Mayor Nadine Woodward issued the following statement regarding the legislation updating the state drug possession and use laws:
“We have a drug crisis, and this steps us back toward tougher boundaries and prioritizing public health and safety. We asked other mayors around the state to join us in pushing for a common-sense solution that sets clear expectations by balancing accountability to community safety and compassion for the individual struggling with addiction. We sent a strong message on behalf of everyone who lives, recreates, attends school, or otherwise enjoys our cities and the Legislature responded. The legislation criminalizes possession and use while maintaining local charging control and discretion to leave every opportunity for treatment options before and after conviction. Everyone got something and no one got everything. This is what working together looks like. Spokane took a strong leadership role in setting that example. The local ordinance we pushed for as a community and the City Council adopted looks a lot like what the state Legislature passed.”
