About the Sprague Union District

The Sprague Union District is the new name of the East Sprague retail and residential area, and is organized by the East Spokane Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA). The purpose of the PBIA is to improve East Spokane through services including clean and green, district beautification, branding and marketing, safety and security, and administration.

ESBA BID, PO Box 4132, Spokane WA 99220-0132Authorized by and Date: Spokane City Council Ordinance 35377, passed on April 18, 2016.

Latest News & Projects

Neighborhood Beautification

Including signage, street tree maintenance, decorative lighting, and streetscape amenities.

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Best of Spokane

We have some Inlander Best Of 2025 winners in the Sprague Union District. While we love each and every business here, we want to congratulate those who have taken the crown.

Graffiti

Have graffiti you want to remove? The PBIA may be able to help.

CLICK HERE>

Welcome to the East Spokane Business District, a vibrant hub in Spokane, WA. We manage parking, streets, and events, fostering a thriving community for businesses, viewers, and the community. Join us today!

At SUD, our story is deeply rooted in a passion for retail and community. Established as a hallmark of local shopping districts, we bring together a blend of renowned retailers and hidden gems, making sure there's something for everyone. We believe in providing customers with a unique shopping experience that goes beyond just purchases; it's about creating memories and connections. Come explore SUD, where shopping is just the beginning of your adventure.

OUR COMMUNITY ECO-SYSTEM: HOW IT WAS CREATED & HOW IT’S CONNECTED

ESBA

East Spokane Business Association (ESBA) – A nonprofit organization that advocates for businesses, property owners, and neighborhood investment along the East Sprague corridor.

Founded in 2003, ESBA was created by local businesses and property owners to strengthen the East Sprague corridor and advocate for neighborhood improvements.
ESBA provides a voice for area businesses, property owners, and area residents. They engage the city of Spokane, the City Council, the office of the Mayor, and our elected representatives in Olympia.
They worked together with the City, WSU, EWU, the Mayor’s Office, city council members, key organizations, and community leaders to develop strategic action plans that unified our voices and initiated neighborhood improvements.
They worked together with the City, WSU, EWU, the Mayor's Office, city council members, key organizations, and community leaders to develop strategic action plans that unified our voices and initiated neighborhood improvements.
For example, ESBA presented what “we” needed to reduce growing problems with open alcohol use, alcohol related offenses, and prostitution. This resulted in being declared an Alcohol Impact Area and an area of High Prostitution Activity. Both of these assessments came with increased patrols and resources for officer response, driving down the rates of both.
Anyone can join the association. Dues are paid to and managed by the Spokane Business Association (SBA).
ESBA has an independent board of directors and bank account.
ESBA is the non-profit entity that manages the East Sprague Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA).

East Sprague Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA)

ESBA is the non-profit entity that manages the East Sprague Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) - A property-owner funded district that invests in safety, beautification, and business development within the Sprague Union District.

In 2016, ESBA worked with local property owners to establish the East Sprague PBIA, commonly referred to as the East Sprague Business Improvement District (BID). Creating the district required support from at least 60% of property owners within the proposed assessment area.
A BID is a local funding mechanism that allows business owners within a defined area to establish a special assessment district. Our BID is funded by commercial & vacant property owners within the BID boundaries through an annual assessment prepared by the City of Spokane.
Once established, the BID voted to “rebrand” the district. Using input from the community to create a ballot of options with historical references, property owners, businesses, and residents chose “Sprague Union District” (SUD).
The same process was used to create our district logo, used on our website, social media pages, district flags, and other branded materials.
- spragueuniondistrict.com
- Facebook + Instagram @spragueuniondistrict
East Sprague BIDs areas of focus include:
- Safety & Security
- Neighborhood beautification
- Clean & Green
- Marketing & Branding
Did you know… it is one of only two BID’s in the Spokane region?

Rate Payer Advisory Board

The BID’s day-to-day business is managed by the Rate Payer Advisory Board – Property representatives who guide how PBIA funds are invested (AKA BID Advisory Board).

The board consists of property representatives from within the BID area who meet monthly to provide feedback and recommendations.
Meetings are open to all rate payers (property owners), and district businesses.
They work closely with, and oversee the Sprague Union District Events Planning Committee.

Sprague Union District Events Planning Committee - A volunteer committee that plans district events and business engagement activities; a subcommittee of the BID.

Currently, this committee manages three annual community events:

Spring on the Ave
Autumn on the Ave
Holiday on the Ave

Recently, the committee added business-focused events aimed at helping our district businesses grow and prosper. These include:

Marketing Education Meetings (x3)
Business After Hours Dinner

Special Note: City of Spokane

The City of Spokane serves as a crucial partner in making our initiatives possible. Through its role in:

Approving and supporting the BID structure
Coordinating public services and permitting
Providing staff liaisons and compliance guidance.

The City ensures that our collective efforts are sustainable, legally sound, and in line with Spokane’s long-term urban development strategy.

Together, these groups work together to help improve safety, support local businesses, beautify the corridor, and build a stronger East Sprague community.

Community

DIRECTORY | SUD | EVENTS

Businesses

PBIA | GET LISTED | CITY OF SPOKANE

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Contact Us

509-960-4016

laverne.esba@gmail.com