SPOKANE, Wash. — A new polling series has revealed that many Spokane residents are dissatisfied with public safety, homelessness, education and economic development.
The new polling series called “The Pulse” has been launched to gauge voter sentiment on key quality-of-life issues in Spokane County. Conducted from Oct. 1 to 6, 2023, the survey sheds light on residents’ views regarding public safety, homelessness, housing, education and economic development.
The poll’s Quality of Life Index is measured at 3.6 out of 10, which reflects dissatisfaction among voters. Many respondents expressed serious concerns about public safety and homelessness, identifying these as major factors negatively impacting their quality of life.
The survey found that 72% of voters believe funding for mental health and substance abuse facilities is important or extremely important for improving public safety. In response, Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) is working with regional stakeholders to prioritize public safety funding.
Additionally, 80% of participants indicated that creating a more business-friendly environment would significantly enhance their quality of life. GSI is actively advocating for reforms in employment regulations, licensure, workforce development and infrastructure investments to support local businesses.
The website said that 89% of voters agree that a thriving downtown Spokane is essential for the region’s economic health.
The survey was conducted using a combination of phone and online interviews by trained professionals.
