Building Today for a Brighter Future.

A community-driven future starts here on 5th Avenue.

Spotlight on 5th Avenue Forward

5th Avenue Forward is a grassroots vision for revitalizing East Central Spokane through investment without displacement, honoring its past while shaping a thriving, inclusive future. Led by community members and anchored by the Carl Maxey Center, this effort centers equity, culture, and long-term stewardship.

Revitalization without Gentrification

5th Avenue has long served as the heart of Spokane’s Black community and a home to many other diverse cultures. The 5th Ave Forward initiative aims to invest in the neighborhood without pushing people out — preserving affordable housing, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that development reflects the needs and leadership of current residents.

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This work depends on community power. Join our movement — attend a meeting, volunteer for a work group, or help shape what 5th Avenue becomes. We believe in inclusive leadership and radical transparency, and we want YOU at the table.

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Current Progress & 5th Avenue Events

The 5th Avenue Forward journey began in 2016 with neighborhood conversations calling for change. By 2021, the City of Spokane had formally adopted the 5th Avenue Initiative as a recognized community strategy. Since then, this movement has grown into a sustained effort led by residents, local organizations, and the Carl Maxey Center through the Housing & Economic Opportunities (CMC HEO) Steering Committee. The initiative is now titled “5th Ave Forward” to encompass the full vision and scope of work.

From BBQs to public mapping, panel discussions to legislative wins, each step has been shaped by those who live and work along 5th Avenue. Community input and action guides this process, rather than top-down planning.

The project History

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The project History •

    • EWU students and residents collaborated on maps and demographic data to envision land use and investment.

    • Testimonies led by Sandy Williams and others helped pass SB 5853, RCW 47.12.120, enabling WSDOT land to be used for community redevelopment.

    • The BIPOC Housing Subcommittee was established to advance community ownership, equity, and vision.

    • There was a renewed focus on the 5th Avenue Strategic priorities which were formalized to preserve affordability, improve safety, and promote local economic growth.

  • On September 4, 2022, Spokane lost a transformative leader when Sandy Williams and her partner, Patricia Hicks, perished in a floatplane crash near Whidbey Island. Sandy was the founder of The Black Lens newspaper and the Carl Maxey Center, and a tireless advocate for racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and community empowerment. Her passing was mourned deeply across the state, with tributes highlighting her role as a "voice for the voiceless" and a "community godmother." In her honor, the Carl Maxey Center established the Sandy Williams Justice Center, offering free legal clinics, and a $60,000 endowment fund was created to continue her mission of justice and empowerment.

    • Workshops like the Black Homeownership Forum built financial literacy and housing access.

    • Community BBQs and storytelling events kept the momentum people-powered.

    • CMC HEO, now 5th Ave Forward, launched weekly Core Team strategy sessions and bi-weekly Steering Committee meetings with WSDOT, Spokane City Planning, legislators and other notable departments, organizations and residents.

    • Held the first Rebuild East Central: Black Development Meeting, advancing ownership models and local development.

    • The Smart Growth America-funded Community Connectors Program initiative kicked off in fall 2023.

    • Finalized revitalization maps, outreach lists, and a comprehensive community engagement report prioritizing safety, land trusts, and anti-displacement policies.

    • Jillisa Winkler appointed as Executive Director of the Carl Maxey Center to lead the next phase of implementation.

It’s a living, breathing movement for justice and renewal. From block parties to policy, from youth visioning to construction plans, 5th Ave Forward is building the future together.

THis is more than a project

Recent deliverables include

  • Establish a 5th Avenue coalition to organize and coordinate strategic efforts, identify funding and partnerships, and advocate for the community.

  • Build awareness of how to participate in City and other public processes, neighborhood council meetings, and connect with fellow community members.

  • Explore a solution for an enhanced pedestrian connection between 5th Avenue and the Perry District.

  • Expand culturally relevant training with community organizations and local realtors to offer homeownership, equity, and finance courses for residents to pursue and maintain homeownership if desired.

  • Request installation of electrical power and more lighting at Underhill Park for safety and events. Expand amenities at both Liberty Park and Underhill Park, including art and interactive play equipment. Explore designating an area dog park.