Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 9:45 a.m.
— In a vote 6-1, Spokane City Council has adopted a Special Budget Ordinance approving $5 million in appropriations and allocations of the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding to support childcare, housing, public safety, and more. This marks the last of the significant allocations of the $81 million in funding the City received for COVID relief during the pandemic.
“This last significant allocation of American Rescue funding is an investment in our community,” said Council Member Zack Zappone. “From addressing homelessness to improving youth activities and health to cleaning and securing neighborhoods, this allocation of funding invests in every neighborhood across the city.”
Significant items of focus in tonight’s vote include $1.8 million provided solely for property acquisition to reduce the impact of homelessness in the downtown core, an appropriation of $225,000 to finance capital improvements for a northeast childcare facility, and $550,000 to continue essential programs at the Spokane Municipal Court. The allocations include $250,000 to support scholarships and equipment for youth sports and more than $500,000 to support programs to clean up neighborhoods throughout the city. Other significant investments are made toward the East Sprague Business District, alleyway activation, a health center at Shadle High School, improvements to Cannon Hill Pond, a behavioral health vehicle, and other items to continue community stabilization.
“This funding provides a critical boost for programs and services that so many in Spokane rely on daily,” said Council Member Paul Dillon. “We’re creating additional capacity for more treatment options, cleaning downtown, childcare expansion, criminal justice, housing, and more. I am especially grateful for Council Member Jonathan Bingle and Council Member Lili Navarrete, who worked hard to connect projects across all Districts and provide the foundation for the final package that passed.”
“I’m proud of the level of collaboration we achieved as a council and of our allocation to the fire station downtown, childcare capital projects, and scholarships for youth sports,” said Council Member Lili Navarrete. “I want to thank Council Member Bingle for his tireless work and willingness to compromise on this Ordinance; he was essential to the entire process.”
The City Council took the decision to pass the ordinance on an emergency basis, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that city staff have sufficient time to effectively utilize the funds before the end of 2024, thereby maximizing the impact of the American Rescue Plan funding.
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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