(SPOKANE, Wash.) – Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) today released all new data and crosstabs from the fourth iteration of The Pulse, a broad Spokane voter survey GSI first launched in October 2024. The refreshed data, which was conducted in April of 2026, illustrates that voters within the Spokane region continue to regard public safety and homelessness as top priorities. Rising concerns exist around cost of living, and taxation. The full survey results and crosstabs can be found here: https://greaterspokane.org/what-we-do/greater-voice/the-pulse-community-poll/
While results continue to remain largely consistent with the previous surveys, the most noteworthy takeaways are that:
- While public safety and homelessness still dominate voter concerns, taxes and the cost of living are gaining ground as top priorities.
- Growing optimism: The share of voters who believe the Spokane region is headed in the right direction increased by 7% since the fall.
- Countywide, 68% of voters have actively considered moving out of the area, with taxes and trust in local government emerging as the top reasons.
- Trust remains a challenge: Only 26% of voters believe their local government has a plan to address critical issues, underscoring the need for continued progress.
- Voters feel strongly that prohibiting camping on public rights of way has made an impact: 56% say that it has a very significant impact.
- Results show that voters want abalance of treatment services and justice system engagement to address public safety
- Support for increased public investment in community infrastructure remains strong at 76%, up 4 points since the fall.
- 84% of voters say making it easier to start and grow a business would have an impact on quality of life, with 42% saying it would have a very significant impact.
The GSI Pulse survey is an independent, nonpartisan tool designed to help Spokane’s business community and local leaders better understand the community’s evolving concerns and priorities. The data offers objective insights that can inform decision-making on issues of critical importance to the business community and the broader Spokane region — including public safety, workforce development, housing, education, infrastructure, and civic trust.
“The Pulse gives us a clearer read on what voters are prioritizing right now, and where we need to respond,” said Alisha Benson, CEO of Greater Spokane Inc. “It helps align business, government, and community partners around the same set of priorities so we can make informed decisions and work together to move the Spokane region forward.”
GSI launched The Pulse in October 2024 with the vision to create a Spokane region where public policy is guided by broad-based community input, leading to practical solutions that promote economic vitality, civic health, and a high quality of life — strengthening the region’s ability to compete, grow, and thrive.
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About Greater Spokane Inc.
Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) is the Spokane region’s business development organization, focused on leading transformative business and community initiatives to build a robust regional economy. GSI is a nonprofit organization that serves as the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Organization that supports the success of businesses of all sizes across the Inland Northwest. GSI is dedicated to creating a vibrant Spokane region by advocating at the local, state, and federal levels, driving strategic economic growth, and championing a talented workforce. Learn more at GreaterSpokane.org.
