SPOKANE, Wash. — The Downtown Spokane Partnership is working to revitalize the city’s urban core by attracting new businesses and addressing safety concerns as the area continues to recover from pandemic-related challenges.
The organization’s efforts have yielded results, with multiple new ground-floor businesses opening in 2025, an increase from 2024 numbers signaling renewed interest in the area that has struggled with empty storefronts over the last few years.
“In 2025 we’ve seen 27 new ground-floor businesses open, which is always a number to celebrate,” said Emilie Cameron, president and CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership. “That is more than we saw in 2024.”
The positive business development comes as downtown Spokane leverages its attractions to draw visitors and residents. The area features Riverfront Park, the Spokane Arena, theaters and The Podium, creating a combination that positions downtown as a tourist destination.
However, a 23% vacancy rate in office buildings and ground floor retail presents ongoing challenges for the district’s economic health.
“That is alarming because of how critical it is in generating the tax revenue,” Cameron said.
The Downtown Spokane Partnership has identified safety and cleanliness as key factors in encouraging more people to live, work and visit downtown.
“It is the foundation of a strong place where people want to be,” Cameron said. “And so, we recognize it is something that we have to put as a priority. Number one – people have to not only be safe, but they have to perceive that they will be safe.”
The organization maintains teams in the field seven days a week to address these concerns.
“Downtown Spokane Partnership has a team who’s out in the field seven days a week working on identifying issues and cleaning sidewalks and graffiti,” Cameron said.
Visitors like Aracely Gueizar appreciate the downtown experience.
“I love visiting Spokane because I get to shop around at new places and explore different foods,” Gueizar said.
The Partnership’s strategy extends beyond maintenance to collaboration with private and public sectors to develop buildings that attract workers and residents. These efforts aim to create spaces that encourage more people to visit downtown while addressing the vacancy challenges.
“You see some of the buildings that are very full in the heart of downtown,” Cameron said. “A part of that is that they create new space that is inviting for their employees coming back to work.”
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