For me, East Central is not just a neighborhood on a map; it is home. It is memory. It is family. It is where I learned resilience, community, and pride.
I grew up in East Central during a time when neighbors looked out for one another, kids played outside until the streetlights came on, partaking in events at what was the Eastside Community Center, and local businesses, like the old Horseman’s Corner grocery store, gave the neighborhood its heartbeat. Like many longtime residents, I have also watched East Central endure decades of disinvestment, broken promises, and the lasting impact of decisions that physically divided the community, especially the construction of Interstate 90, which displaced families and disconnected neighborhoods.
That history matters.
And because it matters, the future of East Central must be shaped with intention, care, and community voice.
The recent conversations surrounding the Fifth Avenue Project reflect something deeper than development plans and infrastructure discussions. They reflect a shared desire to see East Central thrive again, not just survive, but truly thrive.
When I talk about growth in East Central, I am not talking about erasing culture or pushing out longtime residents and businesses. I am talking about creating a neighborhood where families can afford to stay, where children can safely walk to parks and schools, where small businesses can succeed, and where residents can see beauty, investment, and opportunity reflected in their community.
The vision requires partnership.
Over the past several years, District 2 Council members and I have worked closely with the City’s Planning Department, neighborhood leaders, community organizations, and residents to rethink what East Central can become. We have looked at ways to improve corridors, increase housing opportunities, enhance pedestrian safety, support economic vitality, and create welcoming public spaces that reflect the identity of the people already living and working there.
We have seen signs of what is possible. Parts of East Central, including areas surrounding Sprague Union and the University District, and up to Perry District, have experienced revitalization efforts focused on walkability, business development, and community-centered infrastructure.
But revitalization cannot only happen in pockets.
The goal must be a connected East Central, one where investment reaches longtime residents and where development includes equity, accessibility, and cultural preservation.
Beautification also matters more than people sometimes realize. Clean streets, public art, lighting, trees, safe sidewalks, and well-maintained spaces send a message. They tell residents, “You matter. This neighborhood matters.”
People deserve to feel proud of where they live.
Having grown up in East Central and still a resident, I understand why some residents approach change cautiously. History has given people valid reasons to question whether redevelopment benefits the community or benefits everyone except the community. That skepticism deserves respect, not dismissal.
That is why community engagement must remain central to every major project and planning effort moving forward. In the spirit of my dear friend Sandy Williams, “Nothing about us, without us.” We hear you Sandy, we hear you.
It is critical to remember that residents should not simply hear about change after decisions are made. They should help shape the vision from the beginning.
The ReFive Plan looks to build upon the 5th Avenue Initiative to achieve these 5 goals, which are a draft and visioning framework to improve the experience of East Central:
– Identity
– Connectivity
– Livability
– Prosperity
– Stability
And with these goals, we need more than a vision; we want a visualization of what our community could look like.
A welcome installation into our community spaces with traffic control measures for pedestrian safety
Activating open spaces where neighbors can gather and feel a sense of belonging and safe in their community.
While these are artist renderings that illustrate a vision, these visualizations can become our new reality, our new home.
It’s time to stay in our neighborhood and invite others into where we live to show them our allure, our magic, our Eastside hospitality.
East Central has always had strength and resilience. It has always had culture and charm. It has always had people deeply invested in one another and their community. What it deserves now is sustained investment that matches the value that has always existed there.
I believe East Central can become one of Spokane’s strongest examples of equitable revitalization, a neighborhood that honors its roots while embracing new opportunities. Not a replacement for the community. A restoration of its promise.
For more information and to give feedback, please visit the city’s ReFive website.