One of the participants in helping refine the draft Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan is nationally recognized retail expert Robert Gibbs of Birmingham, Michigan.

Gibbs is considered a leading urban planning consultant by some of the most respected mayors, architects and shopping center developers in America, having advised on plans for more than 300 town centers and historic cities across the US, Canada, the Pacific Rim and the Caribbean - nearly every new American town center constructed during the past 15 years. Profiled in the Atlantic Monthly, Consumer Reports, the New York Times, Urban Land Institute, and The Wall Street Journal, Gibbs is known for his innovative, yet practical solutions - and for his articulate presentation style.

On the latter point, Gibbs was recently filmed before an audience in Kirkland, Washington, speaking on “New Trends in Town and City Retail Commerce.” The link below leads to Kirkland’s site and to the on-line video of his talk.

Many of the lessons and trend discussions helped inform the vision for the Sprague-Appleway plan, and help illustrate how town centers like the one proposed for Spokane Valley can help improve land values, economic vitality and local quality of life opportunities. Check it out!

Robert Gibbs: “New Trends in Retail Commerce" (Weblink, WIndows Media Player® required)