Creating a Safer Downtown Core and Prosperous Region

The business community stood beside Zona Blanca at a press conference held this afternoon announcing its closure due to ongoing safety concerns and repeated break-ins. “Chad’s announcement to close Zona Blanca is heartbreaking for our community.” Says Alisha Benson, CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI). “A business closure has a ripple effect that reaches across our entire region. Zona Blanca joins many other businesses who have either had to close their doors, move out of our downtown core, or who have never opened in the Spokane region due to the impacts of public safety concerns. Spokane is not alone in experiencing the very real impacts of criminal activity, but we don’t have to let it continue.”

Jake Mayson, Director of Public Policy for Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) says, “Now more than ever, we must work together to ensure the Spokane region remains a safe, welcoming place for businesses to thrive. Awareness of the plight of businesses brought by press conferences like the one held today is critically important. It isn’t enough.”

GSI works day in and day out to raise the voices of our community and bring businesses to the table in finding effective solutions. Here are some of those ongoing efforts: 

• Advocating for and convening around a comprehensive regional approach to detention, mental health, and substance use treatment.
  
• Expanding housing opportunities across the region, specifically in commercial-to-residential conversions and other downtown spaces.
  
• Centering our community’s voice in conversations regarding our public space in legal filings to our state’s highest court.
  
• Advancing legislation which targets the organized criminals stealing tens of millions of dollars from retailers across the region.

GSI will continue to work diligently with business leaders, nonprofits, and regional municipal governments to create a safer downtown core and more prosperous region. You can join our network of thousands of advocates who have already signed up to receive action alerts which advance real solutions by clicking here or contact us directly.