The City of Spokane and City Council have announced several big wins from the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session that will directly benefit local residents. Highlights include:
- HB 2416 – Waste-to-Energy Reprieve: Temporary cost-free allowances to help Spokane lower greenhouse gas emissions without raising utility rates.
- $1.15 million in new funding for the Northeast Regional Law Enforcement Academy, adding to last year’s $750,000 for facility upgrades.
- Land Banking legislation allowing Spokane to acquire and prepare land for affordable housing.
- HB 2105 protecting immigrant workers during ICE audits.
- HB 2165 making it illegal to impersonate law enforcement.
- SB 6026 and SB 6027 expanding residential development and affordable housing options.
Additional state funding supports local partners, including $2.05M for Terrain Cultural Hub, $2M for the American Indian Community Center, and $1.545M for Frontier Behavioral Health…