Erik Poulsen, Intergovernmental Affairs, No Phone Number Available
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 11:43 a.m.
As we look ahead to the upcoming session of the Washington Legislature, Spokane City Council has crafted and adopted by resolution a robust 2025 State Legislative Agenda that zeroes in on the pressing needs of our community. This agenda is more than just a list of priorities; it’s a strategic blueprint aimed at fostering environmental sustainability, enhancing public safety, and expanding housing opportunities for all residents. Let’s delve into the key priorities that will shape Spokane’s future this legislative session.
Spokane is currently the only city in Washington facing financial repercussions under the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) concerning our solid waste disposal system. With projected penalties amounting to $8 million annually by 2027, we must take action now. By advocating for the extension of landfill exemptions to waste-to-energy systems – proven through recent studies to generate fewer greenhouse gases than landfills – we can protect our environment and save residents from punitive costs, promoting equity in waste management.
Keeping Spokane residents safe is job one for the City. That’s why correcting the inequity over how 911 dispatch services are funded is so important. Spokane residents pay a tax on their phone bills for emergency communications that is collected by Spokane County, then distributed to Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) for fire dispatch services. However, none of these funds go toward police dispatch services operated by the City of Spokane. Passing House Bill 1258 will ensure taxpayer fairness and fortify Spokane’s police and fire departments’ ability to respond quickly and effectively when it matters most.
To create a sustainable future, Spokane seeks an extension of the comprehensive plan review deadline under the Growth Management Act. Moving this deadline from June 30, 2026, to December 31, 2026, will afford us the time necessary to incorporate vital climate and housing data, ensuring that our planning processes benefit from thorough public input and legislative scrutiny.
Spokane has the opportunity to lead with progressive taxation by piloting a local land value tax (LVT). Such a tax would stimulate the development of vacant properties, deter land speculation, and create a fairer tax structure that rewards property owners for investment rather than penalizes them for improvements. This proven approach has revitalized communities in states like Pennsylvania and can significantly improve our urban landscape.
Our Capital Budget requests are designed to fiscally empower our community:
These investments reflect our commitment to improving local infrastructure and strengthening the services that define our community.
In addition to our primary goals, we are prepared to tackle other significant issues that impact our residents, including:
The legislative priorities for Spokane in 2025 are not just a roadmap; they are a powerful call to action for community improvement. Addressing these crucial issues will elevate the quality of life for our residents and position Spokane as a leader in innovative, sustainable urban development. By vigorously engaging in the legislative arena and forging strong partnerships, we can turn these priorities into reality and ensure a brighter future for all of Spokane.
