Spring has sprung with exciting news for Spokane’s vibrant neighborhood business districts! The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, in partnership with the City of Spokane, is thrilled to announce the successful funding of 27 unique Activation Grants, totaling over $75,000, through the Spokane Neighborhood Business District Grant program.

Fueled by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the City of Spokane, these grants are set to inject energy and vitality into the Garland, Hillyard, North Monroe, and South Perry business districts. Designed for visible, immediate, and equitable impact by August 31, 2025, the grants will focus on enhancing the appearance, functionality, and overall placemaking within these beloved neighborhoods.

From a pool of 39 applications submitted by business owners and non-profit leaders within these districts, 27 dynamic projects have been selected to receive funding.

Imagine the transformation as these grants support initiatives like vibrant murals and public art, welcoming lighting and signage, convenient bike racks, refreshed façades and landscaping, engaging community events, strategic marketing campaigns, vital clean-up efforts, and improved parking lot accessibility and enhancement, among other exciting developments.

The best part? This initial investment of over $75,000 in ARPA funds is being amplified by a one-to-one matching requirement, leveraging the total investment in these neighborhood business districts to over $150,000! Grantees will contribute their match through valuable financial or in-kind resources, demonstrating their commitment to these projects and to their district.

A Sneak Peek at Some of the Transformation to Come:

  • Garland: Get ready for collaborative parking solutions and thoughtful updates, enhanced beauty through planters and refreshed street signs, welcoming gateway landscaping, and more improvements on the horizon.
  • Hillyard: A large and visually stunning mural will soon grace the district, alongside updated building lighting, collaboratively created bike racks throughout the neighborhood, and an improved bathroom and accessible door for a well-loved local business.
  • North Monroe: Expect a boost in visibility with marketing efforts for the new farmers’ market location, eye-catching business signage, revitalized building façades through cleanups, a brand-new mural to admire, and exciting community-building events.
  • South Perry: Grant Elementary will be brightened by a collaborative mural, lighting improvements will enhance the streetscape, creative parking solutions are on their way, and resources will support the district’s lively events calendar, plus other exciting projects!

These Activation Grants represent the early stages of the City’s ambitious $2.5 million Neighborhood Business District Grant program, with even larger, transformative projects slated for activation by November 2026. These ARPA funds were specifically allocated to help mitigate the negative economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on our cherished small businesses and organizations.

We encourage you to keep an eye on the exciting progress unfolding in the Garland, Hillyard, North Monroe, and South Perry business districts over the coming months. As you witness these projects come to life, take a moment to snap a picture, offer your congratulations to the dedicated grant recipients, and most importantly, enjoy the positive impact these investments will have on our beloved neighborhood business districts and their stakeholders!

For further information about these Activation Grants, please contact Josh Cleveland, Neighborhoods Liaison with the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, at . Visit preservewa.org/spokane for additional grant information.