Greater Spokane Incorporated’s Board of Trustees recently voted to support projects presented by two entities in Spokane.

In separate votes, the Board voted to support Spokane Transit Authority’s (STA) Central City Line request and STA’s Federal Small Starts grant application, and the Spokane Public Facilities District’s (PFD) proposal to complete the Spokane Convention Center and add seats to the Spokane Arena.

The Central City Line will drive economic development by making it easier for new customers and tourists access the city’s downtown area, while enhancing downtown Spokane’s ability to attract businesses. It will also play a big role in moving students to and from the University District.

It’s estimated that by 2030, more than 8,000 housing units will align the central city area, which the Central City Line will serve.

The PFD’s proposal to complete the Spokane Convention Center and add seats to the Spokane Arena would help Spokane compete against other cities to attract entertainment and conventions to Spokane.

Bigger entertainment attractions and conventions would bring in more sales tax revenue. Attracting more visitors would help import tax dollars, and construction on each facility would provide jobs in a tough economic climate.

The Spokane Arena would add 750 seats while retaining existing events and creating a better customer experience. Large events – like the Men’s NCAA Tournament, for example – are starting to require larger arenas.


Expanding the convention center would mean adding 91,500 square feet of new space, including 19,650 square feet of exhibition halls and 24,800 square feet of assembly space. The completion would have a $173 million annual economic impact while supporting 800 construction jobs.

Completing the convention center will cost $65 million. Funding would come from extending existing sales and hotel lodging taxes, the majority of which are paid by visitors. Voters in Spokane will be asked to extend these taxes.