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Mayor Brown Proposes Strategic Investment Plans With ARPA, New Opioid Abatement Funds

Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740

Monday, March 25, 2024 at 9:20 a.m.

Mayor Lisa Brown is proposing two strategic investment plans using American Rescue Plan Act and opioid abatement funds. The two proposals include recommendations that invest in health, human services, and accessibility to create an overall vibrant, clean, and safe community.  

American Rescue Plan Act 

The City of Spokane is preparing to allocate more than $9 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds. Mayor Brown proposes:  

  • $5 million to assist in transitions for Catholic Charities’ House of Charity. 
  • $1 million to ensure Compassionate Addiction Treatment has adequate facilities for providing critical services to meet the community’s needs. 
  • $2.15 million to expand broadband infrastructure to underserved communities.
  • $1 million to support operations and resources for a “Vibrant, Clean, and Safe” initiative. 
  • $350,000 for Municipal Court’s Community Justice Services, which provides pretrial case management and electronic monitoring. 

Opioid Abatement 

The City of Spokane is party to two opioid litigation settlements involving opioid distributors and manufacturers. The City anticipates receiving a total of $13.3 million over 17 years and currently has $2.2 million available. Mayor Brown proposes an initial allocation of:  

  • $500,000 to the expansion of the Spokane Fire Department’s CARES program, including the addition of a social worker, substance use disorder professional, and case manager to increase caseload capacity from 600 to 1,500 cumulative cases.  
  • $500,000 to the creation of a High Utilizer and Complex Care Initiative, including contracting with a community-based provider to coordinate care, provide intensive wrap-around services, and launch case management services for up to 50 opioid use disorder patients.  

“The proposals I have put forward are not just about allocating funds, they are about crafting a vision for a safer and healthier Spokane. By investing strategically in city safety measures and targeted programs to assist those experiencing homelessness or suffering from substance abuse, we are addressing immediate challenges and laying the foundation for a resilient future for our community,” Mayor Brown said.