MAY 1, 2025

Recent statistics highlight a powerful and chilling truth: fentanyl and other addictive drugs have become the deadliest killers in Spokane’s history.

Consider this: if you went back 50 years to 1975 and combined the total number of murders over that period with the total number of deaths from Spokane’s nine natural disasters, the combined figure—no more than 800—is dramatically less than the estimated 1,400 overdose deaths Spokane will have experienced from just 2020 through 2025.

Here’s a stark reminder of Spokane’s overdose and related statistics:

• 2024: 352 overdose deaths (a 50% increase over 2023).

• 2025: On pace for 500 deaths—nearly 10 lives lost every week (even as overdose deaths trend downward nationally).

• 2020–2025: An estimated 1,400 overdose deaths.

• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Spokane’s rate is three times the national average.

• Homelessness: Among the highest rates for medium-to-large U.S. cities.

• Fentanyl price: Down as much as 97% since 2020, driving wider access and use.

With these statistics in mind, it remains maddeningly difficult to understand why a full-scale emergency response is still off the table for many elected leaders. If 500 projected deaths in 2025 don’t convince them that tweaking old approaches isn’t working—what will?

Still Walking...

75 Days, 5AM, and the Long Road Ahead

Today, we completed our 75th consecutive 5 a.m. walk through Spokane’s streets, witnessing the city’s health and safety crisis firsthand.

I continue to hear some of our elected leaders insist that Spokane’s health and safety crisis is improving. But our walks tell a much different story: the crisis is growing steadily worse. In future issues, we will share the biggest lessons we have learned from these walks so far.

SPOTLIGHT:  MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Hello for Good’s May 16 Spring Symposium with Judge Steven Leifman

The event features Judge Steven Leifman, internationally recognized for his groundbreaking reforms in how the criminal justice system addresses mental health issues. His efforts have significantly improved the treatment and outcomes for individuals with mental illnesses who come into contact with the justice system. Notably, Judge Leifman has been honored by Pope Francis for his contributions.

To learn more about this important, free event, visit: Hello for Good Spring Symposium

Spokane Business Association Leadership

Bank of America | CPM Development Corporation | Diamond Parking Services

Goodale & Barbieri Co | Hainsworth Laundry Company | Linden Street Solutions

Lukins & Annis Attorneys | Lydig Construction | Mackin & Little

NAI Black/Black Realty Management | RenCorp Realty | Spokane Hardware Supply STCU | SVN Cornerstone

Alliant Insurance Services | Anthony's Restaurants | BECU

Bouten Construction Co | Budinger & Associates Inc CliftonLarsonAllen LLP | CollinsWoerman | DCI Engineers | Merit Electric of Spokane | Randall & Hurley

Tom Simpson | Umpqua Bank | Walker Construction Inc

Able Label | AllStar Glass | Arby's of Spokane | Associated Industries of the Inland Northwest

Baker Construction | Banner Bank | Bernardo Wills | Breakthrough Inc | Coffman Engineers

Commercial Construction & Improvements | Copenhaver Construction |DeVries Business Services Dupree Building Specialties | Empire Bolt & Screw | Finley Construction | GoJoe Patrol | GT Capital Kiemle Hagood | Marsh & McLennan Agency | MJM Grand Inc | NW Granite | Pella Inland Northwest

Peppertree Hospitality Group | Perlo Construction | Selkirk Develpment

Spokane Regional Plan Center | Stifel Financial | Summit Electric | Surface Experts Franchising

The General Store | Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters | Trudeau's Marina

Vandervert Developments | West Plains Development

Spokane Business Association Board of Directors