W E E K L Y N E W S L E T T E R
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Issue 23 | November 7, 2025
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This week, we want to thank Mayor Lisa Brown and the Spokane City Council for strengthening public-order laws and increasing enforcement downtown. The results are already visible — cleaner streets, greater safety, and a sense that Spokane’s core is turning a corner. These are important steps toward restoring confidence and opportunity for everyone who lives, works, and visits our city.
We also appreciate the thoughtful revisions to the HOME ordinances, which balance accountability with compassion and coordination across services and divisions. When enforcement and services work hand in hand, progress follows — and it’s clear that City Hall is listening and taking meaningful action.
But just as momentum is beginning to build, the proposed parking tax risks putting that recovery in reverse. With downtown commercial vacancies still near 32%, persistent Fentanyl challenges, and small businesses fighting to stay afloat, now is not the time to make it more expensive to visit, to work, or to invest downtown – or to risk the jobs Spokane families depend on.
Spokane’s economy and jobs need consistency, collaboration, and confidence — not unexpected new costs. Let’s keep building on what’s working – together.
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Addressing Office Vacancy Rates in Downtown Spokane
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This month we are turning our focus to the staggering vacancy rate in downtown Spokane—a crisis that reaches far beyond empty storefronts. Every darkened space tells a story of lost opportunity, lost energy, and lost revenue.
When businesses close their doors, Spokane forfeits millions in potential tax dollars—funds that could otherwise fuel public safety, infrastructure, addiction recovery, and the essential services that keep our city alive. Each boarded window isn’t just a vacancy—it’s a heartbeat gone quiet in the city’s economic pulse.
Turning this around will take more than optimism. It will take leadership, accountability, and a shared vision bold enough to restore confidence in Spokane’s core. The Spokane Business Association remains steadfast in pursuing real solutions that bring business back, strengthen community, and keep Spokane’s heart beating strong.
Hear from Chris Batten of RenCorp Realty and Gordon Hester of Kiemle & Hagood—community leaders who live and breathe this economic reality every day.
So grab a coffee at Indaba and join us.
Bring your lunch, leave with insight!
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Get Informed. Get Involved. Be Part of the Solution.
Member Meeting
Sprague Union Terrace Community Room
1420 E Sprague Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202
12 PM | 4th Wednesday of Every Month
(No meeting in November)
Come enjoy lunch and let's talk East Central!
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CLICK ⬆️SBA: Annual Dinner Video
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CLICK ⬆️ SBA: Annual Dinner Keynote Address
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CLICK ⬆️ Dr. Marbut: What's the Cost?
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CLICK ⬆️ Dr. Marbut: Wake Up Call for Spokane
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CLICK ⬆️ SBA: Press Conference
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CLICK ⬆️ SBA: Where it all began 2024
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SPOKANE 311 empowers residents to take part in keeping the city running smoothly—turning everyday citizens into the eyes and ears of Spokane. With just a mobile phone, anyone can quickly report potholes, graffiti, or other concerns from anywhere in the city.
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Spokane Business Association gives businesses a united voice, direct access to decision-makers, and a seat at the table where real change happens. Together, we advocate, connect, and grow Spokane’s business community.
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www.SpokaneBusinessAssociation.com
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