Elected leaders play a critical role in shaping a strong and thriving downtown.
As Spokane voters prepare to evaluate candidates on their November 2025 ballots, DSP invited all candidates running in City of Spokane races to share their vision and priorities for downtown Spokane. Candidates were asked to respond to questions aligned with DSP’s five core areas of advocacy (see DSP Policy Platform) and to provide insight into their approach to issues that matter most to DSP members and stakeholders.
The candidate responses shared here highlight how each individual plans to support the businesses, residents, workers, and visitors who make up the heart of downtown. Responses are shown in the linked documents in their entirety as submitted.
Spokane City Council District 1 (Northeast) Candidates
Jonathan Bingle
What is downtown's greatest asset?
Downtown’s greatest asset other than its people like our small-business owners, employees, and families who choose to live, work, and shop here, is Riverfront Park. Combined with our river and historic core, they make downtown Spokane unique and worth investing in.
Sarah Dixit
What is downtown's greatest asset?
The mix of experiences you can get downtown. There’s great food, art and cultural experiences, a variety of shopping options, hosting of major sporting events, and the natural beauty of Riverfront Park.
Spokane City Council District 2 (South Hill) Candidates
Alejandro Barrientos
What is downtown's greatest asset?
Downtown’s greatest asset is its mix of historic, natural, and urban beauty. We have a wonderful Riverfront Park where people of all ages can enjoy the outdoors all year long. We also have children’s museums, restaurants, bars, malls, parks, theaters, a convention center, hotels, and small businesses that make downtown a place full of life and opportunity.
Kate Telis
What is downtown's greatest asset?
Downtown Spokane’s greatest asset is its people: the small business owners, workers, artists, and community members who bring life and energy to the city’s core. Their creativity and resilience, paired with downtown’s unique mix of historic character, natural beauty along the Spokane River, and cultural amenities, make it the heart of our community. By investing in safety, housing, and smart planning, we can ensure downtown continues to thrive as a place where everyone feels welcome.
Spokane City Council District 3 (Northwest) Candidates
Zack Zappone
What is downtown's greatest asset?
Downtown’s greatest asset is the proximity of urban amenities to amazing access to nature with all the dedicated people who work to make a vibrant community.
Christopher Savage
What is downtown's greatest asset?
Riverfront Park
City of Spokane Municipal Court Position 1 Candidate
Kristin O’Sullivan
Did not respond
City of Spokane Municipal Court Position 2 Candidates
Mary Logan
What’s your favorite restaurant or small business in downtown Spokane—or somewhere you spend a lot of time?
My husband and I enjoy many of the restaurants downtown – Sushi.com is a go to many times, beyond for my granddaughter’s family birthday celebrations but Gander & Rye for a treat or PF Changs for lunch, or Mizuna and Mango Tree bring us in for variety. Favorite browsing haunts are both Boo Radley’s and Atticus with Boots to enjoy with my friends who appreciate the vegan options – with a drop into Kizuri that always provides so many temptations and delights.
Lynden Smithson
What’s your favorite restaurant or small business in downtown Spokane—or somewhere you spend a lot of time?
I enjoy walking from City Hall to High Nooner for lunch.
City of Spokane Municipal Court Position 3 Candidates
Gloria Ochoa-Bruck
What’s your favorite restaurant or small business in downtown Spokane—or somewhere you spend a lot of time?
I strive to take a daily 2-3 mile walk over the lunch hour and I spend a lot of time on the Centennial Trail walking from Kendall Yards through Riverfront Park and back to the courthouse. There is nothing more energizing than walking through the park on a beautiful day and hearing the sound of the Falls. I routinely meet friends after work for appetizers or meet folks for coffee meetings at the various locally owned coffee shops.
Sarah Freedman
Did not respond
This information is provided for educational purposes only. DSP does not endorse, support, or oppose any candidate for office.