When you ask people in the park what they like about Spokane they say “it’s not too big” and “doesn’t have traffic like Seattle”. Some think Spokanites are “friendly” while others point out our access to nature and recreational resources.
On the flip side, comments about barriers to Spokane’s success contain equally generic and uninspired viewpoints. But this set of assumptions has a much more dire effect on our regional mindset. Let me challenge the basis of the top three most cherished Spokane excuses:
1) Spokane just needs more time.
PROGRESS IS NOT A FUNCTION OF TIME
Ask yourself “How many thousands of years was China under dynastic rule?” It is naive to assume some natural process of growth towards more democratic and/or sustainable societies. These practices do not develop on their own. They result from cultural patterns that are directly influenced by a complex variety of real world circumstances. THIS is where the focus should be kept, not asking “Is the time finally right?” I would agree with the truism that “timing is everything” - but this nugget of wisdom shouldn’t be taken proscriptively.
Creating your own opportune moments is a powerful skill to develop. If we can get past the limit imposed by this ‘glacial time assumption’ the challenge becomes identifying methods that accelerate the process of change itself. The social time scales of the past should not be inappropriately applied to the ever-changing possibilities for the future.
2) Spokane needs new people.
NEW BODIES WON’T REPLACE OLD ATTITUDES
Often I hear it said that we have to “be patient” and wait for all the old fossils to die off before things can really start to move ahead. A variation on this idea is that Spokane needs to import a bunch of “enlightened” Californians or outside corporate talent to cancel out the effects of suspicious natives or make our economy sing.
It is hopelessly narcissistic to assume that attitudinal barriers to change will disappear with certain members of the society that espouse them. Let us not forget that these people have children (often times a larger number of them) and ideas about the what makes the world tick have a funny way of transferring through generational lines. At some point social activists will have to suck up their uncertainty and (gasp) actually engage the criticisms they despise.
3) Spokane is too poor.
HOW WE SPEND IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TOTAL SPENDING
First off, as an American city, Spokane has a lot of fat to burn. The question is how we burn it. Are our dollars squandered on flat screen TVs or invested into energy efficient dishwashers? Do we allow our limited money to be vacuumed out of the local sphere by national and international corporate conglomerates, or do we circulate our dollars faster and more effectively in our own vibrant micro-economy?
Culture change can be spearheaded on a shoestring. The question must involve how to win hearts and minds, the money will follow. Just ask a preacher! Let’s remember one doesn’t loose weight by buying a fancy gym membership, one actually has to work out to get rid of those pounds.
Tags: 6 Comments
6 responses so far ↓
If these excuses are what is holding back “Spokane’s success” I would like to know what your definition of “success” is for Spokane. Being listed in the top 10 by Forbes for business and careers? Having a Whitewater park? Having more highrises? Having people leave Seattle and Portland for greener pastures here?
Nice one!
Love the Spokane is too poor point! Very good! Let’s build our own local Spoconomy!
Re: MK
Surely these are all fabulous developments. It’s like the city has graduated from high school and there is good cause to celebrate. Hooray, congratulations, way to go! (I’m not even being sarcastic here. Looking back on retired blogs like Spokurban you can see how far we’ve gone even within the last three years.)
However, I care about Spokane so much I want to see it go on and graduate from college someday. Maybe even earn a master’s degree. I believe in this area. Existing accomplishments suggest we’re well poised to achieve our full potential as a preeminent American city, not just be satisfied as “a nice place to raise a family”.
Classes Spokane has yet to pass in its journey towards excellence:
*ensuring effective strategies to preserve and develop low income housing as the core continues to gentrify
*addressing the needs of the homeless by legalizing a tent city program (as per the Dignity Village model)
*building more energy efficient multi-modal transit infrastructure
*strengthening the cohesion and vibrancy of neighborhoods and business districts
*developing sustainable and secure local food systems
…just to name a few.
With Love,
The Spovangelist
Great post! I’m sure I speak for all your readers when I say, “you need to write more!” this was a great read, let’s do it again soon!
Thanks for starting this dialog, you have your finger on the pulse for sure.
My only question is, if Spokane is a student; am I, are We, classmates or instructors?
Re: Bart
Neither.
We are the brain cells of Spokane, coordinating its behavior and determining its direction.
I’m with you on your list. Obviously we have a ways to go and in no way do I think we’ve arrived. I just wanted to honestly know what “success” was to you.
To me, you list is made up of political items that can only be proposed and passed by politicians.
One big problem with the city of Spokane is political leadership. No mayor ever gets 2 terms, and the city council members are paid so poorly that no serious person would ever want that job (I’m lookin at you Bob Apple). On top of that every few years there is a budget crisis and everyone freaks out about cutting police and fire positions.
It will take some serious progressive leadership to push things such as low income housing ordinances and tent city programs. It seems to me if you really want to create change the political process is where it needs to happen.
You up for an office run?
PS - I voted for Tom Grant