Erin Hut, Communications Director, ehut@spokanecity.org
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 9:03 a.m.
Mayor Lisa Brown and members of the Spokane City Council have outlined their 2025-2026 federal priorities in a resolution that was introduced at the Finance Committee this week.
Those priorities include sustained funding for key projects and programs within four key areas: protecting civil rights and programs essential to the most vulnerable, improving public safety and access to care, growing the regional economy and strengthening the local workforce, and investing in critical infrastructure.
Protecting Civil Rights and Programs Essential to the Most Vulnerable
The City of Spokane continues to advocate for key safety net programs that are essential to the health and well-being of low-income seniors and families, including:
Improving Public Safety and Access to Care
Among the City of Spokane’s public safety priorities is the pursual of federal funding to expand alternative response teams (SMART) that co-deploy mental health clinicians with Spokane Police and Spokane Fire personnel. Funding would be used to expand these teams to provide 24/7 coverage.
The City of Spokane also supports the repeal or modification of Medicaid’s Institutions of Mental Disease exclusion, which contributes to the overuse of local emergency departments for mental health and substance use disorders. In the proposed resolution, City leaders also voice support for the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act, which would provide local law enforcement access to critical funding and technology necessary to address opioid trafficking on transportation networks.
Growing the Regional Economy and Strengthening the Local Workforce
In May, the Trump Administration rescinded $48 million in promised funding for the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center. Mayor Brown and members of the City Council are urging federal lawmakers to reinstate that funding, which will in turn create local jobs and strengthen the local economy.
The resolution also acknowledges support for local partners and their requests, including the Northeast Public Development Authority’s funding request to create a childcare center for children of workers with nontraditional hours and efforts by Fairchild Air Force Base to expand on-base housing and workforce initiatives that serve military spouses and families.
Investing in Critical Infrastructure
Among the City of Spokane’s infrastructure priorities are funding requests for the Latah Bridge Rehabilitation Project and PFAS mitigation.
Mayor Brown and members of the City Council are also calling for the restoration of the Community Change Grant, $19.9 million that was awarded to the City of Spokane and Gonzaga University but was rescinded by the Trump Administration. This funding would go directly to the installation of high-efficiency HVAC and air filtration systems in 300 low-income homes, the development of five Community Resilience Hubs to serve as safe spaces during extreme weather, grants for local non-profits and faith organizations, as well as job training programs in clean energy and energy efficiency.
"Local governments are on the front lines of delivering public safety, maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring our residents have access to the essential services they need, but we cannot do it alone,” Mayor Brown said. “Federal investment is critical to our success. That is why we are asking our partners in D.C. to reinstate funding that was unnecessarily stripped from us and take steps to protect those living in Spokane.”
“This federal legislative agenda demonstrates our commitment to working people and reflects the realities of what we must advocate for in a time of uncertainty,” said Councilmember Paul Dillon. “These priorities foster environmental sustainability, enhance public safety, and seek to protect housing and health care opportunities for Spokane.”
"These priorities are our community's priorities. From advocating for Medicaid funding to urging Congress to pass legislation cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, this resolution shows our commitment to addressing the challenges our constituents face and ensuring that our federal partners know how they can help advocate for Spokane,” said Councilmember Zack Zappone.
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