Greater VOICE
the pulse community poll
We’ve commissioned a polling series called The Pulse, which provides a benchmark dataset in the Quality of Life Index and reveals critical insights into Spokane County voter sentiment on issues such as public safety, homelessness, housing, education, and economic development. This polling series is the first to scientifically capture Spokane residents’ opinions on a wide range of critical topics, providing data-driven insights on needs and how they change over time. The poll results will guide advocacy and outreach efforts at the local, state, and federal levels driving community supported solutions for Spokane’s toughest issues.
Quality of Life |
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The Pulse measured Spokane’s Quality of Life Index at 3.6. A negative Quality of Life Index indicates that voters are generally pessimistic about the future of Spokane and believe we’re off on the wrong track, with vast majorities of voters citing public safety and homelessness concerns as being most frustrating and most impactful to their quality of life. |
Mental Health & Substance Abuse |
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72% of voters believe funding mental health and substance abuse facilities is important or extremely important to addressing public safety. GSI is working with a regional group of stakeholders to chart a path forward on public safety funding priorities like detention and mental health/substance abuse facilities. |
Creating a More Business Friendly Environment |
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80% of voters said that creating a more business friendly environment would significantly or very significantly improve their quality of life. Working with local, state, and federal officials to make Spokane business friendly is at the core of what GSI does. From employment regulations and licensure reform to workforce development and infrastructure investments, GSI advocates on behalf of our employer community to advance the region. |
A Thriving Downtown |
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89% of voters agree that a thriving downtown Spokane is critical for our region’s economic health. We rely on our strong partnership with the DSP to bolster downtown Spokane as an economic hub for our region, activate its spaces with residential opportunities, and expand our creative economy. |
Want to learn more about what voters believe when it comes to their quality of life, addressing homelessness, taxes, and more? Dig into the full report below. Want even more details? The full crosstabs showing opinions across demographics and more are just a click away.
ABOUT OUR WORK IN PUBLIC POLICY
We work year-round with the business community and partners to advance policies that support the health of our community. With our combined role as a regional chamber and economic development council, we have the most impact when we find consensus around policy that is good for area employers, the economy, and our community. Our Regional Advocacy Committee takes positions on initiatives and makes recommendations to the Executive Board. The Executive Board then takes a formal vote on each issue and weighs the pros and cons based on how that issue will impact our employers, the economy, and our community. For more information, contact us at [email protected] and view our public policy principles.