Spokane Municipal Code

Title 04 Administrative Agencies and Procedures

Chapter 04.27 Neighborhood Council Program

1. In order to foster communication between the citizens of Spokane and all facets of City government, neighborhood councils may be formed or existing associations may be recognized by the city council when they meet the minimum standards for recognition. Neighborhoods who wish to form themselves into councils are encouraged to do so and may be assisted in the process by the City’s department of neighborhood services and code enforcement and the community assembly. A neighborhood council must meet and continue to maintain conformity with the following minimum standards:

   1. Clear geographic boundaries.

   2. Adherence to established bylaws that ensure democratic deliberative and voting procedures.

   3. Periodic meetings.

   4. Compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

   5. Copy of the bylaws and all amendments filed with the neighborhood committee of the city council and the department of neighborhood services and code enforcement.

   6. Membership consisting of persons who are sixteen years of age or older and reside, own property or operate a business within the neighborhood council boundaries.
       
2. Initial boundaries remain fixed for one year. After a year a neighborhood council may propose an amendment to its boundaries to the community assembly for its review and recommendations.
    
3. The geographic boundaries of a neighborhood council may extend to areas beyond the City limits but only members who reside, own property or operate a business within those portions of the neighborhood council as are within the City may participate in official decisions of the neighborhood council.
    
4. Each neighborhood council designates at least two individuals to receive written documentation and other information from the City’s department of neighborhood services and code enforcement and to be responsible for disseminating this information to their respective neighborhood councils.
    
5. Only neighborhood council members meeting the requirements of subsection (C) of this section shall serve as an officer of a neighborhood council, unless the position is expressly precluded from participating in or having decision-making authority in the bylaws of the neighborhood council.
    
6. Only neighborhood council members meeting the requirements in subsection (C) of this section shall be eligible to serve as a representative or delegate to the community assembly for a neighborhood council.

Date Passed: Monday, November 26, 2007

Effective Date: Tuesday, January 1, 2008

ORD C34139 Section 4