Budget focuses on human services, public safety
Ben Stuckart, City Council President, 509.625.6258, bstuckart@spokanecity.org
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 3 p.m.
On Monday, Nov. 23, the Spokane City Council adopted the City of Spokane’s 2016 Budget on a vote of five to one.
The 2016 Budget is a result of several months of discussions between the Council and Mayor Condon.
“This is one of the smoothest budget processes we have had in years,” said Council President Ben Stuckart. “I think it is a testament to the City’s Budget Director Tim Dunivant and the Council’s Budget Analyst Debra Robole. The Council and Administration are in agreement on the budget priorities of the City and I am excited about 2016.”
The 2016 Budget includes new funding for the Community, Housing, and Human Services Department (CHHS) to focus on homeless outreach.
“We heard from staff and non-profit partners that a missing piece of homeless services was direct outreach on the street,” said Councilman Jon Snyder, who advocated for the CHHS funds. “This funding will help us reach those who are challenging to find and help get them housed.”
Other council members also voiced their support of the budget.
“Extra planning support, using efficient smart growth initiatives in our neighborhoods, is key to putting our 20 year citizen comprehensive plan into action” said Councilmember Candace Mumm. “It will help us grow faster and smarter, making most of the City’s infrastructure and services at a lower cost per resident.”
Councilmember Amber Waldref added, “The additional planners, along with targeted investment in our neighborhood business centers, will help build capacity for long-term economic growth.”
Other items in the 2016 Budget include new investments for the Municipal Court, Spokane Regional Law and Justice Council, and planning dollars for the newly established Audubon-Downriver Neighborhood.
