Downtown Spokane Partnership reports significant increase in visitors for early 2026

The Downtown Spokane Partnership has released its first-quarter report for 2026, revealing a heartening increase in the number of visitors to the city’s core. Despite a string of recent burglaries that have targeted local businesses, the data suggests that Spokane’s downtown remains a vibrant and attractive destination for both locals and tourists. The increase in foot traffic is being attributed to a series of successful community events, new restaurant openings, and a general trend of people returning to urban centers for entertainment and shopping. This growth is a vital sign of economic health for Spokane, as the city continues to navigate the post-pandemic retail landscape. The Partnership’s report highlights that the surge in visitors has been consistent across the first three months of the year, surpassing the figures recorded during the same period in 2025.

While the increase in visitors is a cause for celebration, the report also acknowledges the challenges facing downtown business owners. A recent high-profile burglary of a popular restaurant—the second such incident in a year—has cast a shadow over the economic gains. The Downtown Spokane Partnership is working closely with the Spokane Police Department to address these security concerns, advocating for increased patrols and better lighting in high-traffic areas. The goal is to ensure that the rising number of visitors feels safe and that business owners are protected from property crimes. Many entrepreneurs in the area remain optimistic, noting that the sheer volume of people downtown provides a natural deterrent to crime during daylight hours and supports the overall vitality of the district. The mix of new investment and community resilience is seen as the primary driver behind the current boom.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, the Downtown Spokane Partnership plans to build on this momentum with an expanded calendar of summer events and marketing campaigns. They are specifically targeting regional travelers who are looking for a weekend getaway that offers a blend of outdoor recreation and urban amenities. The success of the first quarter has provided a solid foundation for these efforts, suggesting that Spokane is successfully rebranding itself as a premier destination in the Inland Northwest. Local officials are also looking at long-term infrastructure improvements, such as expanded transit options and pedestrian-friendly walkways, to keep the visitor numbers climbing. The story of downtown Spokane in 2026 is one of a community that is thriving in the face of adversity, proving that its core remains the heartbeat of the region. As the city moves into the second quarter, all eyes will be on whether this growth can be sustained and if the security issues can be effectively managed.