SPOKANE, Wash. – Downtown Spokane’s Clean Team is hard at work, aiming to make the area more inviting for visitors and businesses. The team tackles tasks many might shy away from, such as power washing, graffiti removal, and cardboard collection.
“They do the work that most people really wouldn’t want to do,” said Vice President of Downtown’s Clean and Safe Initiative Paul Lower said.
In the past year, the Clean Team has cleaned more than 23,000 blocks and collected nearly 7,000 cardboard boxes. These efforts contribute to a safer and more appealing downtown area.
“It just makes it seem safer, a place where you want to come out and be outside,” added Lower.
Lower is optimistic about expanding these services. He believes that the program can help draw more people to downtown Spokane.
“I think there’s a need for it,” Lower stated.
Despite the bustling atmosphere, the State of Downtown breakfast highlighted some challenges. Vacancies in offices and apartments have led to missed opportunities. Keimle Hagood reported an $18.5 million loss in potential rent and 2,000 fewer downtown employees due to these vacancies.
Office vacancies have increased by 9% from 2024, with more businesses moving out than in for the first time in five years. However, Emilie Cameron, President of Downtown Partnership, shared some business success stories, encouraging continued investment in the area.
“They took a chance on downtown. They are doing phenomenal,” Cameron emphasized.
The Clean and Safe program is central to these efforts, with Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown expressing her commitment to its continued success.
“It’s time to double down on what’s working,” Mayor Brown said. “In the next year, we are going to continue – or increase – the work we do that’s called clean and safe.”
The Clean Team is dedicated to making Spokane a neighborhood. And along with the Ambassador Team, they’re working seven days a week to provide directions, visitor information, protect parking lots and of course clean.
