FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Elisabeth Hooker 509.456.0580 ex102 lizh@downtownspokane.org Downtown Spokane Announces 2026 Leadership Winners of “Best in BID Awards” Recognized Spokane, WASH. (February 27, 2026)- At the 2026 Downtown Spokane Annual Meeting, held at The Parkade on February 25, 2026, the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) and Business Improvement District (BID) confirmed new board members and elected 2026 leadership. “A thriving downtown doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built every day through safe streets, clean sidewalks, active public spaces, strong advocacy, and economic momentum.,” said DSP President and CEO Emilie Cameron. “As we look to 2026, our focus is clear: We will continue to support a safe, clean, and welcoming downtown — every day, year-round.” Current leadership and representatives also highlighted 2025 accomplishments and outlined goals and objectives for the year ahead, reinforcing their commitment to a dynamic, welcoming, and thriving downtown. 2026 BID Ratepayer Advisory Board Executive Committee: • Chair: Doug Kapelke, Zone 3B • Vice Chair: Terra Coulter, Small Business • Past Chair: Andrew Leeper, Professional 2 / Engineering • Treasurer: JM Larson, Professional 4 / Accounting • Secretary: Shakara Heaton, Professional 1 / Property Management • Legal: Tanya Lawless, Professional 3 / Legal • At Large: Wendy Goshey, Large Retail 2026 New BID Ratepayer Advisory Board Members: • Safety/Ex-Officio: Capt. Kurtis Reese, Spokane Police Dept. • City of Spokane: Council Member Sarah Dixit, City of Spokane • School District: Sandra Jarrard, Spokane Public Schools • Zone 2: Doyle Wheeler, First Avenue Coffee • Zone 3A: Jason Ramsey, KHQ 2026 Downtown Spokane Partnership Executive Committee: • Chair: Dana Harbaugh, NAC Architecture • Vice Chair: Melissa Green, Davenport • Past Chair: Alicia Barbieri, Goodale & Barbieri • Secretary: Bryn West, Cowles Real Estate • Treasurer: Mike Whitmore, Aldrich Advisors • At Large: Christopher Varallo, Kutak Rock LLP • At Large: Clint Gillum, Columbia Bank • At Large: Stephanie Curran, Spokane PFD 2026 DSP Incoming Board Members: • Ryan Bradeen, Avista • Jim Branson, Washington Trust Bank • Robin Bernhart, The Onion/Landmark Restaurants • Wade Hunt, MultiCare • James Welsh, Garco Construction • Stephanie Curran, Spokane PFD At the celebration, the DSP also recognized winners of the fourth annual Best in BID Awards, celebrating outstanding businesses across the 80-block BID district. During the month of January, thousands of individuals voted to recognize the 10 award winners, including: • Best New Business (opened in 2025): Jupiter’s Eye Book Cafe • Best Local Legacy (10+ years): Auntie’s Bookstore • Best After-Work Hang: Emma Rue’s • Best Place to Start Your Morning: Indaba Coffee (Riverside Ave.) • Most Inviting Interior (warmest vibe/best ambiance): The Fox Theater • Best Place to Discover Something New: Wonders of the World • Best “Treat Yourself” Destination: Sweet Frostings (Washington St.) • Best Food/Beverage After a Show: Durkin’s Liquor Bar • Most Community-Minded Business: nYne Bar & Bistro • Most Inspirational Business Owner: Mirak Kazanjian (Skewers) “Winning this award [for most inviting interior] just gives us so much pride,” said Steve Wenig, Executive Director of the Spokane Symphony. “It reinforces that the Symphony’s home at The Fox Theater is really magical to the Spokane community.” Closing out the evening, Cameron announced the Fifth Annual State of Downtown Breakfast will be held on June 5 at Spokane Convention Center. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at the Downtown Spokane website, www.downtownspokane.org. Find a gallery of images from the Annual Meeting here. ### About the Downtown Spokane Partnership: The DSP is a private, nonpartisan, non-profit membership organization that serves as Spokane’s central city advocate and service provider of the Downtown Spokane Parking and Business Improvement District, dedicated to enhancing the quality and vitality of Downtown Spokane as the basis for a healthy region. The DSP accomplishes its mission through advocating for public policies, business and project development, quality planning, physical improvement projects, public safety, beautification, and marketing programs that ensure downtown’s continued success. To learn more, visit www.downtownspokane.org.