Who is Chris Savage and How Will He Combat the Safety Concerns and Affordability Issues Plaguing Downtown Spokane?

On Tuesday, May 6, Christopher Savage sat down with us for an extensive interview about his run for city council. During the interview, Mr. Savage answered a variety of questions that gave us insight into who he is as a person, his concerns for the city, and his plans should he be elected to city council.

Mr. Savage moved to Spokane when he was a toddler and has spent his entire life here. As a teenager, he ran cross country—running from the lower South Hill to Five Mile—which gave him an early, firsthand connection to the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Unsure of his future in his early twenties, he spent time educating

himself on the Founding Fathers and American civics. He worked various jobs during that period, delivering for Domino’s and working at Poole’s Public House, among other delivery positions.

Chris Savage is running for City Council in District 3, with the primary election scheduled for August. He said he has several reasons for running, the primary one being that "we need change." He stated that he is tired of seeing the city go from bad to worse and ultimately wants to fix it. Chris’s father once told him that every citizen should run for office at least once. Mr. Savage has already followed that advice—this is his fourth run for city council, having lost in three previous attempts. When asked what’s different this time, he responded, “This time I’m not doing it all by myself,” expressing the challenges he faced previously as his own campaign manager. He now has the support needed to better engage with voters by doorbelling and interacting with the public. As of May 6, he had already surpassed his past fundraising records.

Qualifications

What makes Savage qualified for the position of city councilmember? When asked, he replied, “It may be a low bar, but I’m a local. I know this city like the back of my hand from my cross-country days.” His previous experience as president of Meals on Wheels (2022–2024) and his role as vice chairman of the Salary Review Commission make a stronger case for his potential effectiveness in office.

He learned a lot about logistics and long-term planning during his time with Meals on Wheels, increasing the number of meals provided from approximately 600 to 800. In addition to logistics, he gained financial knowledge while serving on the Salary Review Commission, overseeing the salaries of the Mayor, City Council President, and council members. Savage claims that city council members are currently compensated more than they should be.

Platform: Safety and Affordability

The top issues Mr. Savage aims to tackle are affordability and public safety in downtown Spokane. He has witnessed changes over the years in both the safety and image of the downtown core. He believes that fewer people are willing to visit downtown, and that means less money is being spent there.

Chris attributes many of these problems to a lack of laws—or enforcement thereof—to address public camping, blocked walkways, and interference with public access. Property crime has also risen substantially. According to Savage, 30% of buildings downtown are vacant, and new businesses are reluctant to move in. Meanwhile, some existing businesses are leaving, worsening the financial situation.

Savage plans to address public safety concerns by enforcing existing laws, proposing new measures, and reforming outdated ones. To combat the affordability crisis, he wants to utilize a tool called The Comprehensive Plan. While it may potentially conflict with state and county laws, the plan would expand City of Spokane Development boundaries to allow for more building, increasing housing inventory and helping to drive down costs. “It’s not the silver bullet we’re looking for, but it’s a good step in the right direction,” he said.

Christopher Savage is currently running against incumbent Zack Zappone and reports that his campaign is going well, having already begun doorbelling.

His closing message to potential voters is that this is a crucial election that will determine much about Spokane’s future. “It will cost you a lot of money if you do not pick the right candidate, and I am the right candidate. I have your pocketbook in mind because I’m just like you—hurting right now because of what’s going on in our city. And we need to change that.”

-Written by Ryan Gaylee

While Spokane is not Los Angeles, there has still been notable community pushback against ICE. On Wednesday, June 11th, a protest began in downtown Spokane after former City Council President Ben Stuckart made a social media post urging citizens to join him in blocking a bus transporting two illegal immigrants. The protest grew quickly, with a heavy police presence establishing a perimeter around the ICE office on Washington Street.

Read Report from The Spokesman-Review

I had the unfortunate privilege of attending the anti-ICE protest in downtown Spokane, where I witnessed a range of events. Here is my experience.

I arrived downtown around 8:30 p.m., shortly after protesters had moved to the intersection of Washington Street and West North River Drive. A police barricade had been set up, blocking all roads leading to the ICE office. At the front of the barricade stood dozens of Spokane police officers—some in full riot gear, others wearing plate carriers and gas masks—several of them armed with pepper ball shotguns.

At first glance, the protest appeared non-violent, though it was loud and filled with vocal demonstrators. Police announced over a loudspeaker that a curfew would go into effect at 9:30 p.m., and that anyone who did not comply would be subject to arrest, possible use of force, and chemical deterrents.

Some attendees claimed tear gas had already been deployed earlier in the evening, but when I arrived, I saw no evidence of that. Reporters from The Spokesman recovered several canisters they believed to be tear gas, but upon inspection, they were labeled as smoke. A police officer confirmed that, to her knowledge, only smoke had been used.

At the front lines, protesters continued chanting and verbally berating the police. Some mockingly asked officers for water—surprisingly, several officers tossed water bottles to those who asked. One woman—barefoot, wearing partially unzipped shorts and essentially just a bra—waved a variant of the Mexican flag while screaming at police and calling them racists.

Meanwhile, the apparent event leader used a bullhorn to urge the crowd to remain peaceful and avoid violence.

When 9:30 p.m. came, the protest officially became unlawful due to the curfew. However, police held their positions and did not advance on the crowd.

While no direct clash occurred between protesters and police, violence erupted among protesters themselves. On the west side of Washington Street, the crowd grew chaotic. As I moved closer to observe, I witnessed several physical altercations.

The primary agitators appeared to be a smaller black man and his friend. I saw him headbutt someone and shout profanities and racial slurs at a group of Hispanic individuals—ironically, his friend appeared to be Hispanic himself and looked about 15 or 16 years old.

The man shouted, "I’ll blow this whole bitch down right now," demanding to know where his backpack was. His friend ran off to retrieve it as he continued making threats. His tone and urgency made me suspect he had something dangerous inside. My stomach dropped as adrenaline rushed through my system.

Trying to avoid direct involvement, I began filming from a short distance. When his friend returned with the backpack, the man unzipped it and threw a water bottle at someone. I cautiously approached, hoping to de-escalate the situation, fearing he might draw a weapon next.

Despite my attempt to calm him, he continued yelling and digging through his bag. The look in his eyes and the strain in his voice made me believe he intended to use something harmful. His female friend’s alarmed expression confirmed my fear. Then I saw it—a flash of metal. He had drawn a medium-sized Buck knife.

A woman tried to restrain him in a bear hug, but the knife glinted in the streetlights. At that moment, I knew I had to act. I moved in from behind and grabbed both his wrists, my pinky grazing the edge of the blade. He cursed at me while a woman behind screamed for me to let him go.

I again tried to de-escalate, urging him to release the knife. Once he calmed slightly, I shoved him back and created distance. He began to walk off, but his teenage friend rushed at me, screaming and eventually shoving me. I held my hands up, saying I didn’t want to fight.

Then the man with the knife returned. He stuffed the blade into his waistband, hand still gripping it, and walked directly toward me, eyes locked on mine. His friend followed, both of them closing the distance quickly.

A million thoughts raced through my mind. I feared I might have to defend myself with lethal force. I felt sick, second-guessing everything, but I kept stepping backward—refusing to turn my back, afraid I’d be stabbed.

As a last resort, I lifted my shirt to reveal my legally concealed pistol.

Thankfully, the sight of the weapon made the man hesitate. He stopped, backed off, and eventually walked away. I made my way to the police line and reported the entire incident to a group of SWAT officers, including the fact that I had exposed my firearm.

They assured me I had every right to do so. One officer even said that in my shoes, she would have drawn her weapon entirely. They took down my name and phone number, but as far as I know, no further action was taken—disappointing, considering how dangerous the situation had been.

After that, I left the area, not wanting to escalate things further.

What struck me most was that the violence occurred between protesters—not between protesters and police, as many had implied. These demonstrations seem less like genuine expressions of constitutional rights and more like theatrical displays by individuals seeking conflict. With so little cohesion and rationality among participants, these protests appear increasingly dangerous rather than productive.

-Written by Ryan Gaylee

There have been eight candidates who have gone through a vetting process and have shown interest in finishing Baumgartner's term, although during the vote on the 18th anyone could be nominated and potentially earn one of the 3 slots that are then presented to the county commissioners.We were able to reach out to six candidates but you can see all 8 questionnaires [here](https://spokanegop.com/).

Matthew Hawkins
When asked about his qualifications for the position, Matthew stated that his entire career has been based on working in finances and management. He has worked with people to improve cash flow and operations. He said that the number one role of the treasurer is to make sure that the county's financial condition is preserved. He plans to fill this role by ensuring that qualified individuals are in place and that mandates are executed effectively. Hawkins emphasized his concern about games being played with the county from the state level.

During COVID, the State of Washington threatened to withhold funding for the county for various reasons. Hawkins believes it is the job of the treasurer to ensure such games don’t occur. Regarding why the commissioners should support his candidacy, he stated that they know he is a credible voice for the people and wants to improve conditions for all Spokane County residents. Matthew Hawkins ran for State Auditor but was not elected. When asked if this would affect his chances for nomination, he responded that it should not, as none of the Republicans who ran for statewide races were elected. He added that during the auditor’s race, he secured all of his votes for significantly less money than his opponents. Hawkins plans to run for the position of County Treasurer in both 2025 and 2026.

Mike Kelly
Kelly stated that he is qualified for the position because he has been the CFO and Controller for a company that does construction for public contracting for about 27 years. In those years, he gained experience in multiple facets of managing finances, people, and risk management. He also has some legal background, has been licensed as a stockbroker, and has held insurance licenses.

Kelly said the role of the treasurer is to be a public servant, ensuring transparency and accuracy in managing the county's investments. Regarding how he plans to fulfill this role, Kelly emphasized continuing the work that Baumgartner and his team have already done. “We’re going to be proactive in making sure that we continue the processes that are in place,” he said. “We have to stay vigilant and purposeful.” When questioned about why the commissioners should back his candidacy, he highlighted his diverse background and extensive experience.

Kelly does not plan to run for the position in either 2025 or 2026. During the interview, it was brought up that Kelly is a convicted felon. When asked whether he thought it would affect his nomination, he said that the incident occurred over 30 years ago, that he learned a lot from it, and that none of the crimes were related to dishonesty. He acknowledged that perception might pose a problem for the commissioners but expressed confidence in his relationships with various Spokane County individuals who know his character.

Victor Yefremov
When asked about his qualifications for the position of County Treasurer, Victor stated that he brings valuable experience as the owner of multiple successful businesses. Through his role as a business owner, he has gained experience in financial management, overall operations, and problem-solving skills. He expressed confidence in his leadership ability.

Yefremov identified the role of the treasurer as having three main responsibilities: ensuring the proper collection of money, managing it correctly, and distributing it to various departments. He plans to fulfill this role by ensuring that the return on Spokane County’s money benefits Spokane residents and by carrying out the duties of the Treasurer in line with the state constitution.

Regarding why the commissioners should support his candidacy, Yefremov stated that he brings fresh ideas and a practical approach to solving problems. He is also committed to ensuring Spokane County finances are handled responsibly. He plans to run for the position in both 2025 and 2026. When asked about his limited recognition in the area, Yefremov said he does not see it as a significant issue. Since it is a nomination process rather than an election, fewer people are responsible for the decision. He has been active in the political sphere for about a year, working to make his name better known among the commissioners.

Natalie Poulson

When asked about her qualifications for the position of Treasurer, Natalie stated that she has administrative and leadership skills. During her time working for Spokane Public Schools, she oversaw 13 different elementary school buildings and worked in various areas for the school. She considers customer service and communication skills essential for the role. She emphasized maintaining integrity in the position.

Natalie said the duty of the Treasurer is to serve the people and be a good steward of the county’s tax dollars. She plans to fulfill this role by being a strong leader and supporting the current team already in place. She also advocates for the safe management and lawful disbursement of funds. Regarding why the commissioners should support her candidacy, she said, “I think they should support me because I have a new and fresh outlook. I’m a hard worker, and I love this county.”

When asked if she plans to run in 2025 and 2026, Natalie said she wants to serve the county in whatever role is best. “I want to really make sure that we are putting forth the best candidate at all times,” she said. She added that she would decide closer to the election whether to run but would welcome discussions on the matter.

In 2021, Natalie protested mask mandates in schools after an 18-year exemplary career. When asked if this might pose a challenge, she said she did not believe it would due to the circumstances. She explained that she decided to participate in a one-day protest after researching the effects of masks on children for several months. “I really think that they appreciate what I stood for because I stood for their First Amendment rights,” she said.

Both John Christina and Mike Volz were contacted for interviews. Mr. Christina replied to messages but did not follow through with the interview, and Mr. Volz did not respond.

By Ryan Gaylee

The country was greeted into the new year with a terrorist attack that took place in New Orleans. The next day, it was reported that eight Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were found in an apartment in Airway Heights.

Typically, when we hear about IEDs, we think of them as being associated with terror attacks, but in this case, that does not seem to be the case. According to the Stevens County Sheriff's Department, the IEDs were found as a result of a search warrant for Angela L. Andreas-Miller

(54) in connection with a fraud investigation. One IED was found in Ms. Miller's bedroom, along with methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. The other seven were found in her vehicle.

Apparently, Angela initially claimed to have had no knowledge of the devices and said that friends had access to her apartment. Later, she stated that she had been working on a novel about a U.S. Marshal and had looked up how to make fireworks so that she knew what she was writing about. Police found notes on how to make bombs in her room. The devices are said to be pipes with fuses packed with screws and were described as “very combustible.”

The apartment complex was mandatorily evacuated while EDU units secured the devices. The ATF is involved in a joint investigation with police, but there has been no new information from any of the agencies involved. We have not yet seen any involvement from the FBI or other federal agencies, other than the ATF. Authorities are hoping to conclude that there was no intent to use the devices. Her booking charges only state the possession of the items and do not mention any intent to use them on people or property.

Angela Miller's bond was set at $498,000. Spokane County Judge Vance Peterson said, “She is to have no other criminal law violations, must provide updated contact information, appear timely for all court dates, and not be in possession of any dangerous weapons.” With this statement, it is safe to say Ms. Miller will be walking free if the bond is paid and is not considered to be a threat to the public.

Again, the incident is still under investigation and is subject to change when more information is released.

Sources:

https://www.krem.com/article/news/crime/airway-heights-apartment-bomb-threat- angela-andreas-miller-court-appearance/293-13044b12-1da4-429f-97ae-14fd5cd08 b49

https://www.yahoo.com/news/woman-arrested-airway-heights-suspicion-0304000 77.html

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=913377280979590&id=100069219789684

The National Coalition to End Homelessness identifies the lack of affordable housing as the leading cause. However, is this the full story? Could homelessness stem from deeper issues? And are there other factors that keep people homeless? To explore these questions, we must distinguish between two groups: the “active homeless” and the “chronically homeless.”

Understanding the Active vs. Chronically Homeless

Aaron Rivkin, owner of Ladder Coffee, formerly homeless and suffering from drug addiction himself, categorizes the homeless into two groups. The active homeless are those making an effort to change their circumstances—attending programs, staying in shelters, and seeking a better life. In contrast, the chronically homeless struggle with addiction, mental illness (this can be drug-induced as well), and may be repeat offenders. These are the people who may choose to stay on the streets or are in a habitual cycle of addiction, making it nearly impossible for them to escape their circumstances.

While rising housing costs may exacerbate issues for the active homeless, it does not seem that lack of affordable housing is the main contributing factor.

What Leads to Homelessness?

To better understand the causes of homelessness, we spoke to individuals living on Spokane’s streets. Although their stories varied, certain themes emerged: affordable housing was not the main problem they listed. Addiction, trauma, and a lack of support systems were commonly cited.

Ashley’s Story
Ashley, an alcoholic, has been entirely homeless for a year and struggled with inconsistent housing for three years. Alcoholism ran in her family (she mentioned her mother in particular as being an alcoholic); she began drinking at eleven, which became a life-threatening problem. She claimed that her alcoholism became compounded after reporting elder abuse at her job in a nursing home, she was fired. Soon afterward, she lost her home and custody of her children. Turning to fentanyl for solace, she fell deeper into addiction.

Ashley’s opinion is that recovery on the streets is nearly impossible. Drugs are pervasive, and without a robust support system, breaking free feels unachievable. Her negative experiences in shelters and misunderstandings about rules resulted in losing her place on the housing waiting list. It was apparent that Ashley wanted to change, the combination of her addiction and lack of resources to break her drug habits seem like insurmountable barriers.

Lee’s Story
Lee, a man who has been homeless since childhood (his parents were also homeless), faced a different trajectory. After being discharged early from the Army for marijuana use, he continued the cycle of homelessness he inherited from his parents. While Lee denies using drugs beyond marijuana, he appeared to suffer from what might be a schizophrenic break, struggling to discern reality during our conversation. Whether this stems from prior drug use, mental illness, or a service-related injury is unclear.

Chris Ryford’s Story
Chris has been homeless on and off for twenty years. Growing up, he dreamed of becoming a musician. He hitchhiked from New York at 17 and arrived in Spokane two years ago. He lost a leg and claimed it happened last winter due to frostbite. An admitted addict who said he will use pretty much any drug he can get, Chris expressed little interest in changing his lifestyle. When asked about getting off the streets, he said he’s “not worried about it”.

The Realities of Life on the Streets

Life on Spokane’s streets is harsh and chaotic. Homeless individuals face dangers beyond exposure to extreme weather. Violence among the homeless population is reportedly increasing. Jared, a fentanyl addict, described seeing acquaintances beaten and robbed. Ashley stated that rape is something which happens often, and it is an atrocity she has suffered personally. She avoids sleeping at night, fearing further assault. Some women, she said, will get tricked into taking drugs by would-be rapists.

Property crime is rampant among the homeless, with thefts occurring even among so-called friends. One man admitted to stealing a friend’s bike, selling it for $20, and using the money to buy drugs, leading to an overdose. Trust is scarce and “friendships” are transactional, further isolating individuals who lack support systems.

The Role of Addiction

Fentanyl dominates Spokane’s drug scene, particularly among the homeless. Cheaper and more accessible than heroin, it fuels a devastating cycle of addiction. Downtown sidewalks are littered with the tin foil and half-melted plastic straws associated with fentanyl use. Users in the "fentanyl fold"—bent at the waist in a near-trance—are a common sight at the 7-11 on Division and throughout the rest of downtown. Overdoses are alarmingly frequent; in the first 38 days of the year, Spokane recorded 249 overdoses, though not all involved fentanyl or homeless individuals.

Beyond the Surface

What we’ve outlined here only scratches the surface. Organized crime (particularly human trafficking), drug dealing, rampant disease, and untreated mental illness are also part of this grim reality. These issues harm not only the homeless but also the broader community. Businesses suffer, and residents feel unsafe downtown.

Not all homeless individuals are inherently harmful; some are trapped by circumstances beyond their control, while others choose this life. Regardless, these people need more than just housing—they need comprehensive support systems that address addiction, mental health, and accountability for their actions.

I want to share a testimony recently recounted to me. This horrific crime happened to someone close to the individual who shared it. For privacy reasons, names have been changed.

The year was 2004. Catherine was looking to escape her abusive boyfriend. She and her best friend, Lila, came across a job advertisement that read: “Travel the country, sell magazine subscriptions, make good money, and go home anytime you want!” Tempted by the promise of freedom and opportunity, the two friends decided to board a bus to Seattle.

That night, Catherine’s mom received a phone call around 11 p.m. She immediately sensed that something was wrong. Catherine wouldn’t say much, but her tone betrayed her unease. An hour later, Catherine and Lila called again, this time from a bus station. Catherine’s voice was trembling as she explained their terrifying situation.

She said, “Mom, we’re at the bus station. If we go outside to smoke, we’re followed and watched. If we try to leave the motel room, someone is guarding our door and tells us to go back inside. There’s even a person from this ‘company’ staying in our room with us!”

Catherine described how this person monitored them and even took Lila’s special blanket, rolled it up, and used it as a pillow. She believed this was done intentionally so that if she tried to retrieve it, the guard would wake up and catch them attempting to leave.

Later that night, while everyone else was asleep, Catherine cracked open the door. Noticing the guard was absent, she and Lila seized the moment and ran to the bus station. Catherine’s mom worked quickly, contacting Lila’s dad to help the girls get bus tickets home and notifying the police.

When authorities arrived at the motel, they discovered the company had packed up and fled during the night. Upon interviewing the girls, police learned that the company operated under multiple aliases. The name advertised in the newspaper was different from the name they used in Seattle, and the motel’s records showed yet another name. Sadly, none of these aliases were remembered.

This story is a chilling reminder of how human trafficking hides in plain sight. As one professor pointed out in an article: “You can only sell a pile of drugs once, only sell guns once, and only sell stolen or counterfeit property once. But with human trafficking, you can re-victimize a person every day, every hour.”

Hearing this story reminded me that there is a God who intervenes, even in seemingly impossible situations. I am so thankful that these two women were saved and that they allowed me to share their story.

You may feel powerless to make a difference, but every effort—big or small—can help raise awareness about human trafficking. Sharing information on social media, volunteering with organizations, or simply discussing the issue with family and friends are all meaningful ways to contribute.

In Spokane, one organization, Helping Captives, has been making a significant impact since its founding in 2015. They’ve partnered with Rescue America, a national hotline dedicated to helping women escape “the life.” Women who call the hotline often express gratitude, saying they didn’t realize such a way out existed.

In conclusion, while circumstances may not always seem ideal, we serve a God who prevails and cares for His children. Thank you for taking the time to read this story and for your willingness to be part of the fight against human trafficking.

— Hannah

Sources:

1. Virginia Commonwealth University. (n.d.). Commitment to Privacy. Retrieved from VCU News

2. Helping Captives. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from Helping Captives

However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care. Whether it’s a moral obligation to help those who are struggling or a recognition of how the issue impacts our community, there are reasons to pay attention. For some, it might seem like the chronically homeless have no direct impact on their daily lives. For others, the consequences have been profound, ranging from personal loss to significant harm to their livelihoods. And then there’s the broader issue: the destruction caused by the cycle of addiction on the streets.

Businesses Affected

The chronic homelessness crisis has caused irreparable damage to downtown businesses. While statistics suggest property crime has decreased in Spokane in recent years, the reality on the ground tells a different story. A walk through downtown—especially along Second Avenue—reveals property damage everywhere. Broken windows, graffiti-covered public spaces, and trash spilling onto sidewalks and roadways are common sights.

Businesses have faced increasing break-ins, theft, and vandalism, with some forced to close their doors. For example, Zona Blanca, owned by Chad White, had to shut down. White explained, “The hard truth is, like many businesses in downtown Spokane, we’ve faced a challenging and rough road. The increasing crime, visible drug use, and damage to public and private property have made it harder to maintain a safe environment for our team, partners, and guests.”

In 2022, the Starbucks at Second and Division also closed due to safety concerns for employees and customers. A Spokesman-Review article summarized the situation: “In the end, lattes and Spokane’s homeless couldn’t co-exist.” Today, the location has become a gathering spot for the chronically homeless, many of whom struggle with fentanyl addiction. The former Starbucks now has boarded-up windows, and its surroundings are often crowded with people sleeping on sidewalks or in vacant parking spaces. This underscores the safety concerns that drove the closure.

Individuals Affected

For individuals living or working downtown, the challenges are even more apparent. A young woman who works two jobs in Spokane’s downtown area shared her experience. She has been there for over a year and says she doesn’t feel personally endangered because she knows many of the homeless and tries to treat them with kindness. However, she regularly encounters people sheltering in parking garages and has to ask them to leave—a repetitive and frustrating task.

Others avoid downtown entirely, especially families with children, citing safety concerns. Residents living along Sprague Avenue have also witnessed disturbing scenes. One man recounted experiences outside his apartment, including fights, assaults, and vandalism. He described finding passed-out individuals, naked junkies on sidewalks, and people engaged in inappropriate public behavior. He also mentioned an incident involving a “homeless strangler” who attacked a woman.

According to him, the police often arrest these individuals only for them to be released the same day. “It’s really demotivating,” he said, reflecting the frustration many feel.

Resources Affected

The chronic homelessness problem affects every citizen, directly or indirectly. Emergency response services, for instance, are frequently tied up addressing overdoses. Between December 1st and 4th alone, Spokane news outlets reported over 15 overdoses, not including unreported cases. While everyone deserves treatment, these incidents drain resources that could have been used elsewhere.

Additionally, cleanup efforts for trash, debris, and hazardous materials left behind by the homeless are funded by taxpayer dollars at local, state, and federal levels. While cleaning up is necessary, the extent of these efforts highlights the severity of the problem.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to care about this issue is a personal decision. However, it undeniably affects a large segment of Spokane’s population. From those living on the streets to business owners, residents, and workers, the impacts are widespread. Addressing chronic homelessness is not just about compassion; it’s about creating a safer, healthier, and more functional community for everyone.

— Ryan Gaylee

https://mynorthwest.com/3985302/rantz-2-break-ins-in-24-hours-later-award-winning-chef-closing-restaurant/

https://www.khq.com/news/crime-concerns-impact-downtown-spokane-businesses-despite-data-trends/article_73b65e5a-85e2-11ef-9bd5-7fdfcb760a0f.html

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/feb/13/soulful-soups-owner-announces-plan-to-sell-busines/

https://www.kxly.com/news/zona-blanca-to-close-permanently-due-to-crime-and-drug-use-in-downtown-spokane-says/article_e7da86e2-6e1a-11ef-9ef1-1b012c12c52d.html

https://www.khq.com/news/starbucks-at-2nd-and-division-closing-permanently-in-part-due-to-safety-concerns/article_293e104c-49b3-11ed-9f54-07e79e357288.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=starbucks+closses+in+spokane&rlz=1CAVNCX_enUS1088US1088&oq=starbucks+closses+in+spokane&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yDQgCEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyCggDEAAYgAQYogTSAQkxMjI3MmowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:6a772871,vid:vKbjQo1BBTM,st:0

https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/city-of-spokane-arpa-money-cleanup-efforts-downtown-spokane/293-e3b51fd0-1516-4c68-be72-eda561f9ee55

https://www.khq.com/news/spokane-focuses-on-encampment-clean-up-as-more-funding-is-received/article_c2be6582-eac5-11ee-847d-1f122c86e0d4.html

https://www.khq.com/news/homeless/spokane-businesses-trying-to-survive-while-dealing-with-crime-and-rising-insurance-costs/article_b9778eac-a949-11ef-869c-5730e000ca9b.html

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/oct/12/starbucks-a-window-into-america-closing-in-spokane/

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/sep/10/fed-up-business-leaders-decry-spokanes-homelessnes/

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