In a time when understanding public sentiment is more important than ever, we have released the second round of data from The Pulse, a community-wide survey launched in October 2024.
This latest iteration of The Pulse builds on our commitment to deliver independent, nonpartisan insights that help business and civic leaders understand where our community stands on the policy issues shaping Spokane’s future – from housing and workforce development to public safety, infrastructure, and civic trust. It helps equip businesses with insights into priorities to create a safe and competitive environment for business retention, expansion, and recruitment.
Key Findings from the Second Release of The Pulse
These results reflect encouraging shifts in voter sentiment, while also making it clear there is still significant work ahead. There are signs of cautious progress, particularly in perceptions of public safety and downtown.
The most noteworthy takeaways are that:
- Residents who feel safe visiting downtown increased by 10 percentage points (daytime visits) and 9 percentage points (nighttime visits), yet 82% remain concerned about downtown’s future and 92% agree that its health is critical to Spokane’s economic success.
- 43% of voters feel safe in their own neighborhoods, up 17 percentage points from October.
- Public safety and homelessness continue to top the list of urgent concerns for Spokane residents, yet 80% of voters lack confidence that local government has an effective plan to address these challenges.
- Residents are sending a strong message: Get the basics right. 91% say the region should focus on essentials like fixing potholes, maintaining parks, and addressing public safety.
- 80% of voters want a focus protecting the local economy by making it easier to start and grow a business and helping local businesses deal with public safety concerns.
Why This Poll Matters
At its core, The Pulse was created to strengthen the connection between community voices and the policymaking process — and to give leaders in both the public and private sectors credible, actionable data.
For businesses, the survey provides an opportunity to align civic engagement and policy efforts with what our community actually values and needs. After all, business success and community success go hand in hand.
When public policy is shaped by real input from Spokane residents, it leads to practical solutions that promote regional prosperity and trust in leadership – helping our community compete, grow, and thrive.
What’s Next
- Join us for a special virtual Member Partner Briefing on Wednesday, May 21 at 11 a.m. We’ll walk through the data and talk about what it means for your business and the broader Spokane region.
- We invite you to explore the full survey results, including crosstabs and a comprehensive presentation. View it here.
