University District Board of Directors
Seeks Non-Profit Applicant
Applications due June 18th
Please return to:
Downtown Spokane Partnership—Attn: Brandon Betty
211 North Wall Street, Suite 300.
Spokane, WA 99201
The University District Development Association is seeking an applicant from a Non-Profit agency to serve on the newly established organization’s Board of Directors. The selected Non-Profit member will serve a three year term and will sit with 14 other elected representative board members to guide revitalization and development opportunities within the University District. Applicants for the Non-Profit board member position are not restricted to the University District boundaries.
Recently, the stakeholders in the University District agreed to transition from its previous informal community development network into a formal non-profit organization by attaining a legal 501 (c ) 3 tax-exempt status. This move creates a defined entity better able to maneuver the intricacies of government partnerships, charitable donations, grant management, as well as other revitalization and development strategies.
The University District Board of Directors serves as the policy and decision-making body for the University District, while receiving its guidance from the larger representation of the University District Advisory Council. The Board consists of members representing the many types of entities and interests in the University District: local government, university leadership, public and private land owners, large and small business owners, non-profit organizations, real estate experts, as well as public transportation representatives.
All interested Non-Profit agencies are encouraged to apply. Applicants for the Non-Profit board member position are not restricted to the University District boundaries.
University District Development Association Board of Directors Established
After a public call for applications, a University District Advisory Council selection committee chose the 14 members of the University District Development Association (UDDA) Board of Directors. The new Board worked to secure a legal status as a 501 c 3 tax exempt nonprofit organization, and quickly formed bylaws and policies that enable it to represent University District (UD) interests, prioritize UD projects, and create development opportunities within the UD.
The UDDA Board of Directors was formed to represent a strong cross section of the existing entities and individuals within the UD: the Mayor of Spokane, City of Spokane staff, the universities, as well as businesses and local property owners. The Board also draws from local experts in transportation, land use law, economic development, and commercial real estate. Combined, the Board is well positioned to ensure momentum and development in the district.
University District Development Board of Directors:
Mary Verner |
Mayor |
Marty Dickinson |
DSP |
Rich Hadley |
Greater Spokane Incorporated |
Steve Trabun |
Avista Utilities |
Karl Otterstrom |
Spokane Transit Authority |
Dr. Brian Pitcher |
Washington State University Spokane |
Dr. Thayne McCulloh |
Gonzaga University |
Dr. Gary Livingston |
Community Colleges of Spokane |
Dr. Rex Fuller |
Eastern Washington University Spokane |
Kim Zentz |
Sirti |
Kim Pearman-Gillman |
McKinstry |
Taudd Hume |
Foster Pepper |
Mike Livingston |
Kiemle & Hagood |
Sheila Collins |
City of Spokane |
The UD began years ago as an initiative to promote economic development through higher education collaboration on the outskirts of downtown Spokane. From the beginning it functioned as a strong grass-roots campaign involving local property owners and university representatives. That group helped create the 2004 Strategic Master Plan and laid out a vision for the future of the UD; a live/learn/work/play confluence of innovation, discovery, entrepreneurship, scholarship, and neighborhood development that provides and ongoing stream of economic growth and business opportunity for the region.
That vision has created a momentum in the UD proven to incite action; the City of Spokane has implemented Local Revitalization Financing (LRF) to help fund public improvements in the UD, developers are implementing innovative projects, and investors are anticipating new opportunities. As a result, people are talking about what is going on in the UD.
A Glimpse of Major Projects: 2010-2012
The University District Development Association monitors projects occurring in the University District. The images below illustrate such projects unfolding in the next couple of years. Each project's colored label on the photograph is represented on the map of the University District using the same. This color identification will help to orient viewers to each project location within the University District. To print these images, download the files here and here.
City of Spokane & the University District Plan for the Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge
Spokane University District Housing Study
Recognizing an all around need for specific market analysis in the University District, the University District Development Alliance commissioned Zimmerman/Volk Associates Inc., to complete a formal housing study of the market area. Zimmerman/Volk Associates, Inc. has a national reputation for innovative market analysis based on its proprietary target market methodology. The woman-owned company specializes in the analysis of compact and sustainable development; mixed-income, mixed-tenure redevelopment; mixed-use urban revitalization; traditional neighborhood developments; and integrated-use master-planned communities. Zimmerman/Volk Associates is recognized by the leading practitioners of the New Urbanism as the national expert on the market feasibility of New Urbanist communities.
Follow the link to the Housing Study, Appendices 1 & 2, and Appendix 3.
2008-2009 University District Milestones
Spokane’s University District showcases business, educational, and community collaboration. The 2004 adopted University District Master Plan prioritized quality of life in attracting and retaining talented people, the fabric of knowledge creators in the economy.
Since 2004, student population increased from 7,828 students to more than 11,400 students currently including Community Colleges of Spokane, Eastern Washington University Spokane, Gonzaga University, Washington State University Spokane, and Whitworth University. This 46% increase is reflected in a similar increase in faculty and other related jobs. Comparably, healthcare jobs in the adjacent healthcare district have grown to 8,400. Sirti’s University District headquarters contain thirteen high-tech and six life-sciences companies and organizations. New buildings now dot the horizon throughout the University District where none existed before with over $843 million invested.
To see the entire list of the University District's accomplishments, click here.
It's a Go!
Project Management
The University District initiatives have been mindfully coordinated using Project Management methodologies. This is an appropriate approach to a successful district because of the various programs that must be synchronized. Above is a chart communicating the layout of such programs, allowing easy identification of goals and objectives for each, as well as their respective projects. Ultimately, program focused communication sets the stage for managing and defining the functional work required of the University District’s individual projects.
Infrastructure Projects Take the Spotlight!
The ultimate destination for the University District is economic development through investment and infrastructure. Key stakeholders in the development process are working together to make that investment in both research and infrastructure projects. Further, through the University District’s marketing and communication strategies, new businesses and economic opportunities will be attracted to the area.
The key infrastructure projects include:
- Riverside Extension Phase I
- Division Street Gateways (Main, Riverside, and Spokane Falls Blvd.)
- Pedestrian Safety Railroad Overpass
