The Downtown Spokane Partnership on Friday, July 5, released an application for a rebate program available to properties within the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District (BID) for exterior property improvements which assist in the abatement of criminal or nuisance activity.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a crime prevention philosophy based on the theory that proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in the fear and incidents of crime, as well as an improvement in the quality of life. CPTED works by decreasing a criminal’s ability to commit crime without being seen. It also increases the chances that a legitimate resident will see and report the crime as it occurs. CPTED goes beyond traditional security methods by naturally integrating security measures and design elements into the community.
Up to $26,000 in total rebates will be applied, applicants may receive an individual match of as much as $2,500 for property improvements. The program will initially be offered to property owners within areas identified as experiencing higher levels of crime and/or nuisance activity using Spokane Police Department (SPD) statistics, before being opened up to all property owners within the boundary of the Business Improvement District.
Eligible applicants will receive a property assessment by CPTED trained Ambassadors or SPD Officers who will then make recommendations to the property owner for environmental improvements. Once a program or work is determined, a committee will review the final application and determine how much, if any, rebate will be awarded for the improvements.
“In 2018 two of our Ambassadors were trained in the specifics of CPTED, and this rebate program is an opportunity to extend the value of that training on behalf of our business and property owner members,” says DSP President, Mark Richard. “Our goal is to provide every owner who wants to improve their surroundings with a vetted plan for the area around their building, and to incent folks to make what are often simple changes for improving the safety of their employees and customers.”
Properties interested in applying should navigate online to downtownspokane.org for details about the program and to download an application. Applications will be accepted through September 30 of 2019.