Hear ye, hear ye.

The city of Spokane wants your thoughts on the Pedestrian Master Plan.

What is it, you ask? Much like its title suggests, it’s THE plan about pedestrian infrastructure in the city. It will guide the city during construction projects regarding how to build crosswalks, sidewalks, ramps, curbs and anything else that a pedestrian (AKA human) may use while not being conveyed by machine. Or sometimes while being conveyed by machine, such as a wheelchair.

Regardless, the plan is a big deal for many people, not the least of whom is Spokane City Councilman Jon Snyder, who spurred recent work on the plan last summer, when he threatened to hold the vehicle tab tax hostage in order to ensure the completion of the long-delayed plan.

A little background: The plan was launched in 2011 but stalled a year later and never finished after staff changes in City Hall. Last year, Snyder sponsored an ordinance threatening to dissolve the city's Transportation Benefit District - along with the revenue generated by the vehicle tab tax - unless the plan is finished by the end of this year. Snyder’s ordinance was approved, starting the clock.

To understand the power of such an ultimatum, you must know that the TBD and tab tax are an important part of the city’s integrated street plan, which was basically approved by voters last fall when they voted overwhelmingly in favor of the street levy. In the city’s scheme, the street levy money goes exclusively toward arterials, and the TBD money is dedicated to residential streets. Without the TBD money, the logic follows, residential streets would not be maintained. If that happened, there would be nothing short of revolution in the streets of Spokane. That is, if revolutionaries could still navigate the pot-holed streets of Spokane to hold said revolution.

Needless to say, city staff got on updating the pedestrian plan.

Now, at long last, is your chance to get in on the plan.

This weekend, the city will be collecting input on the plan at two community events. There will be a bunch of great information, hopefully some maps, a few people to talk to, maybe some cool renderings.

Be there:

Garland Street Fair

Where: Garland Avenue from Monroe Street to Howard Street

When: Saturday, Aug. 8

Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Unity in the Community

Where: Riverfront Park Clock Tower

When: Saturday, Aug. 15

Time:10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Before we end this message, let's go to the city for their take on the plan:

The Pedestrian Plan has been under development since last fall.  It’s part of a major update of the Transportation Chapter of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the 20-year plan that guides all growth for the City.

A major new component in the Transportation Chapter is the City’s new focus on integrating transportation and utility infrastructure investments. With the adoption of the new street levy last fall, the City has been working to prioritize investments in our street system based on both above and below ground needs.  Mobility uses for transit, bikes, pedestrians, vehicles and freight are prioritized along with needs for water distribution, wastewater, and stormwater management, allowing the City to save money and create greater benefits for neighborhoods.

Great. Back to you, people.

And read more about the plan here.