Downtown Spokane Partnership’s President & CEO Emilie Cameron today released the following statement in response to the plan to address downtown challenges announced this morning by Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, Police Chief Kevin Hall and Fire Chief Julie O’Berg:

“Public safety, cleanliness and other quality of life issues are directly contributing to challenges in commercial districts and neighborhoods across Spokane. Nowhere is this more pronounced than downtown, where concerns and crime have overshadowed Spokane’s many efforts to restore and revive the core of our region. Our residents, employees and visitors need quick, meaningful action. We’re grateful that the plan announced today focuses resources from Spokane’s Police and Fire Departments to address challenges facing our downtown. This is an urgently necessary step to help improve the current situation for all who work here and call Spokane home. The DSP looks forward to working with the City of Spokane and all who share a commitment to restoring our downtown and ensuring a great future for Spokane.”

The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) manages the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) 7-days-a-week, including hospitality and security programs, cleaning and maintenance services, beautification and public space enhancements, business support, marketing and activations. Recently, the DSP also contracted with the City to temporarily extend its cleaning and maintenance services into portions of the south downtown area.