City of Spokane seeks grant funding for the University District Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge
University District Board of Directors Positions Available
Applications Due November 9th
As the revitalization and development opportunities for the University District continue to grow, the stakeholders in the University District Development Alliance have agreed to transition from an informal community development organization to a formal non-profit organization by attaining a legal 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt status. This move creates a defining body better able to maneuver the intricacies of government partnerships, charitable donations, and grant management.
The University District Board of Directors will serve as the policy and decision-making body for the University District, while receiving its guidance from the larger University District Development Alliance. Applications for Board positions are available at the link below. The Board will consist of members representing the many types of entities in the University District: City Government, University Representatives, public and private land owners, community leadership/non-profit, small and large business, as well as public transportation.
Please share this application form with others who may be interested in this opportunity to serve in the University District. Applications are due on November 9th. Please return to:
Downtown Spokane Partnership--Attn: Marty Dickinson---211 North Wall Street, Suite 300.
Spokane, WA 99201
Fax: 747-3127-------Email: mdickinson@downtownspokane.net
University District Board of Directors Application
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
