest share of emissions, contributing 62% of the city's GHG emissions; on -road vehicles alone represented 56% of total communitywide emissions. Buildings were the next largest contributor of GHG emissions, responsible for 24% of communitywide emissions, with building natural gas consumption representing 19% of total communitywide emissions. Figure 5. City of Spokane Valley 2022 community GHG emissions, by source. aaa,uoo asa.uoo EleRric2y NaNra�6as omereou¢ee InE_trial .—d! oN mza Sara_.. w ,ae rer RIf,191M,al pmresses vehicles equara m ¢eoeaion and pr—s a,posm em4vsiOM The inventory results were integrated into a customized emissions forecasting and scenario analysis tool that visualizes future local GHG emissions and potential emissions reduction targets, strategies and scenarios for the city Given the city's policy context, GHG emissions profile, and projected future emissions scenario, the following emissions reduction targets are recommended (compared to a 2022 baseline): • 30%by 2030 • 70%by 2040 • 95%by 2050 These targets align with Washington state's long-term state goal to reduce overall emissions of greenhouse gases in the state 95% by 2050 and set the city on a path to Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 8 making realistic, yet impactful interim steps toward achieving that long-term target. 4.5 The Climate and Resiliency Element used the local action scenario to shape the City's recommended GHG emissions reduction policy Key local actions include reducing passenger vehicle travel, reducing energy use in existing buildings, decarbonizing new and existing buildings, facilitating the transition to electric vehicles, and diverting waste from landfills. See the communitywide emissions inventory and forecast analysis memorandum for greater detail. Approach to the Climate and Resiliency Element Tailored, thoughtful climate and resiliency policies provide opportunities to protect public investments, strengthen existing infrastructure, support public health and safety, and ensure the City of Spokane Valley remains a stable, livable and economically competitive community in the future. Challenges and Opportunities The Climate and Resiliency Element is an addition to the 2026-46 Comprehensive Plan and introduces both challenges and opportunities for guiding future growth and planning. A primary challenge when implementing climate policy is accommodating new development and growth while responsibly planning for extreme weather hazards, infrastructure resilience, and long-term community stability while reducing GHG emissions within the city Other fundamental challenges that the city faces when implementing the Climate and Resiliency Element include: • Limited funding for new resilience and infrastructure initiatives • Staffing and capacity constraints • Coordination across City departments and contracted service providers • Varying levels of community awareness and support • Uncertainty related to state and federal funding levels and legislative priorities Despite these challenges, the potential risks and long-term costs associated with extreme weather hazards (such as flooding, wildfire smoke, extreme heat events) make proactive planning necessary. Integrated Risk and Sustainability Management City infrastructure, social systems and economic development are all interconnected, meaning damage to one system —from flooding or wildfires, for example —may cause cascading or compounding effects across others. Climate change can exacerbate these risks. This Comprehensive planning process offers the opportunity to take a coordinated, long- "httns //ano lee waeov/mw /default asox?cite=70A 45 020 5 hl[ns://lawfilesext.lee.waeov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/Senate/5036.SL.odf Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update term approach to planning that incorporates the best available science to address future risks and existing priorities, including housing affordability transit connectivity, and ensuring equitable access to resources for all residents. Examples of integrating hazard risk and sustainabflity into city systems are described below. • Infrastructure: Incorporating climate change projections into the planning, design, and maintenance of transportation, stormwater, utilities, and public facilities to reduce the vulnerability to hazards such as flooding, extreme heat, and wildfires. • Social Systems: Aligning resilience strategies with public health, emergency preparedness, housing and social services to protect vulnerable or overburdened populations, strengthen community readiness, and ensure equitable access to resources. • Economic Development: Supporting resilient businesses, protecting critical employment centers, and guiding investment toward development patterns that reduce risk, limit disruption from severe weather impacts, and promote long-term economic stability. Regional Coordination and Partnerships The City of Spokane Valley contracts for many services, such as solid waste, but also relies on independently provided utility services from third -party agencies for many critical utilities, such as energy and water service. Historically, the City has not had any structured agreement with these third -party providers. In addition to its currently contracted services, the City has aunique opportunity to prioritize collaboration and partnership efforts across other utility providers (such as energy providers, water providers), in addition to collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions and regional agencies to build a more resilient and sustainable community Community Involvement During the development of the Climate and Resiliency Element, the City of Spokane Valley engaged the community and learned that there are growing concerns related to rising temperatures, wildfire and smoke, and drought. Some community members shared personal experiences of impacts such as the rising costs of air conditioning, the health impacts of smoke, and wfldfire-related evacuations. The goals and policies within this element reflect community supported measures, seeking to address their concerns and the direction they see in their city. For example, during engagement we heard the need to protect and expand parks, trees and natural areas in the city, restrict development in high climate hazard areas, and encourage compact land use patterns. Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 10 It will be important for the City to continue educating community members about climate risks and providing opportunities to hear their concerns and priorities throughout implementation of the Climate and Resiliency Element. Community Wellbeing Climate change affects residents in different ways, with some community members experiencing greater health, safety, and financial impacts than others. Rising temperatures, wildfire smoke, extreme weather, and service disruptions can place added strain on households with limited resources, older adults, people with health conditions, and those with limited access to transportation or cooling options. Policies can protect community wellbeing by reducing disproportionate impacts and supporting equitable access to resources, services, and safe environments. This includes planning for extreme heat and smoke events, improving access to parks and shaded areas, and ensuring emergency preparedness and response efforts prioritize overburdened communities. New and Emerging Trends This section highlights how the City will apply evolving guidance, integrate climate resilience across systems and equitably address impacts for all residents when planning across City functions now and into the future. Using the Best Available Science Following the Washington Department of Commerce's 202 S Climate Planning Guidance requirements, the Climate and Resiliency Element utilized best available science (BAS) to shape its goals and policies. Best available science refers to the most reliable and up-to-date scientific knowledge related to climate and extreme weather hazards and impacts and includes scientifically credible projections and impact scenarios, using localized data. The City will continue to utilize BAS as it implements climate policy. Integrating Climate Across City Systems To best prepare for extreme weather and reduce risk, the City will work to integrate climate preparedness and sustainability efforts across all departments and into future City work, including infrastructure updates, capital facilities, and City code. Incorporating climate resilience and sustainability into long-term City projects (such as capital improvement infrastructure), code and ordinances will promote accountability, long-term sustainability and comprehensive development. Prioritizing Overburdened Communities Generally, overburdened and vulnerable populations experience the first and worst consequences of climate change and extreme weather. The Climate and Resiliency Element Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 11 prioritizes actions to enhance outcomes for these populations to mitigate the significant impacts they see. These residents' health and livelihoods are often highly vulnerable to climate worsened extreme weather events and economic disruptions and may lack support infrastructure and suffer disproportionately from the compounding impacts of pollution, discrimination, racism and poverty Vulnerable populations include seniors (16% of residents are 65 years and older), people with low incomes or in poverty (17%of residents have incomes below 125% of the federal poverty level), cost -burdened renters (about half of renters or 17% of residents pay 30% or more of their income for rent), and the unhoused (the City's unhoused population was around 80 in 2023). Certain areas of the City, including around I-90 and N Pines Road, as well as in the Southeast and Southwest parts of the city, show higher combined levels of social vulnerability. These are potential areas to consider prioritizing for climate resilience investments. The City also has existing high rates of high particulate matter (PM2.6) on the westside influenced by its proximity to highways and industrial activities. This can be compounded during wildfire smoke events and is especially a concern for young children and people with health conditions such as asthma. Goals and Policies Climate Resilience Sub -element CE-Gl. Strengthen interdepartmental and regional coordination to integrate resilience to climate -intensified natural hazards into planning processes and resource allocation, aligning actions with both current and future priorities. CE-G2. Protect community health and enhance community preparedness for natural hazards, focusing efforts on vulnerable communities. CE-G3. Enhance and connect natural areas and ecosystems to support healthy, resilient environments that benefit both people and wildlife. CE-G4. Prioritize sustainable infrastructure and building practices that are resilient to climate -intensified natural hazards to reduce damage to roads, buildings, and utilities. CE-Pl. Regularly update climate vulnerability assessments during Comprehensive Plan updates and integrate findings into the planning, design, and management of critical infrastructure, services, and natural resources. Prioritize investments that strengthen at -risk assets and enhance resilience to climate -intensified hazards such as flooding and wildfires. CE-P2. Coordinate efforts with Spokane County and fire districts on Community Wildfire Protection Plan updates and implementation to increase community resiliency to wildfire, improve emergency response capabilities, and foster short- and long- term recovery Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 12 CE-P3. Coordinate with Spokane County and agencies/programs such as Spokane Clean Air, Spokane Regional Health District, and Smoke Ready Spokane to promote community notification alerts that reduce the risk of exposure to wildfire smoke and particulate matter, especially by vulnerable communities. CE-P4. Collaborate with Spokane County, Aquifer Joint Board, and other regional partners to enhance coordination around drought preparedness, including engagement with community members on water conservation and drought mitigation strategies. CE-PS. Identify and enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of communities most vulnerable to climate -intensified natural hazards. CE-P6. Engage and educate community members about the risks of heat, wildfire smoke, and flooding by promoting strategies to reduce risk, prioritizing outreach to at -risk groups such as outdoor workers, low-income families, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Outreach materials should be translated into culturally relevant language and accessible to all community members. Community engagement topics include: • Safe sheltering in place practices • Signs of heat exhaustion and how to prevent it • Hazard evacuation routes • How to access cooling centers CE-P7. Support initiatives to reduce extreme heat exposure, including increasing green infrastructure (such as tree canopy, green spaces), promoting energy efficiency measures, and incorporating shade structures and water features (such as splash pads into public spaces). CE-P8. Provide residents living in and near fire -risk areas with information about fire prevention (i.e., Firewise) practices, and support application of such practices via building code provisions. CE-P9. Protect habitats such as floodplains, wetlands, and riparian ecosystems and other critical areas to reduce flood risk and improve stream and river conditions. CE-P10. Collaborate with partners such as the Spokane Conservation District to bolster urban forest management efforts through continued, targeted tree plantings and maintenance to expand tree canopy and by implementing resilient management practices like fuel load thinning. CE-P11. Prioritize the use of native trees, shrubs, and grasses for city restoration and landscaping efforts, emphasizing drought-, heat- and pest -resistant species. CE-P12. Address gaps in the network of parks, natural areas, and trails, prioritizing expansion in underserved communities to enhance connectivity and improve community access. Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 13 CE-P13. Identify, upgrade, and improve stormwater infrastructure to reduce flooding during extreme precipitation events and better manage water runoff, pollution mitigation, and filtration. CE-P14. Explore opportunities to reduce transportation infrastructure vulnerability to extreme heat through the use of heat -resistant materials and cooling design features (such as cool pavements) in streets, sidewalks, and transit facilities. CE-P1 S. Strengthen the built environment's resilience to wildfire events by adopting fire - resilient standards for new and redeveloped sites in wildfire risk areas. CE-P16. Promote water efficiency in new buildings and landscaping that conserves water resources. GHG Emissions Reduction Sub -element CE-GS. Promote the transition to renewable energy sources and energy efficiency technologies to support a sustainable and affordable clean -energy future. CE-G6. Support land use patterns that preserve natural areas, encourage compact and mixed -use development, and improve community health. CE-G7. Reduce per -capita vehicle miles traveled through transportation system improvements and neighborhood planning that minimize traffic and enhance local air quality. CE-G8. Expand available infrastructure for electric vehicle support. CE-G9. Reduce waste -related emissions by promoting reuse, recycling, and composting programs. CE-P17. Encourage new construction and major retrofit projects to incorporate energy - efficient design, systems, and materials to reduce energy demand and long-term operating costs. CE-P18. Enable voluntary efforts by local home and business owners to improve energy performance and produce or use sources of renewable energy. CE-P19. Prioritize energy efficiency, retrofits, and weatherization assistance programs for housing in overburdened communities, particularly for older homes and rental units. CE-P20. Promote land use patterns and requirements that foster higher -density and milli development along transit corridors. CE-P21. Encourage anti -displacement programs in overburdened communities when increasing densities to preserve housing opportunities for low- and moderate - income households. CE-P22. Coordinate with Spokane County to explore participation in a Transfer of Development Rights program once established, to conserve rural and sensitive lands, enhance carbon sequestration, and focus growth in areas with existing or potential future infrastructure. Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 14 CE-P23. Support partners, such as the Spokane Conservation District, that provide technical assistance and incentives to advance sustainable agricultural practices to enhance carbon sequestration and increase resilience. CE-P24. Promote public transit expansion and use through coordination of land use and transportation planning. Coordinate with Spokane Transit Authority to promote a well-connected transit network. CE-P2 S. Increase multimodal capacity in coordination with the location of higher - density housing and commercial centers. CE-P26. Expand and maintain a safe, well-connected, and attractive bicycle and pedestrian transportation network to encourage active transportation. The transportation network and trail system should connect city amenities to existing and new housing developments. CE-P27. Incentivize commute trip reduction programs and policies for local businesses. CE-1328. Implement State Building Code requirements for electric vehicle infrastructure in new buildings and encourage charging infrastructure in majorly retrofitted buildings. CE-P29. Evaluate transitioning the city's fleet to zero -emission or low -emission vehicles during fleet replacement cycles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower long-term operating costs. CE-P30. Periodically update the Spokane Valley Solid and Moderate Risk Waste Management Plan to ensure alignment with the Comprehensive Plan. CE-P31. Engage with community members, including targeted multi -family and business outreach, to encourage reuse and recycling efforts. CE-P32. Support community education and outreach efforts to increase participation in the city's curbside composting program, focusing on proper composting practices, accepted materials, and environmental benefits to reduce contamination and maximize organic waste diversion. Draft Climate and Resiliency Element I Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Update 1S