The Spokane City Council approved assessment rolls for two business improvement districts on a routine vote after public hearings and presentations by the districts’ managers.

Emily Cameron, president and CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership, presented the Downtown BID’s 2026 management plan and assessment roll and described challenges and investments downtown. She told the council the downtown office vacancy rate is about 27%, the highest in 30 years, and retail vacancy in the BID is roughly 10%. Cameron noted the DSP awarded $26,000 in façade grants in 2025 and included about $3,500 in CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) rebates on the assessment roll to support storefront security and safety investments.

"We are honored to be here tonight for the annual assessment roll approval and share a little bit about the management plan," Cameron said, explaining that more than half of BID assessments are spent on clean‑and‑safe services such as ambassadors and the clean team.

Public commentators during the Downtown BID hearing included residents, business owners and neighborhood advocates who praised the DSP’s work and urged continued investment. After public testimony the council closed the hearing and approved the ordinance confirming the 2026 assessments for the Downtown Spokane parking and business improvement area.

Representatives of the East Sprague Parking and Business Improvement Area reported similarly positive local results. The East Sprague board said it achieved a 96% payer rate (above a cited 95% norm), grew revenue to about $103,000 in 2025, and proposed a 2026 budget near $92,000 (board‑approved at $95,597). The board highlighted investments in clean and green services, district beautification, marketing, new trees from a canopy program, and planned events.

Chris Fenn, the East Sprague BID board president, described partnerships with city staff and local organizations that helped deliver services and said the board is exploring a boundary expansion limited by annual statutory percentages.

Both BID ordinances were approved by council vote; the council congratulated the Downtown Spokane Partnership and the East Sprague business district on their work.