MOBILITY UNBOUND
Imagine a society where everyone is free to move safely and with self-determination; where everyone flourishes socially, culturally and economically, unrestricted by structural barriers within transportation systems.
Achieving this vision of mobility unbound requires a collaborative approach that is grounded in principles of mobility justice. This framework begins with an understanding of the ways that transportation infrastructure and practices have historically excluded or harmed groups of people, particularly communities of color, in order to heal the harms of the past and build transportation systems that work for all.
Building systems that work for everyone requires that we acknowledge the unjust histories of mobility and economic prosperity in American cities.
A mobility justice approach to transportation planning includes facilitating dialogue, funding the participation of people and community organizations who are directly affected, and establishing partnerships that lead to the shared decision-making that is necessary for meaningful repair.
By taking a mobility justice approach, government agencies and elected officials can advance transportation policies, programs, and projects that bring community-driven visions to life.
Reconnecting East Central
The Community Connectors project in Spokane, WA, focused on reconnecting the East Central neighborhood–a community divided by construction of the I-90 highway–through community engaged planning and changes in land use.
The
The Community Connectors project focused on bringing together community and government partners to address the historical and ongoing harms from I-90 in the East Central neighborhood in Spokane, WA through building capacity, fostering trust, and deepening relationships in authentic ways. The project sought to co-design solutions through an integrated and equitable approach to land use, transportation, housing and anti- displacement, economic opportunities, arts and culture, climate resilience, and community health.
The project team worked with impacted and historically marginalized communities in the 5th Avenue area to explore what reconnection looks and feels like with regard to safety, livability, and amenities. The project also enabled a process for community members to lease key Washington Department of Transportation surplus lands that had been held for highway purposes as part of the US 395/I-90 interchange, but are no longer needed.
As part of the project, Spokane’s first state-certified Creative District was designated in August 2025. This district, Hillyard, has been intentionally designed to elevate the cultural, historical, and economic life of 5th Avenue. Other project achievements include:
Coalition creation – Established a 5th Avenue coalition to drive coordinated planning, advocacy, and resource development.
Civic engagement – Increased resident participation in civic processes (e.g., Neighborhood Council meetings, city planning feedback sessions).
Pedestrian studies – Explored pedestrian connectivity between 5th Ave and the Perry District.
Homeownership education – Expanded access to culturally relevant homeownership and financial literacy trainings.
Eastside Library reuse – Collaborated with the City to propose community-based reuse strategies for the Eastside Library building.
Infrastructure enhancements – Advocated for and began implementing infrastructure improvements at Underhill and Liberty Parks, including lighting, power access, and exploration of a dog park.
The
Construction of the I-90 freeway in the 1950s divided the East Central neighborhood north and south. The highway displaced residents and businesses, devastated economic opportunities, and destroyed park space. I-90 also isolated a smaller, diverse area along East 5th Avenue, leaving residents in the area especially cut off from opportunities.
The
The Community Connectors project brings together community and government partners to address the historical and ongoing harms from I-90 in the East Central neighborhood in Spokane, WA by building capacity, fostering trust, and deepening relationships in authentic ways. The project seeks to co-design solutions through an integrated and equitable approach of land use, transportation, housing and anti- displacement, economic opportunities, arts and culture, climate resilience, and community health so all residents can thrive.
The project team will work with impacted and historically marginalized communities in the 5th Avenue area to explore what reconnection looks and feels like, with regard to safety, livability, and amenities. The project will also support the process for leasing to the community key Washington Department of Transportation surplus lands that had been held for highway purposes as part of the US 395/I-90 interchange, but are no longer needed.
The
Spokane, Washington
This city's local history offers critical context for the current circumstances and ongoing work to improve community conditions.
The following mobility legacies, organized according to mobility patterns that are prevalent across the United States, point to harmful policies and decisions, and subsequently, opportunities for repair and reconnection. They do not provide an exhaustive history of the city.
Ecological and Environmental Impacts
