SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane county voters have a negative perception of the county's quality of life. That's according to a survey sponsored by Greater Spokane Incorporated called, "The Pulse."
Greater Spokane Incorporated surveyed 600 registered voters throughout Spokane County to gauge their sentiment on key issues in the region. Some elected leaders are concerned with the results, while others are taking it as a call to action.
The survey says public perception of Spokane County's quality of life is overwhelmingly unfavorable. Participants gave an average index score of 3.6 out 10, with 10 being the most positive score. The same research firm did a similar survey in Seattle this fall. Voters there gave a quality of life index average of 4.6.
A key finding showed voters believe addressing homelessness and public safety would have a significant impact on the quality of life.
Spokane City Councilmember Paul Dillon believes capacity and funding are factors behind this perception.
"I think historically, we are challenged with the demand and the need for services, while not having a lot of resources to provide those," Dillon said. "And that's always been a large disconnect here in the City of Spokane."
Results also detail top concerns in the region. Overall, half of voters cite homelessness as a top issue facing Spokane, while four out of 10 cite crime and public safety.
Turning focus to visiting downtown Spokane, 60% said they feel safe during the day. But at night, that feeling of safety plummets 21%-23%.
When asked if they have actively considered moving out of the region, nearly 60% of voters said yes, while 42% said no.
Spokane City Council Member Michael Cathcart sees these results as a call to action.
"I think it's a great tool to understand where people are at this moment and how we might be able to improve things and get things on a better track, or hopefully the right track, in terms of the perception of the voters and the constituents that we represent," Cathcart said.
Several Spokane County officials released the following statements on the survey results.
- Spokane City Councilman Jonathan Bingle
- “As a city council member, I am deeply concerned by the findings from the recent survey revealing that Spokane earned a low quality-of-life score of 3.6 out of 10. The key issues driving this dissatisfaction—homelessness, crime, drugs, and public safety—demand immediate action. It is clear that we have failed to protect our citizens, and we must prioritize law enforcement to restore safety and security. We need to enforce our laws, increase police presence, and create policies that support small businesses and protect public spaces. This data sends a clear message: our community is suffering and losing confidence in city leadership, and it’s time for a change of direction. We must put Spokane families and their safety first. We must act swiftly to address these urgent concerns. Together, we can improve the quality of life for all residents in Spokane.”
- Spokane Valley Mayor Pam Haley
- "The Spokane region is a wonderful place to live. However, like any area, it faces challenges that affect the quality of life for its residents. Addressing issues such as homelessness and public safety is crucial for creating an even more vibrant and thriving environment. It's important for us to work together as a community to tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring that Spokane continues to be a great place for all its residents. The City is actively participating in regional conversations to prioritize strategies that maximize the effectiveness of the regional funds to improve the quality of life in the region."
- Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown
- "We have multiple business organizations defining the problems, but what we need now is to come together on solutions and that’s exactly why I ran for office. One solution that is before voters right now is the Community Safety Proposal, which would invest in our first responders and Municipal Court. But, the City cannot go this alone. Spokane County needs to come to the table and invest their behavioral health dollars into the region, add operating capacity at the Spokane County Jail, and work collaboratively with the City and other agencies to work on regional solutions that will benefit us all."
- Spokane County Chair of the Board of Commissioners Mary Kuney
- “The recent survey results should serve as a wake-up call for regional leaders. It reflects what the Board of County Commissioners has been hearing from the community over the past two years: public safety is the public’s primary concern, and many people no longer feel safe in the community. While data shows an overall decline in crime, violent and serious crime persists, prompting us to take action. We are actively working on enhancing public safety, such as the Juvenile Detention Facilities and Jails measure on the November ballot, which aims to renew $16 million in funds annually for facility maintenance and operations and 140 corrections officers, medical staff, and administration. The Board has also partnered with the Sheriff’s Office to enhance law enforcement capabilities, including $200,000 annually to combat drug trafficking, and a several million dollar investment supporting the Real Time Crime Center, equipped with cutting-edge technology to fight crime. Additionally, we are addressing mental health and substance abuse with a comprehensive plan funded by National Opioid Settlement dollars, which includes expanding covering, crisis relief services and treatment facilities. Beyond safety, the Board has also been focused on several quality of life investments, such as new and improved regional parks, vital road projects, and rural broadband expansion. We have more work to do, and look forward to collaborating with our partners to deliver the results our communities deserve and expect.”