Journey Spokane 2026 outlines a bold, community guided vision for how the city will grow, move, and connect over the next several years. This plan links transportation, land use, housing, and economic development into a single roadmap designed to make Spokane more competitive, livable, and resilient by 2026 and beyond.
Officials, businesses, and residents are watching closely as policies, funding decisions, and project timelines align toward the 2026 milestone. The following sections break down what the plan means for mobility, housing, the economy, and everyday life in Spokane.
| Focus Area | 2024 Baseline | 2026 Target | Primary Metric | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commute Time Downtown | 22 minutes average peak | 18 minutes average peak | Travel time in minutes | Transit Reliability |
| Housing Starts | 1,200 per year | 2,000 per year | Annual residential units | Project Delivery |
| Transit Mode Share | 2.1% of trips | 4.5% of trips | Percent of all trips | Economic Growth |
| Jobs within 30 min transit | 54% of workers | 66% of workers | Percentage of jobs | Equity Indicators |
| Household Transportation Cost | 21% of income | 16% of income | Percent of household income | Project Delivery |
Mobility And Network Priorities 2026
The Mobility and Network Priorities pillar focuses on how people and goods move through Spokane. Investments target main corridors, safety, and smoother connections between neighborhoods, employment centers, and transit hubs. By 2026, the goal is a network that supports faster trips, fewer conflicts between modes, and more predictable travel times for commuters and freight.
Key Projects
- Road improvements on Division and Francis to reduce bottlenecks
- Expanded bus priority lanes and signal priority at key intersections
- Complete streets designs that prioritize safe crossings and protected bike lanes
- Integration with regional transit hubs for better first and last mile connections
Housing Supply And Affordability Strategy
Spokane’s housing strategy under Journey Spokane 2026 aims to increase supply, streamline approvals, and align new development with existing infrastructure. The focus includes more homes near transit, workforce housing, and options for a range of income levels. Reducing regulatory barriers and offering targeted incentives are central to accelerating production so that the housing market can better respond to demand by 2026.
Policy Levers
- Upzoning near major corridors and employment centers
- Expedited permitting for qualifying affordable projects
- Inclusionary zoning options with density bonuses
- Partnerships with developers to preserve long term affordability
Economic Development And Jobs Plan
Economic development efforts under Journey Spokane 2026 emphasize growing high value sectors, supporting small businesses, and preparing workers for in demand roles. The plan aligns workforce training, business incentives, and infrastructure upgrades to attract investment and foster resilient local supply chains. Success will be measured through job growth, wage trends, and new business formation leading into and through 2026.
Target Sectors
- Advanced manufacturing and logistics
- Health care and life sciences
- Technology and remote work infrastructure
- Tourism and hospitality with event driven growth
Next Steps And Community Engagement
Effective implementation of Journey Spokane 2026 depends on transparent communication, measurable milestones, and regular feedback from residents. Stakeholders are encouraged to track progress on mobility, housing, and economic indicators as the city moves toward the 2026 targets.
- Monitor progress using the public dashboard tracking time, housing, and jobs metrics
- Participate in neighborhood workshops and open data sessions
- Review project specific timelines and environmental reviews before decisions
- Engage with local business groups and transit advocates to align investment with city goals
FAQ
Reader questions
What specific transportation changes will affect downtown Spokane by 2026?
Expect reduced through traffic on key downtown streets, new protected bike lanes, expanded bus lanes, and synchronized traffic signals designed to cut peak commute times and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Will rezoning near Francis Avenue increase property taxes for nearby homeowners?
Rezoning to allow higher density and mixed use can raise nearby property values, but the city plans to couple growth with tax relief programs, targeted exemptions for low income residents, and investment in services to manage impacts.
How will Journey Spokane 2026 address the cost of housing for middle income households? The plan promotes inclusionary zoning, density bonuses, and streamlined permitting to encourage workforce housing. These measures aim to stabilize costs by increasing supply near jobs and transit, while preserving affordability where possible. What role does Spokane County and state funding play in meeting the 2026 goals?
County coordination and state grants are critical for major infrastructure, transit upgrades, and economic projects. The roadmap aligns local priorities with regional funding sources and sets clear timelines to ensure projects are delivered on schedule.