Downtown Spokane Partnership chief leaves

Mike Edwards is resigning as president of the Downtown Spokane Partnership to accept a similar job in Pittsburgh.

During his six years at the helm of the partnership, Edwards said he was fortunate to be a part of downtown’s turnaround.

He credited an entrepreneurial spirit that bolstered shopping, and in turn the restoration of landmark hotels, the opening of restaurants and entertainment venues, and now the possibility of higher-end downtown housing.

“These are just huge indicators of things going right,” Edwards said.

As he prepares to start his new job May 3, Edwards said his regrets about leaving the Northwest are balanced by what he believes will be a good opportunity for something new and larger, and the invaluable bonus of living closer to family.

With daughters ages eight and 11, Edwards said he and his wife, Mary, were excited about living near grandparents and cousins.

Pittsburgh’s downtown is a success story.

After the loss of approximately 120,000 steel jobs, the area has added 140,000 jobs in education and health care.

“It had to change, much like Spokane,” he said.

The Spokane partnership will evaluate local applicants and may do a national search.

The partnership is a private, nonprofit organization that advocates downtown progress. It’s funded by membership dues, grants and a special assessment paid by downtown business and property owners.