An executive order penned by Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown to streamline permitting and development processes is a step in the right direction. But it's just that: a step. 

City leaders should be looking for more ways to reduce barriers—and by extension, costs—for new development within the city limits in order to foster economic growth, as well as to do its part to ease pressures on housing prices. 

Brown's order calls for establishing a rapid response team that could handle major economic development projects. The plan specifically refers to smoothing out the process as it relates to Spokane's tech hub initiative. 

As the Journal previously reported, the Inland Northwest Consortium, led by Gonzaga University and Lakeside Cos., has pitched converting the 386,000-square-foot former Triumph Composite Systems Inc. plant at 1514 S. Flint Road, in west Spokane, into what would be called the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center.

Last October, the envisioned project received a federal designation as a “regional technology and innovation hub,” enabling advocates to pursue federal funding. Now, it's one of about 30 proposals nationwide competing to be among the five to 10 projects that will receive an estimated $40 million to $70 million through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. 

Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh has said the consortium will move ahead with the tech hub regardless of whether it makes the EDA's short list, but receiving tens of millions of dollars would expedite an endeavor that would take years otherwise.

Developing a process to streamline permitting for such a project stands to make it more attractive and could, in theory, improve its chances of receiving those funds. And such a proactive move from a mayor who just finished her first 100 days is laudable. 

The city's new rapid response team is expected to review building codes and look for ways to remove steps or conditions that are unnecessary or antiquated. While that effort is intended to make Spokane more attractive for large projects to enhance economic development, it could have broader benefits if it leads to systemic changes that make the process run more smoothly for all seeking to build within the city. 

One doesn't have to go far to find a builder familiar with the process who believes it's flawed and in need of an overhaul. And on top of a flawed process, some elected leaders have tone-deaf proposals, such as reinstating building moratoria or putting further restrictions on properties that are already established, such as the recent idea for prolonged notices for rent increases. All of it adds up to making Spokane a more expensive place to live and do business, taking affordability out of the equation for the quality of life we boast. 

Concerning permitting specifically, though, the systemic issues are far from new, and Brown is the latest in a series of mayors to attempt to tackle the issue. While it's an encouraging step, all of Spokane will benefit if it's the first of many toward real change that makes the system more efficient and fair.