GSI and Partners Invite the Greater Spokane Community to Comment on the
Spokane Region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(SPOKANE, Wash.) – Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) and community partners invite the greater Spokane community to comment on THRIVE Spokane, the Spokane region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). THRIVE Spokane sets the vision and framework for regional economic prosperity and long-term economic development growth for the Spokane region over the next five years.
GSI contracted with TIP Strategies, Inc. (TIP), an economic strategy firm, and Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc. (MFA), a multi-disciplinary firm, to complete an update to CEDS. Grant dollars were awarded to GSI by the US Economic Development Administration to help fund the project. Strategies implemented from the plan will create impacts that extend well into the future.
The project launched in June 2021, with the first phase focused on data collection and analysis. The second phase of the project included individual and group conversations, surveys, and focus groups to better understand the region’s opportunities. Both quantitative data and qualitative insights, combined with TIP’s extensive experience and understanding of best practices from other regions, have helped design the strategies in the plan.
A steering committee composed of more than 30 local organizations convened monthly to contribute to the plan and share ideas.
“This inclusive strategy will continue to require broad community input. It’s important that we hear and consider perspectives from as many residents as possible so that we create a plan that fosters an inclusive, equitable and thriving economy,” said Gary Ballew, VP of Economic Development for GSI.
The draft CEDS and Target Industry Analysis are now open for public comment through May 11 and can be found at the links above for review. Comments can be submitted here or by mail to: Greater Spokane Inc., 801 W Riverside, Suite 200, Spokane, WA 99201 (Attn: Joey Gunning).
For more information about THRIVE Spokane, to view project updates and data findings, and learn more about partners and collaborators visit ThriveSpokane.org.
About Greater Spokane Inc.
Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) is the Spokane region’s business development organization. GSI creates the place where organizations come together to advocate for the region, drive strategic economic growth, and champion a talented workforce. GSI is funded through a combination of private and public investment, including over 800 private-sector members; Spokane County; Washington State Department of Commerce; and the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Millwood, Newport, and the Kalispel Tribe of Indians.
About TIP Strategies
Tip Strategies, Inc. is a privately held Austin-based firm providing consulting and advisory services to public and private sector clients. Established in 1995, the firm’s core competence in strategic planning for economic development has broadened to include expertise in talent strategies and in organizational development. TIP has worked with more than 400 communities across 44 states and 5 countries to develop innovative strategies, programs, and outreach campaigns.
About Maul Foster & Alongi
Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary firm that integrates planning, communications, spatial analysis, engineering, and environmental sciences. Since 1996, MFA has grown to eight Pacific Northwest offices. The firm serves a wide variety of clients in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, including economic development authorities, cities, counties, port districts, special purpose districts, private industry, non-profit organizations, and real estate investors/developers.
