Big Plans
We have BIG plans.
How big?
One Billion Dollars Big.
The Spokane Reimagined proposal is a $1 billion dollar transportation and accessibility levy at a rate of approximately $1.49 per $1,000 of assessed value. The median home would pay under $650 the first year.
That’s quite a lot of money. What does this cover?
About 60% is slated for capital improvements.
First, and most importantly, we aim to create Spokane’s People Powered Highways, a citywide grid of safe, clean, pedestrianized streets that are accessible 365 days a year.
Over 20 staffed public restrooms are proposed along the over 140 miles of PPH, each with a family restroom, drinking fountain, and emergency phone.
When we’ve repurposed streets for people, that’s real estate we can use for more productive uses.
Every house in the city will be walking distance to a high-quality half court, fountain, and some sort of gathering place or pavilion.
Speaking of free real estate, we also propose creation of of the First Ave Tram, a 2.5 mile streetcar line running 24/7 from Browne’s Addition to the Amtrak station at Bernard.
First Avenue is the backbone of Spokane’s entertainment and hotel districts and we seek to serve downtown’s transit needs properly.
We propose starting a city-owned and operated bike share system with traditional bicycles, e-bikes, and cargo bikes. This would include capital and operations costs.
For neighborhoods not covered by the PPH, we aim to create protected pedestrian and cycle paths, crossings, and other safety improvements.
Despite their omission from the PPH, we still seek to provide the other amenities such as fountains and restrooms to outlying neighborhoods.
The remaining 40% of levy revenue we propose should be spent on operations.
The new facilities will have dedicated clean teams, with commitments that restrooms are open and clean for at least 18 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Similarly, we envision crews devoted to the PPH, with landscaping, snow removal, and maintenance.
Lastly, we seek to cover the costs for First Ave Tram operators, maintenance, and security staff for at least the first five years to allow for free ridership.