Erin Hut, Communications Director, ehut@spokanecity.org
Monday, July 28, 2025 at 9:05 a.m.
A new proposal put forward by Mayor Lisa Brown would streamline the siting process for daycare and childcare facilities, creating more opportunities and helping expand access to meet the growing demand for childcare in Spokane.
Currently, the City of Spokane requires a costly conditional use permit process for those seeking to open childcare centers in some residential zones. Mayor Brown’s proposal would remove this barrier and allow childcare centers outright in all residential and commercial zones across the city.
This legislation would implement Senate Bill 5509 early in the hopes of removing one more barrier to expanding childcare access locally.
“Access to affordable childcare is essential for working families. This proposal is about removing roadblocks and supporting those who want to be a part of the solution,” Mayor Brown said.
“This ordinance is a critical step toward building a childcare infrastructure that supports Spokane’s families, workforce, and economy. By removing zoning barriers, the City is making it easier for providers to meet the urgent and growing need for care in every neighborhood,” said Colleen Condon, CEO of Lilac City Early Learning Center.
"My family, like too many families in Spokane, have struggled with finding affordable childcare. Thank you to Mayor Brown for proposing another tool to make childcare more accessible and allow more families to work, which supports and grows our local economy,” said Councilmember Zack Zappone.
“As the father of a two-year-old, it was a significant and stressful challenge to find childcare in Spokane with long wait lists or locations too far from home, an experience many working families navigate,” said Councilmember Paul Dillon. “I am thankful for Mayor Brown’s leadership to move forward on this policy as we collaborate on our commitment to accessible childcare.”
This proposal, sponsored by Councilmembers Zappone and Dillon, will be introduced to the City Council at the Monday, July 28 Finance Committee meeting.
