(The Center Square) – The Spokane City Council laid out its strategic budget priorities on Thursday for the next two years as it attempts to make its way out of a mounting structural deficit.
Next year marks the start of Spokane’s new biennial budget cycle, a format geared toward long-term planning and monitoring of resources over two years rather than one. Council Budget Director Katherine Fairborn walked officials through the process on Thursday.
She said the council’s budget is due next month before rolling out 2025’s projected revenues in October. Then, Mayor Lisa Brown will present her proposed budget in November before making further adjustments for the final budget’s adoption in December.
“In our current deficit situation, with very strong economic headwinds forecasted for 2025 and potentially 2026, the need for clear priorities is crucial,” Fairborn told the council.
Much of Thursday’s conversation revolved around public safety. Most of the council cited a need for neighborhood resources officers and more patrols. Other priorities included promoting a regional approach to homelessness, identifying investments, such as AI, that increase efficiencies, and traffic calming measures to mitigate pedestrian deaths.