Frequently Asked Questions
What is Connect 2035 and why is it important?
Connect 2035 lays out Spokane Transit Authority’s strategic roadmap for bus, Paratransit, and Rideshare service through 2035, with a clear vision supported by goals and strategies. It builds on the successes of STA’s previous strategic plan, STA Moving Forward, to address emerging needs and continued investment in equity, sustainability, and community growth. Ultimately, it enables STA to identify priorities for the next 10 years and beyond — all while building and strengthening relationships with and within the community.
How is Connect 2035 different from STA Moving Forward?
STA Moving Forward was STA’s first strategic plan, outlining more than 25 projects to move transit forward in our region. It was funded by Proposition 1, passed by voters in 2016. STA Moving Forward was a 10-year strategic plan with a target completion date of 2025. Connect 2035 will pick up where STA Moving Forward left off, identifying the strategic roadmap for transit in the region for the next 10 years.
How does Connect 2035 fit into STA’s other plans and projects?
The Connect 2035 strategic plan is the document that guides STA in implementing the overarching goals and policies found within Connect Spokane, STA’s comprehensive plan. The funding and timing of the initiatives identified in Connect 2035 will be programmed through STA’s capital improvement program, found in STA’s annual Transit Development Plan.
Please visit our Projects & Plans page on our website to find out more about ongoing initiatives.
What are the goals of Connect 2035?
- Elevate the customer experience
- Lead and collaborate with community partners to enhance the quality of life in our region
- Strengthen our capacity to anticipate and respond to the demands of the region
How were the goals of Connect 2035 established?
In 2022, STA undertook Phase 1 of the Connect 2035 strategic planning process and engaged with its Board, various organizations, and the general public to identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities facing the Agency. STA also undertook a review of regional dynamics, macro factors, and policy trends which could impact the future of the Spokane region and consequently transportation needs over the next decade. STA synthesized this input into the three overarching goals presented above.
What is the timeframe to develop the Connect 2035 strategic plan?
The planning timeline for Connect 2035 is from now through the end of 2024. At the end of 2024 (or early 2025), the STA Board of Directors is expected to adopt Connect 2035 as STA’s next strategic plan, highlighting major projects and initiatives that the Agency will implement for the community over the next 10 years of growth and development.
What projects and initiatives will be implemented once the strategic plan is adopted?
As a part of the process, the specific projects and initiatives will be identified and selected by STA’s Board of Directors based on public feedback and outreach. The suite of projects will also be dependent upon the anticipated funding sources which will be identified.
How will these projects be funded?
The projects in Connect 2035 will be funded through a variety of revenue sources. Those include local sales tax, state and federal grants, and fares and other transit revenues.
Why is public feedback important?
Public feedback is important because it identifies priorities within the community and helps guide STA on how best to grow and provide more and better transit to the region.
How do I get involved or give feedback? Where can I learn more?
The best way to get involved is to join the project mailing list. Feedback can be sent to connect2035@spokanetransit.com or mailed to
701 W Riverview Ave.
Attn: Connect 2035 Project Team
This website will be updated regularly with project information.