During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions centered around the approval of various agenda items, including a controversial ordinance related to opioid response funding. The council voted on multiple items, with specific requests to separate items 4, 5, and 6c from the consent agenda for further discussion.

The council proceeded with a voice vote on the remaining items, which passed without opposition. However, the focus shifted to ordinance C36603, which proposes an increase of $124,350 to the opioid response fund. This funding is earmarked for contractual services aimed at enhancing street outreach and navigation services, in collaboration with the city’s homeless outreach team.

Public commentary was invited, and resident Will Hewings expressed strong opposition to the ordinance. He criticized the allocation of funds, suggesting that the money was being funneled to organizations like Empire Health without visible results in the community. Hewings highlighted his concerns about the effectiveness of these services, questioning their presence and impact in downtown Spokane, particularly in areas he frequents.

The council's decision to increase funding for opioid response services reflects ongoing efforts to address homelessness and substance abuse in the city, but it also raises questions about accountability and the effectiveness of the organizations receiving these funds. The meeting concluded without further public comments, leaving the council to consider the implications of the funding increase as they move forward.