Erik Poulsen, Intergovernmental Affairs, No Phone Number Available
Friday, December 12, 2025 at 1:07 p.m.
Exciting times are coming as the Washington Legislature session gets closer. The Spokane City Council has developed a forward-looking 2026 State Legislative Agenda that highlights our community’s crucial needs. This agenda isn’t just a list of priorities; it’s a strategic plan guiding us toward a better future. We’re working on improving environmental sustainability, increasing public safety, and broadening housing opportunities for everyone. Join me as we explore the key priorities that will shape and elevate Spokane during this important legislative session. Together, we can create a lasting impact!
The City of Spokane’s Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility is the only solid waste disposal system in Washington subject to the state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which limits the amount of greenhouse gases an entity can emit, or else face costly penalties.
These penalties will cost Spokane residents an estimated $8 million per year through higher rates, beginning in 2027.
WTE produces fewer greenhouse gasses than landfills, which were granted an exemption from the CCA. To correct this inequity, reduce costly CCA penalties and protect jobs, the City seeks more time and state support to implement technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon capture and improved reuse, recycle, diversion, and reduction systems.
The City of Spokane supports expanding Washington’s sales tax deferral program for conversion of surface parking lots to affordable housing. By also allowing the deferral for partially used, underutilized and underdeveloped properties, more workforce housing would be built in Spokane and throughout the state.
The City of Spokane seeks authority for cities to exempt buildings and improvements from local property taxes. This reform would:
A building exemption shifts the tax burden from structures to land value, thereby boosting housing supply, revitalizing neighborhoods, and enhancing public safety.
The City of Spokane seeks new investments and funding tools to meet the needs for affordable housing across the housing continuum, including construction and preservation of affordable housing, home ownership, and senior housing, as well as support for tools such as local option real estate excise tax, short-term rental taxes, and expanded use of lodging taxes for housing.
The City also supports:
Vehicles over 6,000 pounds are exempt from paying Transportation Benefit District tab fees used for street maintenance projects and pedestrian improvements. These heavier vehicles cause significantly more wear on roadways compared to lighter vehicles. Raising the TBD weight threshold will help Spokane and other cities improve our streets and sidewalks while ensuring that heavier vehicles pay their fair share.
The City of Spokane seeks authorization to enact a sidewalk fee to help create people friendly streets that prioritize health, safety and accessibility for all. The fee can fund missing sidewalks, critical repairs, and ongoing maintenance which are currently property owners’ responsibility.
Metal-studded tires cause significant damage to local roadways while providing marginal benefits in a narrow range of environmental conditions. To improve road safety and reduce the escalating cost of street repair, the City of Spokane supports the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s proposal for a statewide ban of metal-studded tires with a two-year phaseout.
The City of Spokane supports legislation authorizing the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute local law enforcement and corrections agencies for violations of the State Constitution and state laws – including the Keep Washington Working Act, which helps protect immigrant rights and provides guidance to local law enforcement in collaborating with federal immigration enforcement after City Council unanimously banned these devices.
Spokane Police Department has been working with the state Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) to combat digital-currency fraud including new regulations on digital kiosks (ATMs). The City supports DFI-request legislation from last session that imposes daily transaction limits and caps fees charged by operators.
The City of Spokane supports reinstating and expanding authority for Tourism Promotion Areas (TPAs) to impose local lodging charges that generate revenue for marketing, special events and other tourism-related activities. These TPA charges are due to expire in 2027.
Addressing these crucial issues will enhance the quality of life for all residents and establish Spokane as a leader in innovative, sustainable urban growth. By participating actively in the legislative process and building strong partnerships, we can transform these priorities into real achievements, creating a brighter, more vibrant future for everyone in Spokane. Let’s work together to make it happen.
In Spokane
We All Belong
