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Greater Spokane Incorporated outlines ADO renewal, programs and funding risks to commissioners
Summary
Alicia Benson, CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated, and Joey Gunning, Strategic Growth Manager, told Spokane County commissioners on March 11 that GSI seeks renewal as the county’s associate development organization and warned that a proposed governor’s budget could cut state ADO funding by 50 percent.
Alicia Benson, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Spokane Incorporated, and Joey Gunning, Strategic Growth Manager, briefed Spokane County commissioners on March 11 about GSI’s role as the county’s associate development organization (ADO) and requested board action to renew the county’s ADO designation for the next biennium.
Benson described the county’s base investment in GSI ($75,000 per year) and the ADO funding formula administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce. She said Spokane County’s population places its ADO funding at the ceiling of $300,000 per year and that the county is GSI’s second‑largest investor. Benson also warned of a proposed statewide 50% reduction in ADO funding in the governor’s budget proposal and said GSI is preparing advocacy and outreach in response.
Gunning summarized ADO performance metrics required by Commerce and highlighted recent accomplishments: business recruitment and retention leads (47 active leads), the recruitment win for Remi Health, and the Spokane Inclusive Business Catalyst accelerator that has graduated 31 businesses and provides $5,000 grants drawn from GSI’s Believe Spokane fund. He described a fellowship funded through an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant focused on creative-economy development and said the fellow has worked with Hilliard and Garland on certified creative-district efforts and film workforce development.
On Advantage Spokane (the county’s business recruitment and site tool), Gunning said GSI plans to pause partner funding requests while revamping the site and to lean more on the Department of Commerce’s GIS planning tools; he said the county will not be asked for funding for that site this year. Benson also said GSI retained a state grant‑writer (Pia Hallenberg) available to support grant applications for Spokane County and neighboring rural counties.
Why it matters: the ADO designation and matching funds allow GSI to access state Commerce dollars and to deliver business recruitment, outreach, workforce and small-business programs that county leaders view as part of economic development infrastructure. A proposed 50% cut in ADO funding at the state level would reduce GSI’s capacity and could affect programs that rely on ADO staffing and match.
What’s next: Benson said she planned to place a resolution for the chair’s signature on the county’s legislative agenda by mid‑April to renew the ADO designation. GSI staff offered to provide additional performance materials and Advantage Spokane metrics to the commissioners on request.
