The summer months are a busy time for businesses in downtown Spokane. This year, downtown will host FIFA World Cup Fan Zone watch parties at the Gesa Pavillion in Riverfront Park, 4th of July fireworks, and over 250,000 basketball players and fans for Hoopfest. Parking is limited, seasonal road work is underway, gas prices remain high, and small employers are looking for ways to attract business while supporting their employees’ commute needs.
Commute Smart Downtown is a one-year grant program available to Spokane’s City Center. This community-based outreach initiative—a collaboration between the Downtown Spokane Partnership, City of Spokane, Spokane Transit, Gonzaga University, and Spokane Regional Transportation Council—aims to help downtown employers with fewer than 100 employees develop commute programs that encourage riding transit, bicycling, carpooling, using STA RideShare, and walking to work. Employers who offer these options often see reduced absenteeism, higher productivity, and improved recruitment and retention.
The Commute Smart Northwest team can help downtown businesses implement commute solutions tailored to their specific needs while improving work-life balance for their employees. The team will provide businesses with turn-key marketing materials, making getting started easy.
Perks for joining the commute program could include 2 free months of STA Connect cards or Rideshare fares per employee, free emergency ride home program startup kits, free bicycling and walking safety kits, bike rack storage, and more.
Visit Commute Smart Downtown to learn more about this commute program initiative and incentives.
