BID
ASSESSMENT GUIDE
Management Plan
Each fall, DSP staff gather to set goals and budget for the coming year to offer continued superior service and to respond to community needs. As a part of the planning and budget process, feedback is solicited from the Ratepayer Advisory Board. Once a satisfactory plan is achieved, the RAB makes a recommendation for approval by the board of the Downtown Spokane Partnership, who present the plan to City Council in December.
2025 MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES
- Keeping downtown safe and clean.
- Elevating the issues affecting downtown.
- Enhancing economic vitality.
- Expanding programming events and place activation.
Assessment Policies
2026 assessment notices will be mailed in early November, 2025. For questions regarding 2025 or prior assessments, please contact City of Spokane Taxes and Licenses office at Tax&Licenses@SpokaneCity.org or 509-625-6070.
The Ratepayer Advisory Board of Directors submits to the City Council an annual BID Management Plan including a proposed budget and special assessment matrix. In early December, City Council holds a public hearing to hear all protests and receives evidence for or against the proposed action.
Disputes & Rate Increases
Disputes
The majority of assessment questions are quickly resolved by the Downtown Spokane Partnership office. If a satisfactory conclusion is not reached, a Ratepayer aggrieved by the amount of an assessment or delinquency charge shall request, within sixty (60) days of the assessment or charge, a hearing before the Ratepayer Advisory Board. An Assessment Resolution Policy, which fully outlines the appeal process, is available from the Downtown Spokane Partnership office.
Rate Increases
Proposals with regards to assessment rate changes (including minimums, maximums, exemptions, and increases) are subject to approval by City Council per RCW 35.87A.
Subsequent increases of the amount of the special assessments for all flat-fee assessments will be adjusted based on the increase, if any, of the Consumer Price Index of the U.S. City Average for all urban consumers (CPI-U). The percentage increase in the assessment formula shall be computed as follows: (Ending CPI-U – Beginning CPI-U) ÷ Beginning CPI-U] x 100 = Percentage Increase
The Downtown Spokane Partnership office should be contacted immediately to discuss any situations not covered in the above guidelines.