About Us

The Neighborhood Alliance began with a group of citizens working to defeat what they perceived to be undesirable projects in their neighborhoods. This group became interested in forming a federation of neighborhood associations. In 1998 the interested neighborhoods gathered and under the leadership of Bonnie Mager the Neighborhood Alliance of Spokane County was formed.

In 2000, the Alliance formed a city/county task force to draft language for neighborhood (city) and sub areas (county) chapters in the Comprehensive Plan. This effort put neighborhood planning squarely on the local radar screen. A citizen toolbox/guide was developed for neighborhood planning.

In 2001, the Alliance open a Spokane office in the Community Building located at 35 West Main Street staffed with volunteers. Neighborhood planning began during the summer of 2002 with the Thorpe/Westwood area followed with the Palisades group in December. Unfortunately the local governments did not follow through with these efforts. Staff was hired in 2003.

In 2006, the Alliance's director, Bonnie Mager, was elected, with neighborhood grassroots support, as Spokane County Commissioner for the 3rd District.

Looking Ahead

Since its inception the Alliance has been a grassroots organization dedicated to helping neighborhoods with land use and other issues that adversely affect neighborhoods. In 2007, the Board of Directors realized the organization needed to expand to become an independent political voice championing neighborhoods, as well as a resource to which neighborhoods can turn, beyond the immediate area of Spokane.

Toward this effort the Board of Directors sought interested, seasoned individuals to join the board. A new director was brought on board, bylaws and articles of incorporation were updated, and a new strategic plan was developed. Spokane County was dropped from the Alliance's name, and the board will apply for a 501 c4 status allowing it to be an active political voice in the region, while it still runs education programs under 501 c3 status.

The Board of Directors took these steps to move the organization into the future as a change catalysis for neighborhood community planning in the region.

Officers

President: Kathy Miotke

Vice president: Brooke Plastino

Secretary: Paul Kropp

Treasurer: David Eagle

Directors

Rose Larson

Keva Monson

Jennie Willardson