Welcome to CIVICS, where we break down the week’s municipal meetings throughout the Inland Northwest, so you can get involved and speak out about the issues you care about.
Some things that stick out to us this week include:
- The BOCC will review a resolution that would establish a zoning schedule for data centers in the county, one of the most controversial conversations at the county level this year. It will also formally consider a moratorium on data centers.
- The Spokane City Council, back from vacation, is looking to move quickly on wildfire relief, including approving the Mayor’s emergency declaration and taking next steps on ordinances to accept state grant funding, reduce demolition fees and pay contracts that gave wildfire survivors free meals while they sheltered at the convention center.
- At the Urban Experience Committee, the Spokane City Council members will discuss contracts for $500,000 worth of culturally responsive treatment services for folks dealing with opioid addiction, and a separate ordinance that could breathe new life into vacant commercial spaces.
- The Spokane Public Library Board of Trustees will discuss their 2027 budget, amid uncertainties related to the current projected gap, which board members warn could lead to drastic service cuts.
Spokane City Council Agenda Review
Up for a vote in two weeks:
- An ordinance to extend the interim zoning ordinance that temporarily removed height limits on new buildings downtown
- An ordinance to allow existing funds to be used to expand access to cooling, heating, and weatherization services to individuals who meet the criteria established by the HEART Fund
- An ordinance that would get rid of a city requirement for charitable organizations to get a free “charitable solicitation” license. Because this duplicates state requirements, Spokane could cut this requirement at the city level.
Up for a vote next week:
- an emergency contract with Blessings and Beyond for providing three meals a day for up to 450 residents sheltering at the convention center after the Spokane Complex Fire. The time outlined in the contract has already passed, as service was from August 3 through August 10. The contract was not to exceed $90,562.50 — a daily rate of up to $12,937.50 — and council will be updated soon on the actual costs
- an emergency ordinance to reduce the demolition fees for structures damaged by the Spokane Complex Fire to just $28.50, with no processing or technology fees added
- a contract with the Washington State Department of Commerce, who will be granting Spokane households rapid financial support through the Wildfire Housing Assistance Fund
AND: a bunch of contracts for legal fees to fight ongoing lawsuits, including:
- an additional $100,000 to fight a lawsuit from the ACLU-WA and Jewels Helping Hands alleging the city violates the constitutional rights of unhoused people, bringing the total costs to $250,000
- an additional $25,000 to fight a lawsuit from the former owner of the Wall Street Apartments, who alleges the city violated his rights by issuing a do not occupy order related to poor conditions. This would bring the total costs to $75,000.
- an additional $100,000 to fight a federal lawsuit from the estate of Kerry Jones-Hilburg, who was shot and killed by the Spokane Police Department inside of a local Walmart in 2023. This would bring the total costs to $150,000
If you want to provide public comment on any of these items, you can do so at the city council meeting on Wednesday!
Agenda here…