Open Issues

Everything the council is working on, organized by topic. Tap any item to read the full story, see next steps and leave a comment.

2Need your input
2Need volunteers
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🏗️ Development, Building & Land Use4

🚦 Traffic & Transportation Safety4

🤝 Human Services1

🧹 Neighborhood Services & Cleanups3

🔥 Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness2

🏘️ Community & Connection1

📣 Communications2

🗂️ Council Operations3

Have an issue the council should know about? Call (509) 724-0331 or contact us.

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Neighborhood Questions & Priorities

What matters to our neighbors? Explore the questions, concerns, and ideas shaping Latah-Hangman. Share your perspective, help find answers, and work with us toward solutions.

6 open topicsExplore topics ↓

Open topics6

These topics reflect community input, not necessarily official Council positions. We welcome additional perspectives, information, and ideas.

Can Our Roads and Infrastructure Support Future Growth?Whole neighborhoodAffects neighbors across the whole neighborhood.Seeking information

What we're hearing

Neighbors want to make sure roads, utilities, and other infrastructure can support both existing households and future growth in Eagle Ridge, Thorpe, Hangman, and Vinegar Flats. There's interest in understanding current capacity, what improvements may be needed, and how infrastructure planning can also account for wildlife, streams, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Questions we're exploring

  • What is the current capacity of roads and infrastructure serving these areas, and what improvements may be needed to support future growth?
  • What requirements do the City and WSDOT have for infrastructure improvements associated with new development?
  • How does the City ensure necessary infrastructure is available as development occurs, including through concurrency requirements?

Updates & Answers

We're seeking information and will share verified updates here as they become available, including sources and dates.

Related issue: Vinegar Flats Land-Use Map

Raised in: Concern Report, Sept. 28, 2026

What's Planned for Access to US 195?Upper LatahAffects neighbors in the upper part of the neighborhood.Seeking information

What we're hearing

Neighbors want to understand how future transportation plans may affect connections between Vinegar Flats, Thorpe Road, and US 195.

Several have expressed a preference for keeping the south end of Inland Empire Way closed to highway traffic. Others have asked for clarity about the future of the Thorpe Road connection and how transportation improvements will be coordinated with land-use planning and development.

Questions we're exploring

  • Are any changes being considered to connect the south end of Inland Empire Way with US 195?
  • What plans, if any, are being considered for the Thorpe Road connection to US 195?
  • How would transportation improvements be coordinated with future land-use changes and development?

Updates & Answers

We're seeking information and will share verified updates here as they become available, including sources and dates.

Related issues: Vinegar Flats Land-Use Map · Thorpe Road Development

Raised in: Concern Report, Sept. 28, 2026

How Will Land-Use Changes Affect Existing Homes?Upper LatahAffects neighbors in the upper part of the neighborhood.Seeking information

What we're hearing

Neighbors want to understand how proposed land-use changes might affect existing homes, property values, and the ability to remain in the neighborhood.

Some have suggested directing new development toward currently undeveloped land rather than areas with established homes. Others want to better understand what new land-use designations would mean for their properties and future options.

Questions we're exploring

  • How might proposed Residential High and Mixed Use designations affect existing homes and property owners?
  • What changes, if any, would be required of existing property owners?
  • How might these designations affect future property use, redevelopment opportunities, and property values?

Updates & Answers

We're seeking information and will share verified updates here as they become available, including sources and dates.

Related issue: Vinegar Flats Land-Use Map

Raised in: Concern Report, Sept. 28, 2026

Where Should New Housing and Businesses Go?Upper LatahAffects neighbors in the upper part of the neighborhood.Seeking information

What we're hearing

Neighbors have offered different ideas about where mixed-use development and higher-density housing might best fit within Vinegar Flats.

Suggestions include considering both sides of Inland Empire Way and concentrating new development along the main corridor rather than extending it into surrounding residential areas.

There's interest in finding an approach that supports neighborhood-serving businesses and future housing while respecting existing homes, natural resources, and the character of the valley.

Questions we're exploring

  • What factors guided the proposed boundaries for Mixed Use and Residential High?
  • Were alternative locations considered, including the north side of Inland Empire Way?
  • Could a more corridor-focused approach meet the City's goals while limiting impacts on surrounding residential areas?

Updates & Answers

We're seeking information and will share verified updates here as they become available, including sources and dates.

Related issue: Vinegar Flats Land-Use Map

Raised in: Concern Report, Sept. 28, 2026

How Can We Improve Safety on Inland Empire Way?Upper LatahAffects neighbors in the upper part of the neighborhood.Seeking information

What we're hearing

Neighbors want Inland Empire Way to remain safe and accessible as the area changes.

Traffic speeds are one concern, particularly if additional housing and businesses bring more vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists to the corridor.

There's interest in understanding what safety improvements may be possible and how they could be incorporated into future transportation planning.

Questions we're exploring

  • What traffic-calming or speed-management measures are currently planned or could be considered for Inland Empire Way?
  • How would future development affect traffic volumes and transportation safety along the corridor?
  • What opportunities exist for neighbors to participate in identifying and prioritizing safety improvements?

Updates & Answers

We're seeking information and will share verified updates here as they become available, including sources and dates.

Related issue: Vinegar Flats Land-Use Map

Raised in: Concern Report, Sept. 28, 2026

How Can Neighbors Help Shape the City's Plans?Whole neighborhoodAffects neighbors across the whole neighborhood.Seeking information

What we're hearing

Neighbors want to participate meaningfully in decisions that shape the future of Vinegar Flats.

To contribute informed ideas and recommendations, they've asked for clearer information about the City's goals, the decisions being considered, and how neighborhood input can influence the outcome.

There's interest in a collaborative process where neighbors and City planners can better understand one another's priorities and explore workable solutions together.

Questions we're exploring

  • What specific goals is the City working toward with the proposed Vinegar Flats land-use changes?
  • What growth, housing, and development needs are these changes intended to address?
  • When will draft zoning and development standards be available for public review?
  • What opportunities will neighbors have to discuss alternatives and help shape decisions before they are finalized?

Updates & Answers

Oct. 2, 2026: City Planning staff confirmed that the Council's resolution on the draft Future Land Use Map is part of the PlanSpokane 2046 decision record. The Plan Commission public hearing is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 2, and the City says it will email commenters and neighborhood councils with details as it gets closer. Source: City of Spokane Planning staff, by email.

We're seeking information and will share verified updates here as they become available, including sources and dates.

Related issue: Vinegar Flats Land-Use Map

Raised in: Concern Report, Sept. 28, 2026

Your Voice Matters

Have a question, idea, or solution to share? Join the discussion on any issue page, or call or text us at (509) 724-0331.

What the labels mean

Needs neighbor input
The council wants to hear from you before it takes a position.
Volunteers needed
A task or role is open and we need people to step up.
In progress
The council is actively working on it.
Awaiting decision
The City or another decision-maker has to act, and the outcome is still open.
Seeking information
We are gathering facts before deciding what to do.
Watching
On our radar. There is nothing for us to do right now, and we will update the page if that changes.
No longer active3
  • Fall clean-up on Hatch RoadThe planned date has passed. We will bring it back if neighbors want another one.
    Whole neighborhoodAffects neighbors across the whole neighborhood.
  • Urban Forestry advisory seatThe City’s application window closed March 20.
    Whole neighborhoodAffects neighbors across the whole neighborhood.
  • Rules for new members votingSettled. The council voted on this; the adopted bylaws govern.
    Whole neighborhoodAffects neighbors across the whole neighborhood.
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