At the Spokane County Board Briefing Meeting on February 18, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding two proposed bills that could drastically impact local government planning. County lobbyist Mike Burgess highlighted House Bills 1135 and 5197, which are aimed at local government planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA). Both bills, while not officially companion bills, share similar objectives but have been flagged as problematic for the county.

Scott, a planning expert, elaborated on the issues these bills present, particularly regarding the treatment of nonconforming uses in zoning laws. He explained that the proposed legislation could penalize local governments for attempting to rectify nonconforming uses, effectively discouraging them from making necessary corrections. This could lead to a situation where cities and counties avoid addressing zoning issues altogether, leaving them in a state of noncompliance.

Commissioner Jordan expressed concern over the bills' broad implications and suggested that the best course of action might be to work towards either amending or outright defeating them. The consensus among the commissioners was clear: they need to communicate these concerns to their legislative delegation and advocate for a more reasonable approach that respects existing planning traditions.

In addition to the planning bills, the meeting also covered other legislative matters, including support for House Bill 1969, which aims to establish a grant program for law enforcement aviation support, and House Bill 5703, which seeks to provide exemptions for the waste-to-energy facility from the Climate Commitment Act's penalties. The latter is crucial for the economic viability of Spokane's waste-to-energy plant, which faces potential closure without legislative relief.

Lastly, the board discussed House Bill 1813, focused on improving crisis services in the region's behavioral health system. This bill aims to streamline funding and enhance service delivery, addressing long-standing issues in the integration of behavioral health services.

The Spokane County commissioners are poised to take action on these legislative matters, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and advocacy to protect local interests and ensure effective governance.