What is the Downtown Spokane Partnership

Our Vision

An exciting, attractive, and productive downtown providing employment and living opportunities, unique shopping, entertainment, cultural events, and recreational activities integrated with surrounding neighborhoods. Positioning Downtown Spokane as a destination for all people.

The DSP is a private, not for profit, membership organization that serves as Spokane's central city advocate and service provider, dedicated to enhancing the quality and vitality of Downtown Spokane as the basis for a healthy region.

Our Benefits

  • Visioning

    Through the Downtown Plan, the DSP provides a vision and guide for the future of the urban core.

  • Downtown Promotion

    Staff engage in a year round promotional campaign inviting individuals to discover their story here.

  • Downtown Ambassadors

    Ambassadors are on the street six days a week assisting businesses, residents and visitors.

  • Parking Advocacy

    The DSP works with City staff and private owners to create parking efficiencies and accessibility.

  • Event Support Activation

    By supporting and creating community events, the DSP works to create a year-round destination.

  • Managing the BID

    The DSP administers the Business Improvement District, funded by business and property assessments.

  • Business Advocacy

    DSP staff engage in advocacy on behalf of member businesses to stimulate economic growth.

  • Membership

    Members are active partners in shaping the future of downtown development.

Managing the Business Improvement District

The Downtown Spokane BID is a financing mechanism providing services and improvements that enhance existing municipal services to more than 850 business owners and 350 property parcels inside the 80-block BID area. Created by the City Council in 1995 and reauthorized in 2021.

What Is a Ratepayer?

A Ratepayer is a business and/or property owner located within the 80-block boundaries of the Downtown Business Improvement District. Calculated on business size, square footage and location, Ratepayers pay an annual assessment to the City of Spokane who contracts with the Downtown Spokane Partnership to administer funds for management services based on oversight from the Ratepayer Advisory Board.

Benefits of Being a Ratepayer

BID programs focus on key areas making downtown a more desirable place for businesses, shoppers, residents and visitors. The Ratepayer Advisory Board decides how the money is spent and these allocations are reviewed annually. Similar to other BID’s across the country, the programs focus on clean, safe, marketing, transportation and economic growth.

Links and Resources