The University District

UDPDA Public Records Information

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

To submit a public records request to the University District Public Development Authority (UDPDA) please utilize this form. Alternatively, requests can be emailed to Public Records Officer, info@spokaneudistrict.org, or sent via U.S. mail to UDPDA, 120 N Pine St, Ste 252, Spokane WA 99202.

The UDPDA provides access to public records under the provisions of the Washington State Public Disclosure Act (RCW 42.56) and the UDPDA Public Records Policy. Per RCW 42.56.520 please allow five business days to respond to a records request.

All records maintained by the UDPDA are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. You are entitled to access public records, under reasonable conditions, and copies of those records can be provided upon paying copying costs. In most cases, you do not have to explain why you want the records. However, specific information may be necessary to process your request. The UDPDA may require further information to establish if disclosure would violate certain provisions of law.

The more precisely you can identify the record(s) you seek, the more responsive the UDPDA can be. The UDPDA provides access to existing public records in its possession but is not required to collect information or organize data to create a record not existing at the time of the request. Keep in mind that a question or request for information only is not a request for a record.

2025 University District Board and Committee Meeting Dates

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Advance agendas will be posted approximately 3-4 days before the meeting. Contact info@spokaneudistrict.org if you need a Zoom link for the UDPDA or EAC meetings.

In 2025, the University District Development Association (UDDA) board of directors will meet on February 5, March 5, April 9, May 7, June 4 (retreat), September 3 (annual meeting), and October 15. Meetings (unless otherwise indicated in the agenda) are at the Catalyst Building, 601 E Riverside Ave, Spokane, Room 309.

In 2025, the University District Public Development Authority (UDPDA) board of directors will meet on February 5, March 5, April 9, May 7, June 4, September 3 (annual meeting), and October 15. Meetings (unless otherwise indicated in the agenda) are at the Catalyst Building, 601 E Riverside Ave, Spokane, Room 309.

In 2025 the UDDA/UDPDA Executive Action Committee (EAC) will meet on the following dates at 11:30 AM via Zoom. Please email info@spokaneudistrict.org for virtual link. January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, August 19, September 16, and December TBD.

University District U-Forward Monthly E-Newsletter Issues

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Below are links to our most recent monthly U-Forward external e-newsletters which we launched in April 2022.

2025 - January, February, March

2024 - No issue November and December, October 2024, September 2024, August 2024, July 2024, no issue May or June, April 2024, March 2024, February 2024, January 2024

2023 - No issue December, November 2023, October 2023, September 2023, August 2023, no July issue, June 2023, May 2023, April 2023, March 2023, February 2023, January 2023

2022 - No December issue, November 2022, October 2022, September 2022, August 2022, July 2022, June 2022, May 2022 ,April 2022 (first issue)

Former NIH Director Francis Collins to Headline Whitworth’s President’s Leadership Forum on Oct. 2

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Whitworth University is honored to welcome distinguished scientist and former director of the National Institutes of Health Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., as the featured speaker for the fall President’s Leadership Forum. His address titled, “The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith and Trust,” the same title as his latest book, will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, followed by a question-and-answer session with Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin.

Collins is one of the best-known scientists of the current era. He served as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for 12 years under three Presidents. He is known for his discoveries of disease genes, for leading the Human Genome Project, and for championing the harmony of science and faith.

“His visit represents a tremendous opportunity for the Whitworth community and the broader public to engage with one of the most prominent and respected scientific leaders of our time,” Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin says. “Dr. Collins truly embodies the integration of scientific excellence and personal faith, something that aligns perfectly with Whitworth’s mission to educate both mind and heart.”

From 1993-2003, under Collins’ leadership, the Human Genome Project produced a finished sequence of human DNA. Collins then convened other teams to create powerful tools and strategies to advance biological knowledge about humans and improve their health.

Collins was involved in a historic series of research partnerships over the course of his career addressing illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Formerly an atheist, Collins became a Christian in his 20s after realizing that perspective did not provide answers to profound questions about the meaning of life and was also inconsistent with observations about the nature of the universe and humankind. He wrote about finding harmony between the scientific and spiritual worldviews in The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, which spent 20 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list.

In 2007, he founded BioLogos, based on the conclusions he reached about how life, or bios, came about through God’s word, or logos. He served as its president until he was required to resign following his appointment as NIH director. Now retired from NIH, he currently serves that foundation as a senior fellow.

Collins received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Virginia, a doctorate in physical chemistry from Yale University, and a medical degree from The University of North Carolina. He is an elected member of both the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2007 and received the National Medal of Science in 2009. In 2020, he was elected as a Foreign Member of the Royal Society (UK) and was also named the 50th winner of the Templeton Prize, which celebrates scientific and spiritual curiosity.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

About the President’s Leadership Forum:

The Whitworth President’s Leadership Forum draws key national leaders to the Inland Northwest to provide wisdom and insight on a variety of contemporary issues. Speakers have included Liz Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, Gen. Colin Powell, journalist Bob Woodward and author Michael Lewis.

About Whitworth University:

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private, Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Registration Open for Boulevard Race 2025 – Join the Fight Against Cancer Sept 21

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0700

We call the opening of our registration Boulevard Rush and we are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for The Boulevard Race 2025! Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 21, 2025, and join us in downtown Spokane's University District for a memorable 4-mile run or walk dedicated to supporting Community Cancer Fund. This year’s race will have all the COW bells and whistles you can imagine: DJs, Scream Tunnels, Cheer Zones, Post-Race Beer Garden, Race Bead Bling, Donuts, Bag Pipes, Frozen Zone, Bubbles, The Hill, Blazing Fast Elites, The Great PNW shirt and yes . . . more DJs! Time to bring the show!

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Start Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Spokane Falls Blvd Bridge by Gonzaga University

Distance: 4 miles

To REGISTER.

University District 2025 Impact Award Nominations Open, Deadline Aug 1

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0700

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT (UD) IMPACT AWARD INFORMATION

BACKGROUND

The University District’s Impact Award recognizes individuals and/or organizations that have demonstrated excellence in leadership through deep local engagement and exceptional initiative. The award is designed to acknowledge those who provide thoughtful, community-driven, innovative, and sustainable solutions to critical issues facing the University District.

Past University District Impact Award recipients include:

2017 – Dave and Mari Clack received the inaugural award at a UD community celebration at Gonzaga University for their pioneering, seminal, and enduring contributions to the University District.
2018 – no award
2019 – Kim Pearman-Gillman was celebrated during the University District Gateway Bridge opening in May 2019 for her leadership in bringing that game-changing project to fruition and for her longstanding service to the UD Board.
2020 – Dean Allen, McKinstry CEO, received the 2020 award for his transformative role in developing the south landing of the Gateway Bridge and the “Health Peninsula,” the new home of the UW-GU Health Partnership Building.
2021 – Jim Sheehan was honored for his decades of service to Spokane as a public defender, community leader, philanthropist, and environmental activist. His investment in and transformation of East Main Ave into a vibrant commercial and community hub was catalytic for the UD.
2022 – Kim Zentz received the 2022 award for her years of community service on several Spokane boards and non-profits (including the University District) as well as her leadership roles during her distinguished career in the utility, economic development, higher education, and energy sectors.
2023 – Rich Hadley received the 2023 award posthumously as a major driver in the establishment of the University District. Rich worked tirelessly to build and sustain economic growth in our area and was a force in bringing the Washington State University Elson S Floyd College of Medicine into existence.
2025 – Scott Morris, a much-admired business and philanthropic leader in the Spokane community, received the 2024 award for his pivotal role in the era-defining transformation of the South Landing of the University District Gateway Bridge, home to the internationally renowned Catalyst Building and Scott Morris Center for Energy Innovation.

ELIGIBILITY
Individuals or organizations may receive this award. Previous award winners and current University District board members or staff are not eligible. The nominee’s work must serve populations in the University District.

AWARD TO INDIVIDUAL
This award is given to someone who has significantly contributed to the University District and whose collaborative work and selfless leadership have inspired community action and measurable impact.

AWARD TO ORGANIZATION
This award is given to an organization that demonstrates an exemplary commitment to improving the University District, supporting its stakeholders, and creating greater community health, wealth, equity, and opportunity in the District. The nominated organization will have undertaken collaborative and pioneering efforts to benefit University District development, revitalization, economic prosperity, innovation, public health and safety, and community engagement.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION

The University District Executive Advisory Committee (EAC) can initiate a public or closed nomination process. It can receive nominations informally, provided sufficient information is available to evaluate the nominee by the published deadline. Before evaluation and deliberation, the EAC will decide on the timeline for submissions, selection, and recognition. Those making nominations may be asked to provide additional information, if necessary. The EAC will confirm nominees' eligibility and will present their recommendation(s) to the UDDA board of directors for award selection.

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT (UD) IMPACT AWARD 2025 APPLICATION

Members of the public who wish to nominate a person or organization for the annual University District Impact Award are required to submit a Word document (maximum two pages) that includes responses to the following:

TELL US ABOUT WHO THE NOMINEE SERVES IN THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT (UD)

Please describe the community, organizations, and/or individuals served in the University District by this candidate.

WHAT DOES THE NOMINEE DO FOR THE UD AND WHY IS THAT WORK IMPORTANT?

Please tell us about the nature of the nominee’s work and why it matters. Examples include:

Thoughtful Leader: Has a record of demonstrated leadership in their field and community; friends, colleagues, other thought leaders, and peers look to the nominee as a source of inspiration, knowledge, and empowerment.
Community Catalyst: Has a history of stepping up, spearheading catalytic projects, and employing solutions that demonstrate a deep local understanding of the University District community and its diverse stakeholders and that advance the overall health, well-being, and prosperity of the UD community.
Selfless Collaborator: Works with and is informed by other University District or Spokane community leaders, organizations, agencies, faith groups, and/or sectors to break down silos and build collaborative solutions.
Trail Blazer: Has vision and the ability to build momentum around novel, placemaking, or game-changing ideas; willing to take risks to achieve results for future generations.

WHAT SETS THE NOMINEE APART?

Describe how the nominee works to lead, collaborate, and transform outcomes in the University District in truly unique ways. Provide 2-3 concrete examples of the nominee’s singular impact in the UD and/or challenges the nominee(s) has addressed/overcome in the District.

DEADLINE AND EVALUATION

Please submit nominations to info@spokaneudistrict.org by 10 AM Pacific, Friday, August 1, 2025. Please provide your contact information for follow-up questions, if any. Final recommendation(s) will be presented to the University District board of directors in October, and the Impact Award presentation will occur at a holiday party on December 10, 2025.

NEED MORE INFO?

If you have any questions, please contact info@spokaneudistrict.org or 509 255 8038.

OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE THE NEXT 20+ YEARS OF SPOKANE'S REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Opportunity to shape the next 20+ years of Spokane’s Regional Transportation system

The time is beginning for members of the public to help envision the future of Spokane County’s transportation system. Through the development of a long-range transportation plan that extends to the year 2050, people can weigh in on the future transportation needs of their community.

This transportation plan, titled Horizon 2050, is the key document for long-range transportation planning in the Spokane County region. “Development of Horizon 2050 provides an opportunity for SRTC to bring communities together to share thoughts about the future of our region and transportation solutions that will be needed to support that future,” said Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) Executive Director Lois Bollenback.

2050 will contain information on important transportation projects, needs for all modes of transportation, planned transportation investments, updated population and land use projections and more. Members of the public have multiple opportunities to be a part of the plan’s development process and comment on their transportation experiences.

An 8-question survey is available and will be open through early Summer 2025. There will also be a series oof workshops around the region where people can talk with SRTC planners and other agency staff, share their thoughts face-to-face and participate in educational transportation activities. These public meetings will share information on transportation data, identified regional needs, major projects and other additional resources.

Comments will be considered throughout the development of the plan. The draft report is expected to be complete by November 2025 and there will be a month-long public comment period for final public review.

“This is an important plan for the Spokane region, and it will be better informed with input from people throughout our community who use it each day to drive, walk, bike or take the bus. I encourage members of the public to attend a workshop, participate in our survey or reach out to us through our project website. Your voice matters,” said Bollenback.

For more information, visit www.srtc.org/horizon-2050.

Horizon 2050 Workshops

February 24 | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm - Eastern Washington University Cheney Campus
February 25 | 9:00 am to 1:00 pm – University District Catalyst Building
March 3 | 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm – Spokane Liberty Park Library
March 6 | 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm – Airway Heights Recreation Center
April 1 | 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm - Spokane Valley Library
April 17 | 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm – Spokane Central Library

About Spokane Regional Transportation Council
The Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) is the lead agency for transportation planning for the area covered by Spokane County. As the region’s metropolitan planning organization (MPO) and regional transportation planning organization (RTPO), SRTC develops plans and programs that coordinate transportation planning throughout the Spokane region. SRTC’s Board of Directors is made up of elected officials across Spokane County, who make important planning and funding decisions for the region. For more information on SRTC and member jurisdictions, visit http://srtc.org.

SRTC is committed to nondiscrimination in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.O. 100.259) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. A person with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting the SRTC office by telephone at (509) 343-6370 or by email at contact.srtc@srtc.org at least 48 hours in advance. Persons with hearing impairment may contact (509) 343-6387 through the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1.

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UW/GU Next Generation Medicine Lecture on Fentanyl in Spokane Community - June 24

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Presented by the UW School of Medicine-Gonzaga University Health Partnership

About This Event

Fentanyl and methamphetamine are having serious health impacts in our community. What are these drugs, why are people using them, how are they impacting our community, and what can we do?

Dr. Caleb Banta-Green, a highly regarded expert in substance use disorder, treatment and other interventions from the UW in Seattle, and Dr. Amy Burns, a Spokane-based psychiatrist with expertise in addiction, will discuss the available services and interventions to prevent serious health outcomes, and how to support ongoing health and recovery including ways in which family and friends can help support their loved one.

A Q&A with Dr. Banta-Green and Dr. Burns will follow their presentation.

Date & Time - Tuesday, June 24, 2025 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM

Cost - Free

Location - Cataldo Hall Globe Room, Gonzaga University , 429 E. Boone Ave Spokane WA 99202

This event will also be live streamed over YouTube. A link will be sent closer to the event.

Free Parking

TO REGISTER CLICK THIS LINK

Urbanova and Intent merge to form INW Energy Cluster

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0700

(as reported in the Spokesman Review by Karina Elias)

Two Spokane-based energy innovation groups have merged to launch a new energy innovation cluster backed by state funding.

Board members of Inland Northwest Center for Energy and Decarbonization LLC, known as Intent, and the nonprofit organization Urbanova signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this month to form the new organization, tentatively named Inland Northwest Energy Innovation Cluster. The new nonprofit organization is now operating under a transitional board. Leaders say they plan to unveil a new company name, strategic initiatives, and organizational structure in the fall.

Mason Burley, CEO of Urbanova, says the impetus for the merger is to position Spokane and the surrounding region as a testbed for cutting-edge energy solutions, ranging from grid modernization to distributed energy systems. The region is already home to several companies working in this space, he says, including Itron, Inc., which has developed smart metering technology, and McKinstry Co., which is spearheading geothermal projects in the area, among many others.

“The vision is to support and accelerate the great work that’s already happening here,” Burley says. "Those innovations are going to result in more efficiency ... that can really help establish the energy future and the energy economy."

The push for energy innovation comes as utilities and communities brace for growing demand, try to address aging infrastructure, and deal with the impacts of climate change, Burley adds. Factors like rapid load growth from data centers, increasing strain on transmission systems, and the need for more resilient renewable-rich grids are driving urgency in the sector, he says.

Regional collaboration will be essential to navigate these challenges, Burley says.

To help shape the long-term vision, the organization is hosting an Energy Innovation Summit on July 8 and 9 at Washington State University’s Spokane campus. The event will bring together stakeholders from industry, academia, and the public sector to identify regional energy challenges and opportunities, Burley says. Insights from the summit will inform a strategic planning process led by the organization’s interim board, which is expected to finalize its direction and board expansion plans by September.

Urbanova was established in 2017 as a smart city collaboration between the city of Spokane, Washington state University, Avista Corp., McKinstry, and Itron. Initially focused on deploying and studying emerging technologies—such as smart streetlights and air-quality monitors—in Spokane’s University District, the organization later expanded into community-centered research on how technology affects residents, particularly in terms of energy use, housing insecurity, and public health. Urbanova is based at the WSU Center for Innovation, at 120 N. Pine in the University District, and has two employees and several contractors, says Burley, who assumed his role in 2022.

In 2023, Urbanova was awarded a $1 million development grant from the National Science Foundation as part of its Regional Innovation Engines program, says Burley. The grant supported early efforts to establish Eastern Washington as a hub for energy innovation, particularly in grid modernization and clean technology.

“The idea was that the emerging energy innovation is going to be reliant on grid modernization and infrastructure,” Burley says. “And if we can find a way to accelerate innovation around grid architecture and modernization, there are a lot of benefits, both for the community and for the regional economy.”

To meet the National Science Foundation’s requirement for strong industry involvement, a separate entity—Intent, the Inland Northwest Center for Energy and Decarbonization—was created. The spinoff group acted as a liaison between academic institutions and private industry, bringing together partners from Washington State University, the University of Idaho, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and others, Burley says.

"What Intent brought to the effort was the industry expertise that NSF was interested in," Burley says.

Burley says that following the conclusion of the NSF award in April, leadership from Urbanova and Intent began discussions about how to sustain the momentum of their joint work over the past two years. With overlapping missions and a shared network of partners, the two groups saw merging as a strategic move to streamline operations, strengthen funding opportunities, and clarify their regional role in energy innovation.

The merger is also a practical step. Both organizations operate with lean staffing, typically one to three core team members supported by contractors, partner organizations, and board members, which include Jason Verduzco, of Verizon Communications Inc.; Latisha Hill, of Avista Corp.; retired Itron Inc. executive Rich Christensen; retired Avista executive John Gibson; and Dan Wadkins, of Foster Garvey PC law firm. By unifying under a single structure and board, the merged entity hopes to improve efficiency, scale projects more effectively, and better position itself for future grants and state-level support, Burley says.

As reported by the Journal, the newly formed entity has already been recognized by the Washington state Department of Commerce as part of its Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program and awarded a $140,000 grant to support planning and development efforts.

UW is the No. 8 university in the world, according to new US News & World Report rankings

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0700

he University of Washington is No. 8 on the 2025-26 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities rankings, released on Tuesday. The UW maintained its No. 2 ranking among U.S. public institutions.

The UW also placed in the top 10 in eight subject areas ranked by U.S. News.

Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University topped the list in that order. The University of Oxford is No. 4, followed by University of Cambridge, the University of California, Berkeley, University College London and the UW. Yale University and Columbia University rounded out the top 10.

“Unquestionably, the UW is advancing discovery that saves and improves lives, promotes prosperity, makes our nation stronger and expands human knowledge for the good of all,” said UW President Ana Mari Cauce. “I’m very proud to see this extraordinary impact recognized through this latest ranking.”

The U.S. News ranking methodology — based on data and metrics provided by Clarivate — weighs factors that measure a university’s global and regional research reputation and academic research performance. For the overall rankings, this includes bibliometric indicators such as the number of publications, citations and international collaboration.

The overall Best Global Universities ranking encompasses 2,250 institutions spread across 105 countries, according to U.S. News.

Here are the UW fields of study that are in the top 10 in U.S. News’ subject rankings:

Molecular biology and genetics — No. 6

Clinical medicine — No. 6

Public, environmental and occupational health — No. 6

Microbiology — No. 7

Biology and biochemistry — No. 8 (up from 9)

Infectious diseases — No. 9

Marine and freshwater biology — No. 9

Social sciences and public health – No. 9