SPOKANE, Wash. — When Spokane hosted Expo '74, it became the smallest city in history to host the World's Fair.
Half a century later, a lot has changed.
Take Riverfront Park for example. Seven years ago, residents didn't see ice skaters near city hall or a light show under the Pavilion.
Across the river, athletes now compete inside the Podium and across the street, a brand new stadium now hosts high school sports, and soon, Spokane's new professional soccer team.
"I've lived in Spokane since July 4th, 1989 and boy I can tell you some funny stories," Realtor Marianne Bornhoft said.
Bornhoft is a local realtor and one of the few female developers in Spokane. She's invested in downtown's future.
"If you look at any successful city all across the United States, look at what they have and what they offer," Bornhoft said. "They offer a destination. They offer people a reason to go downtown. Every year, there should be something new and small; actual items the city can count on to bring the tourist to Spokane and to keep the people who live here, keep them going downtown."
The next big attraction could be a zipline under the Monroe Street Bridge. However, Bornhoft said it doesn't take millions of dollars to create a buzz.
"Look at the garbage goat, for example," Bornhoft said. "That tourist attraction is amazing. I mean, it has its own meme. It didn't cost that much and it recycles."
Looking ahead to the next five years, Bornhoft said downtown needs to offer more convenience.
"I firmly believe we need a Target or a TJ Maxx," Bornhoft said. "We need some of these interesting, big box retailers that people know, love and trust."
"Big box stores, anyone can go to those anywhere across the country," said Zack Zappone, a Spokane City Council member. "But, what makes Spokane unique? What makes us a cool place? And that's some great organizations like Terrain and local artists."
Zappone thinks the city should prioritize making downtown more accessible and pedestrian friendly.
"We're going to be seeing some big investments in bike lanes and infrastructure," Zappone said.
Zappone also helped pass legislation to incentivize affordable housing downtown.
"We want to look at all our surface parking lots and say, 'how can we turn this into a better use of space?' and 'that could be a parking garage' or 'that could be housing,'" Zappone said.
He added Spokane is struggling with some growing pains and housing affordability, which hasn't helped the city's homeless crisis.
Downtown Spokane cannot thrive if people feel unsafe.
"I think it would be deaf not to acknowledge some of our challenges downtown," Zappone said. "I personally have experienced that with my car getting broken into."
According to data from Spokane Police, violent crimes increased nearly 29% last year in the downtown core compared to 2022. Property crime, however, dropped 13%.
"How do we make people feel safe downtown and acknowledge that?" Zappone said.
The Downtown Spokane Partnership launched a pilot program a few months ago.
"I think it would definitely make me feel more comfortable, especially being alone down here," local shopper Jasmyn Dunwoody said.
Those shopping this past holiday season may have noticed more security officers and downtown ambassadors.
"People are going to complain, that's just what they do," Bornhoft said. "But honestly, if they go downtown and they check out what's happening right now, I think they are going to be pretty surprised."
In three months, Spokane will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Expo '74. Bornhoft said it's the spark downtown needs.
"It's about the past four years," Bornhoft said. "We were all shut in during the pandemic and it really wasn't a good time. So, now is the opportunity for people to rediscover where they live."
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