policy
Policy Statement
The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) Policy Platform establishes the principles and priorities that serve as a framework to guide advocacy of the DSP Board of Directors, members, and staff when engaging in policy in city, county, state and federal levels.Â
This platform supports the continued implementation of the 2021 Downtown Plan Update and DSP’s mission to create a dynamic, safe, vital, livable, and sustainable downtown as the basis of an economically healthy region.
Policy Priorities
DSP’s Policy Principles serve as a framework to guide its advocacy. Initiatives are implemented through five priority areas:
Cultivate commercial activity in downtown Spokane
Downtown’s public spaces, transportation systems, private properties, and amenities strengthen Spokane’s identity. Policies should support active transportation initiatives, invest in beautification and civic amenities, support development and incentivize job creation.
Enhance a vibrant downtown experience
Downtown is the community’s living room and should be a welcoming and diverse place for everyone to experience. Policies should enhance and maintain the public space and rights-of-way, repair and maintain critical infrastructure, and address misuse and illegal obstruction with prioritization of downtown’s post-pandemic recovery.
Build and expand housing options of all types, for all incomes
Providing tools that reduce the barriers and costs to build housing, streamline construction and attract capital investment are critical to support development. Policies should expand infill and high-density residential development options in downtown.
Improve public safety, deter crime and negative behavior
A safe, secure, and welcoming downtown is critical for everyone but concerns about public safety, property crime and aggressive behavior threaten this. Policies should allow for enforcement and regulation of drug sales and use, property crime, violence, and threats to personal safety.
Support funding, facilities and services for people to get the help they need
The path out of homelessness, especially for individuals suffering from mental illness and substance use disorder, requires access to housing with wraparound services. Policies should focus on those in most need: those suffering mental health crises, are a danger to themselves or others, and/or are unable to care for themselves. These services should be distributed across the region, as close as possible to where people are from.