Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, kdavis@spokanecity.org
Monday, November 3, 2025 at 4:19 p.m.
Mayor Lisa Brown on Monday introduced her mid-biennium budget modification proposal, addressing the projected $13 million deficit while maintaining the community’s top priorities and positioning the City of Spokane on a path to long-term fiscal health.
A slowing national economy, weakened consumer confidence, and sales tax not keeping pace with historical trends have created additional budget challenges after the City of Spokane closed a $25 million deficit in 2024. Federal contract uncertainty, constraints from collective bargaining contracts, inflation, and rising jail costs have also combined to present the current $13 million deficit.
The mayor’s proposal includes a series of measures aimed at strengthening the City of Spokane’s financial foundation. This includes continuing to prioritize public safety infrastructure and staff and restructuring debt.
While the proposal minimizes the impact on residents and essential services, the City recognizes the tough reality that closing the deficit will require reducing personnel costs, which make up roughly 90 percent of the City’s General Fund budget. Layoffs will be unavoidable, though one-third of the affected positions are currently vacant.
“This budget modification proposal represents a disciplined and transparent approach to stabilizing the City of Spokane’s finances. These are difficult decisions, but they are necessary to ensure our city remains strong, not just for the year ahead, but for the long-term,” Mayor Brown said.
A copy of the mayor’s budget proposal can be found online.
In Spokane
We All Belong
