W E E K L Y N E W S L E T T E R
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A Message from our President...
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Dear Spokane Community,
Most of us took a civics class at some point in school. These classes taught the fundamentals of our government and how it’s designed to work: we live in a representative republic. That means we elect people at the local, state, and national levels to represent our interests and act on our behalf. Our job as citizens doesn’t stop at the ballot box—we have an ongoing responsibility to make our voices heard and ensure our elected officials understand the will of the people.
On June 16th, over 100 Spokane residents did exactly that. They showed up at City Hall to speak out on a proposed ordinance that would have allowed street camping to continue—a policy that has had damaging effects on our community and local businesses. Of the 45 people who testified, over 85% opposed the legislation. Their message was clear: Spokane voters expect enforcement of our public safety laws and expanded access to treatment and shelter—not a continuation of failed status quo policies.
Let’s not forget: in 2023, nearly 75% of Spokane voters supported Proposition 1, which emphasized removing illegal encampments near schools, parks, and daycares. The public’s will has been consistent and well-informed. Spokane residents want an effective and enforceable strategy to address street homelessness, addiction, and mental illness.
Following public testimony, the Council initially voted down the proposal. But after a lengthy meeting that stretched until nearly 11 p.m., the Council recessed, and many attendees went home for the night. Once the crowd had left, however, the Council reconvened and attempted to reconsider the measure in the absence of the public. This was deeply troubling—not only because of the timing, but also because the ordinance had not followed the standard legislative process. In fact, the City’s own legal advisor confirmed that proper procedure had not been followed. Instead of pausing, the Council voted 5–2 to suspend their own rules.
If the public is expected to follow laws and rules, then our elected officials must do the same.
That’s why tonight, June 30th, it is critical for Spokane residents to once again show up and speak up. Let the City Council know: we expect leadership that moves Spokane forward, not deeper into decline. We expect integrity in process, transparency in decision-making, and policies grounded in what works.
The Spokane Business Association wants real solutions and continues to call on the City, County, and State to work together and declare a Unified State of Emergency. Spokane is in the midst of a mental health and addiction crisis that has fueled a sharp rise in chronic homelessness—damaging our places of business and costing jobs. Only by coordinating across jurisdictions can we get meaningful help to those in need, support our local businesses, and restore public confidence in our city—especially in the heart of our downtown.
Let’s focus on solutions, not politics. Spokane deserves better—and together, we can get there.
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Your partner in business,
Brad
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URGENT COMMUNITY ALERT: CITY COUNCIL VOTE THIS MONDAY
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When: Monday, June 30 at 6:00 PM
Where: Spokane City Hall — Council Chambers
The Spokane City Council is set to take up two critical ordinances that would repeal and replace the existing laws governing:
These proposed changes carry sweeping implications for downtown property owners, employers, small businesses, employees, and residents.
This isn’t just another agenda item — this is a turning point.
Your voice and your presence matter.
Show up. Speak out.
Help shape the future of Spokane’s streets, public spaces, and business corridors.
- Sign up to testify here – must sign up by 6 p.m. on Monday
- SELECT: Ordinance C36679 (Regarding obstructing access to and unauthorized camping upon public property)
- View the Council Agenda online (updates will also be posted here, click on the link with 6/30 date and scroll to ORD C36679)
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The Future Doesn't Choose Itself - Cast Your Vote
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Your voice matters. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to shape your community, your state, and your country. Every election is a chance to weigh in on the issues that affect your daily life—from schools and safety to jobs and infrastructure. When you vote, you’re not just making a choice—you’re making a difference.
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Spokane County 2025 Voter Registration Deadlines
Primary Election – Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Online and By Mail (received): Monday, July 28, 2025
In-Person Registration: Tuesday, August 5, 2025, by 8:00 PM
Note: August 5 is also Primary Election Day. You may register or update your voter registration in person at your county Auditor’s Office or designated voting center until 8:00 PM
General Election – Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Online and By Mail (received): Monday, October 27, 2025
In-Person Registration: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, by 8:00 PM
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East Central isn’t just a place—it’s a story. A legacy of resilience, rooted in community and driven by hope. The East Spokane Business Association (ESBA), a proud focus council of the Spokane Business Association, is committed to protecting what works, fixing what doesn’t, and shaping the future this neighborhood deserves.
If you live, work, or care about East Central, your voice belongs at the table. Your insight drives action, and your presence builds momentum.
Whether you’ve been here for generations or just opened your doors—we’re glad you’re here. This space is yours.
WHEN: Every 4th Wednesday of the month
TIME: 12:00 – 1:00 PM (Lunch provided)
WHERE: Sprague Union Terrace – 1420 E Sprague Ave (back entrance)
Follow us here for updates on topics, guest speakers, and opportunities to get involved.
East Central matters—and so do you. Let’s get to work.
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Thanks for your commitment to Spokane!
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A great big thank you to Dr. Veena Singh, Spokane County Medical Examiner. Her presentation at our June 25th ESBA member meeting was eye-opening and deeply impactful, shedding light on the realities our community faces with clarity, compassion, and expertise. We are grateful for her time, insight, and unwavering commitment to public health.
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Up Next: ESBA Member Meeting | July 23, 2025
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Guest Speaker - Lt. Justin Elliott, Spokane County Sheriff's Office
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Lt. Justin Elliott serves as the Commander of the Intelligence Division and the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. With more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, Lt. Elliott is a recognized leader in data-driven public safety, having spearheaded Spokane County’s groundbreaking RTCC initiative—an innovative, tech-enabled hub that fuses real-time data, regional collaboration, and precision policing. Under his leadership, the center has rapidly delivered results: recovering stolen vehicles, locating missing persons, and assisting in hundreds of arrests. A champion of both innovation and accountability, Lt. Elliott remains committed to enhancing public trust, safeguarding civil liberties, and delivering measurable impact through smart policing strategies.
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Where Builders Lead - Contractors & Developers Wanted
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The Spokane Business Association, in collaboration with the City’s Department of Community and Economic Development, has partnered with some of Spokane’s most innovative and forward-thinking businesses to streamline the permitting process and support the city’s construction momentum. From affordable housing developments to luxury high-rises, Spokane’s skyline is rising—and the future is looking up.
Join the Contractors & Developers Focus Council and be part of the conversation driving real change. Whether you’re building affordable housing or commercial high-rises, your voice matters. Help us create smarter policy, faster processes, and a stronger foundation for Spokane’s growth.
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Thursday, July 17th
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Doors open at 10:30 AM
$30 - Lunch Included
Ruby River Inn | 700 N Division | Shoreline A Ballroom
Registration Required to Attend
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WHERE THE JOURNEY BEGAN...
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Lunch Breaks that Mean Business | Coming Soon!
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New SBA Lunch & Learn Series Coming This Summer!
Hungry for knowledge? Grab your brown bag and join us for a bite-sized brainstorm! Each month, the SBA will serve up fresh topics and expert voices to fuel your mind and spark real conversations.
Bring Your Own Lunch, Leave with Insight 🍎 🧃 🛍️
Watch your email! We're getting ready to have some fun!
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Annual Dinner - Something Big is Coming
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The Spokane Business Association’s Annual Dinner is just around the corner—and this year promises to be our most impactful yet. It’s more than a meal. It’s a moment. A gathering of the region’s business leaders, visionaries, and advocates coming together to celebrate progress, spark new ideas, and shape what’s next.
The details are coming soon. But for now—start getting excited. You won’t want to miss this.
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Downtown Spokane is at a crossroads. Business owners are confronting the impacts of addiction, homelessness, and public safety challenges every single day. These aren’t abstract policy debates—they’re lived realities. But change doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from stepping in.
The Spokane Business Association exists because a group of business leaders chose to stop accepting the status quo. We walk the streets before sunrise. We talk directly with policymakers. We advocate for solutions rooted in both accountability and compassion. This work is not easy, but it is necessary—and it’s powered by the people who refuse to give up on Spokane.
If you care about building a safer, stronger, more equitable city, then your voice belongs here. Not because we have all the answers, but because together, we’re asking the right questions—and demanding better. This is how change starts. Join us.
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SBA THANKS OUR VALUABLE INVESTORS
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If you believe in what we're building and want to see Spokane thrive, don’t keep it to yourself—share this with your neighbors, colleagues, and friends. The more voices we have, the stronger our impact.
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