Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 8:36 a.m.
During Monday’s Legislative Session, City Council voted unanimously confirming Lori Kinnear as Council President, taking over the recently vacated seat by former Council President Breean Beggs. Council President Kinnear becomes the first woman to hold the position of Council President for Spokane City Council.
“I began my work in the Council office in 2008 as a legislative assistant,” said Council President Kinnear. “I’ve had the privilege to be a part of the Council office since then. I am honored to serve the Council in this role until the current election for Council President is certified this November.”
“Council Member Kinnear is a great choice to lead the Council,” said Mayor Nadine Woodward. “I have enjoyed a good working relationship with her that is based on an open line of communication. We share the belief that we are all here to serve the community, and I am excited to continue working together.”
The Spokane City Charter City Council Rule 7.1(H) states, “If the Council President position becomes vacant, the City Council may elect to appoint one of the existing Council Members to fill the position of Council President.” Council Member Kinnear is the most senior Council Member following Karen Stratton, who declined consideration for the position of Council President. Council Member Michael Cathcart has accepted the position of Council President Pro Tem, acting in the role in the event of the unavailability of Council President.
“My seasoned experience on the Council paired with the honor of this appointment as Council President Pro Tem is a win for the people and local businesses in Council District 1 Northeast and Downtown Spokane,” said Council Pro Tem Michael Cathcart. “The path ahead represents an exciting new phase for our community, demonstrating vast opportunities for collaboration and progress. I’m incredibly grateful for the support from such a diverse group of fellow Council Members. This is a hard-working group and one I am proud to serve as Pro Tem.
Council Member Kinnear’s confirmation now leaves a vacancy on the City Council for District 2, Position 1. Applications for the vacant position will open on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, and the deadline to submit applications will be 5:00 P.M. on Friday, August 4, 2023. Interested parties can find applications and submission instructions on the City’s webpage beginning July 18. Council intends to interview candidates based on Council Member prioritization of the applicants at their regularly scheduled Study Session on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Council will appoint a new Council Member on Monday, August 28, 2023.
About the Spokane City Council
The City Council is the legislative body of the City of Spokane, which is home to more than 220,000 people and is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest. The City’s 2,000 employees strive to deliver efficient and effective services that facilitate economic opportunity and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens. For more information, visit SpokaneCity.org/CityCouncil/ and follow us @SpokaneCityCouncil on Facebook.
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