Downtown Spokane

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About the Business Improvement District

The BID was created by Spokane City Council in July 1995 and reauthorized in 2001 at the request of the area's business and property owners. The City of Spokane hires the DSP to administer the BID on the City's behalf to deliver enhanced services including clean, safe, promotion, and parking in order to make Downtown a more attractive place to visit, shop, and invest.

Comprising approximately 80-blocks of the Central Business District, the BID boundaries are generally Maple to Browne and the Railroad Viaduct to North River Drive. (BID MAP) More than 900 business owners and 426 property parcels are contained within the area. Special assessments of over $825,000 from within the BID fund activities, programs and management. Property assessments are based on land and improvement values and businesses are assessed based upon square footage, use and location.

The BID is governed by the Ratepayer Advisory Board (RAB), which meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month to discuss budget, management and program delivery issues on behalf of the BID Ratepayers. Board positions are designated by geography, business and property type to ensure that the business district's interests are well represented and served.

The BID programs of clean, safe, fun and parking have been fundamental through seven years stabilizing Downtown and stimulating new investment. The BID encourages investment by providing the revenue and political will, to keep our commercial streets clean, safe, and economically vibrant.

While the BID’s primary role is to fund and implement the Enhanced Public Services strategy, the district is a critical component of the overall revitalization strategy for Downtown. BID programs and services also play an important role in the DSP pursuit of strategic initiatives for business and project development, planning and design, and public policy.

The BID will continue to focus the majority of its resources on the three primary areas identified as most important by our Ratepayers: clean and safe, marketing and promotions, and parking and transportation.

The Ratepayer Advisory Board holds a Board Retreat in September to identify the strategic direction for preparing the following year's Management Plan and budget.

Strategic Direction

Remain focused on the delivery of our core (clean, safe, marketing and parking) programs important to our Ratepayers.
Advocate for additional security attention in Downtown.
Reduce panhandling in Downtown.
Expand services to maintain and enhance green spaces/public spaces and gateways to Downtown.
Implement a Comprehensive Parking Management Plan which promotes customer service.
Focus advertising dollars to attract regional patronage..
Incorporate the use of the Downtown web site to communicate and promote the services of the BID and activities of Downtown.
Refine events to maximize customer attendance and sales.

BID services promote Downtown as a unique destination to enhance the region’s perception of Downtown as a community asset that attracts people and investment to the region.

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