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Downtown Spokane celebrates 20 years, elects 2015 boards

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Spokane, WA

At an Annual Meeting held at the Spokane Convention Center on February 18, the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) and Business Improvement District (BID) confirmed leadership for 2015.

As part of the program, a panel of local business owners and developers spoke on the transformation that has occurred in downtown since the formation of the DSP and BID twenty years ago, when local leaders realized that investment in a healthy urban core is essential in the success of the broader community.

In 1995, Spokane Unlimited and Downtown Central were merged to create a new, broader organization named the Downtown Spokane Partnership.  Expanded membership included involvement of institutions outside downtown that had a vested interest in downtown’s success. 

That same year the Business Improvement District was formed by the City Council at the request of downtown’s business and property owners. As the lead organization focused on Downtown, DSP was then the logical contract organization to manage BID funds.

Twenty years – and a lot of elbow grease – later, the partnership in investment has proved successful. In 2015, downtown is thriving. Cranes dot the horizon as new developments are underway. Occupancy rates are at a 20-year high. A mix of local and national businesses is taking over street-level storefronts and restaurant space.

Safety services provided by the Downtown Spokane Ambassadors and the Spokane Police Department have made residents and visitors feel comfortable and safe while they enjoy fragrant summer planters, warm winter lighting, and active public spaces.

Most importantly, people are interested in continuing downtown’s upward trajectory. With over $4 billion invested in downtown development Downtown Spokane. In 2015, Downtown will continue to focus on providing services and advocating for projects that have an impact on the vitality of downtown.

2015 (BID) Ratepayer Advisory Board

Executive Committee

  • Bryn West – River Park Square – CHAIR
  • Jennifer Hedlund – Umpqua Bank – VICE CHAIR / ATTORNEY REP
  • Amy Roberts – Assurance Director – TREASURER
  • Mark Dailey –Integrus Architecture – SECRETARY
  • Alicia Barbieri – Goodale & Barbieri Company – PAST CHAIR
  • Dana Harbaugh – NAC Architecture – AT LARGE
  • Commander Brad Arleth – SPD Safety Rep – EX OFFICIO

Board Members

  • Ira Amstadter – Express Employment Professionals
  • Kari Conner – Ben & Jerry’s
  • Stephanie Curran – Spokane Public Facilities District
  • Michael Fear – Red Lion at the Park
  • Jim Hanley – Lombard Lofts & Concept Home
  • Tobby Hatley – Tobby Hatley and Associates
  • Josh Hissong – HDG Architects & Nudo Restaurant)
  • Erica Mostek – Wheatland Bank
  • Michael Paukert – Paukert & Troppmann PLLC
  • Sam Song – City of Spokane, Riverfront Park
  • Dave Steele – City of Spokane
  • Ryan Walters – Kiemle & Hagood
2015 (DSP) Board of Directors

Executive Committee

  • Kevin Guthrie – NAI Black Management – CHAIR
  • Brendan Wiechert – U.S. Bank – VICE CHAIR
  • Cory F. Barbieri – Goodale & Barbieri Company – SECRETARY
  • Dan Clark – Washington Trust Bank – TREASURER
  • Patrick McLaughlin – Wells Fargo – AT LARGE
  • Mike Currin – Witherspoon Kelley – AT LARGE LEGAL
  • Mick McDowell – TFB, Inc. – PAST CHAIR

Board Members

  • Lisa Brown, Ph.D., Chancellor – WSU Spokane
  • Lynnelle Caudill – Davenport Hotel Collection
  • Betsy Cowles – Cowles Company
  • Ezra Eckhardt – Umpqua Bank
  • Al French, County Commissioner – Spokane County
  • Gordon Hester – Kiemle & Hagoo99201d
  • Susan Horton – Wheatland Bank
  • Pat Lynch – Avista Corporation
  • Ann Martin – Heylman, Martin & Associates Architects
  • Susan Meyer – Spokane Transit Authority
  • Kim Pearman-Gillman – McKinstry
  • Harry Sladich – Red Lion Hotel Corporation
  • Jim Sloane – Spokane Festival of Speed
  • Tracey Stromberg – Wells & Company
  • Amber Waldref, Council Member – City of Spokane
  • Bryn West – River Park Square
About Downtown Spokane

The DSP is a private, non-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. For more information visit www.downtownspokane.org.

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