The Pulse Community Poll

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The Pulse Survey Data - As of April 2026

Maintaining the Momentum
While we see priorities evolve over time, one takeaway from this iteration of The Pulse was clear: we are seeing improvement in voters’ sentiment that the Spokane Region is on the right track. While significant challenges remain, there is opportunity to keep the momentum in a shared commitment to improving the Spokane Region. The Quality of Life index measured 3.7, a minimal increase from six months ago.

Maintaining the Momentum

While we see priorities evolve over time, one takeaway from this iteration of The Pulse was clear: we are seeing improvement in voters’ sentiment that the Spokane Region is on the right track. While significant challenges remain, there is opportunity to keep the momentum in a shared commitment to improving the Spokane Region.

The Quality of Life index measured 3.7, a minimal increase from six months ago.

The Pulse - April 2026

These are some of Spokane voters' top concerns.

Public Safety, Homelessness Remain Top Concerns, Progress Being Made
As in the first three editions of The Pulse, public safety and homelessness continue to top the list of urgent concerns for Spokane residents. While these top issues persist, fewer voters identified them as their top issue than in past iterations of the survey, and perceptions of safety are improving. 38% cite homelessness as their top concern and 24% cite crime and public safety. However, the share of voters in each category decreased by 8% and 12% respectively.

Public Safety, Homelessness Remain Top Concerns, Progress Being Made

As in the first three editions of The Pulse, public safety and homelessness continue to top the list of urgent concerns for Spokane residents. While these top issues persist, fewer voters identified them as their top issue than in past iterations of the survey, and perceptions of safety are improving.

38% cite homelessness as their top concern and 24% cite crime and public safety. However, the share of voters in each category decreased by 8% and 12% respectively.

Civic Trust in Government & Public Investment
Trust in local government remains a challenge, with 64% of voters lacking confidence in how their tax dollars are spent and only 26% of voters believing their local government has a plan to address critical issues. However, voter trust has shown slight improvements over time. Residents see opportunity though, as trust in local government spending remains low but interest in public investment remains strong. 76% support increased public investment in community infrastructure.

Civic Trust in Government & Public Investment

Trust in local government remains a challenge, with 64% of voters lacking confidence in how their tax dollars are spent and only 26% of voters believing their local government has a plan to address critical issues. However, voter trust has shown slight improvements over time.

Residents see opportunity though, as trust in local government spending remains low but interest in public investment remains strong. 76% support increased public investment in community infrastructure.

Downtown Safety Perceptions Increased Slightly
This edition of The Pulse saw improvements in respondents’ perceptions of safety downtown, particularly for residents in the City of Spokane. Residents who feel safe visiting downtown during the day increased by 4% overall, with an improvement of 10% among City of Spokane residents. 88% still agree that a thriving downtown is critical to the region’s economic success.

New Concerns at the Forefront: Taxes & Cost of Living
While homelessness and public safety remain the most frequently identified top concerns across the county, taxes and cost of living are quickly climbing as front-of-mind issues for residents. Of the 68% of residents who said they actively considered moving out of the area, taxes are cited as the top reason, followed closely by concerns around local government and cost of living/housing. 81% report that they are concerned or very concerned about their personal financial situation, given current economic conditions.

New Concerns at the Forefront: Taxes & Cost of Living

While homelessness and public safety remain the most frequently identified top concerns across the county, taxes and cost of living are quickly climbing as front-of-mind issues for residents.

Of the 68% of residents who said they actively considered moving out of the area, taxes are cited as the top reason, followed closely by concerns around local government and cost of living/housing.

81% report that they are concerned or very concerned about their personal financial situation, given current economic conditions.

Review Past Survey Data

The Pulse – October 2025

The Pulse – April 2025

The Pulse – October 2024

ABOUT THE PULSE

The Pulse 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.