Spokane University District: Urban Amenities Study

Spokane, WA | 2023

To fully implement its vision for a vibrant and diverse University District, the Public Development Authority (UDPDA) hired Cascadia Partners to analyze successful urban districts and quantify the impact of urban amenities on catalyzing 24/7-based development. Cascadia produced case studies on urban components that impact development outcomes. The precedent districts were deconstructed using research and a map-based analysis to understand what amenities made them successful. Cascadia then evaluated the District’s development via scenario modeling to explore two different development scenarios - “Business As Usual” and a “High Amenity Investment” alternative where priority urban amenities identified in the best practice research were applied. These scenarios measured fiscal revenue, transit use, greenhouse gas emissions, access to open space, small business and housing mixe, and cultural attractions and uses. The two scenarios were evaluated on their ability to catalyze new development and generate new jobs and housing. The findings from this analysis informed recommendations about what type of amenities and improvements the University District can invest in to catalyze development.