Spokane, Washington Is Betting on Buses, Benches, and Fourplexes

Spokane, Washington Is Betting on Buses, Benches, and Fourplexes

From The Bottom-Up Revolution by Strong Towns

May 26, 2026 · 18 min · Episode 252

About this episode

The episode discusses Spokane's efforts to revitalize its public transportation and community spaces through innovative projects and zoning reforms.

Before the car took over, Spokane, Washington ran an extensive streetcar network that shaped its neighborhoods. Sarah Rose and Erik Lowe of Spokane Reimagined are working to recover that spirit through a bus system that has already surpassed pre-pandemic ridership, a zoning reform that opened the city to missing middle housing, and hand-built benches placed in all 29 neighborhoods, each painted by a local artist. Their city motto is "In Spokane, we all belong" and they're putting in the work to prove it. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Erik Lowe (LinkedIn) Sarah Rose (LinkedIn) Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn) Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here. This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you! Join fellow members discussing this episode in The Commons.

People in this episode

Guests: Sarah Rose, Erik Lowe

Topics covered

  • public transportation
  • urban planning
  • community development
  • zoning reform
  • missing middle housing
  • local art

Keywords

  • Spokane
  • buses
  • benches
  • fourplexes
  • streetcar network
  • neighborhoods
  • community
  • zoning reform
  • local artists

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Spokane Reimagined

Places: Spokane, Washington, Spokane

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