Last week, Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) released results from the third edition of The Pulse Community Poll—an independent, nonpartisan survey that helps business and civic leaders understand where Spokane residents stand on key policy issues shaping our region’s future.

At the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP), we view The Pulse as an important barometer of community sentiment and a reminder of where continued collaboration is needed. The message is clear—our community is eager to see tangible, collective progress, especially in visible areas like downtown.

Here are a few key takeaways that stand out for downtown Spokane:

1. Safety Perception Is Improving

The latest survey shows that while perceptions of safety dipped slightly since spring 2025, more people feel safe downtown today than they did a year ago, a sign of positive, long-term momentum. Community investments in lighting, street activation, and police visibility are making a difference.
Public safety and human dignity challenges are not unique to downtown Spokane, but they are most visible and impactful here. That’s why the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) continues to advocate for the creation of a hospitality zone, which would establish clear standards of conduct in our city’s most densely populated commercial and visitor area. By focusing on accountability and coordination, the DSP is working with law enforcement, outreach teams, and the City of Spokane to create a more welcoming and safe environment day and night.

2. Strong Community Alignment on Solutions

The survey revealed broad community consensus on how to strengthen public safety—over 70% of respondents support funding for mental health response teams, treatment services, and additional police resources. This alignment shows that Spokane residents want a balanced approach that combines accountability with compassion.

The DSP’s 2025 Policy Platform directly reflects these community priorities by calling for:

• Support for legislation and judicial policies that deter crime, drug use, and violence.
• Accountability and rehabilitation, ensuring offenders receive treatment and opportunities for reintegration.
• Partnerships and resources to address mental illness, addiction, and homelessness through enhanced coordination, collaboration, and accountability.

Spokane’s challenges are shared across many cities, but advancing integrated, evidence-based solutions that strengthen both public safety and human dignity will set Spokane on a better path forward.

3. Downtown Activity Remains a Priority for Residents and Businesses

While some residents report visiting less frequently, the survey underscores that downtown remains central to Spokane’s identity and economy. The continued public dialogue about downtown safety and revitalization reflects a strong community investment in the city’s core.

Nationally, on average for every $1 invested in downtown there is a $7 return to the city—proof that downtown vitality benefits everyone. The DSP continues to invest in programs and services that foster economic and community vitality, in particular supporting new public art, alleyway activations, and community events that enhance the visitor experience.

Additionally, housing diversity is key to downtown’s future. The DSP is working at both local and state levels to advance recommendations from its housing study, which sets a goal of creating over 3,000 new market-rate units within the next five years. Expanding housing options for young professionals and people working downtown will help ensure the area remains vibrant, inclusive, and economically strong.

4. Constructive Feedback Is Fueling Real Action

The Pulse Community Poll serves not only as a snapshot of public sentiment but also as a catalyst for progress. Community leaders, including GSI, the DSP, the City of Spokane, and local organizations are using this data to refine strategies and improve outcomes around homelessness, safety, and fiscal transparency.

The DSP maintains some of the most accurate and comprehensive data on downtown activity and leverages it to inform collaborative, effective action. For nearly 30 years, the DSP has served as a convener bringing together businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders with downtown as our central focus. This commitment to partnership and accountability demonstrates that downtown Spokane is not just responding to challenges, it’s actively shaping solutions that strengthen the entire community.