Jeff Gunn, Legislative Assistant, jgunn@spokanecity.org
Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 10:06 a.m.
Council Members Betsy Wilkerson and Zack Zappone partnered with Senator Andy Billig, Representative Timm Ormsby, and Representative Marcus Riccelli on securing $1.4 million dollars of funding in the State’s budget for the renovation and expansion of the Spokane Police Academy during this past legislative session.
“Council Member Zappone and I recently toured the Spokane Police Academy and saw how badly it needed to be updated,” said Council Member Betsy Wilkerson “We prioritized advocating for funding during the recent legislative session, and I am glad to see those efforts pay off. This funding will provide necessary additional basic law enforcement classes.”
“After seeing the need to improve and expand the academy, we worked closely with our 3rd Legislative District representatives to ensure funding was acquired,” said Council Member Zappone. “This facility provides training to prospective officers who will serve across the state, which is a necessary investment in the future of Spokane and the rest of Washington.”
While this was a top priority for the City Council and local legislators, the funding was in doubt all session. The work of Council Members Wilkerson and Zappone, Senator Billig, Rep. Ormsby, and Rep. Riccelli ensured it was included in the final budget.
“A key to keeping our community safe is having sufficient peace officers and ensuring they are well trained. This capital budget investment helps us to achieve those goals, and I was glad to advocate for it in the Legislature,” said Senator Andy Billig.
“I am proud to have worked with my fellow legislators on providing this necessary funding. Collaboration was key to achieving this, and I look forward to the continued work happening at the police academy,” said Rep. Marcus Riccelli.
