[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6273266,"mediaKeyId","3003987-f72402931f41fa665c0caad35cb36702","parentId",3003987,"title","Council hears wide testimony and advances resolution opposing proposed Medicaid cuts","audioSeconds",1496,"startMs",3749000,"endMs",5245000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3003987-f72402931f41fa665c0caad35cb36702&start=3749&end=5245","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3003987-f72402931f41fa665c0caad35cb36702/thumbnail_3749000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6273266/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Council-hears-wide-testimony-and-advances-resolution-opposing-proposed-Medicaid-cuts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273266-8fea26fad5ccf7f7d65e450e609c5f83/orig.mp4?Expires=1773323547&Signature=UB6epolUOFru1yC0rPW3Ftn6viRW4jdVeLnYE5KbYNTji-3J0gYK~YwNkb9s3lPjropZyEaWTRDeBlJb6bVjH2QTpk4SohENfZV-tBVowVWTcmuzgfJEd2H8fIVLc2WbHSyiaTQtEHCnxp-fNhx4vWPcQAa3bYCKfea0HFF1EAxD6ogKZNdTj9tjg9qv4r3AR5-Ed7AZhYZ4eGFXepPIFewXkSE8hFjBgLRB31rKueHG~S7bzHpM1qQ2aVuq3fLdkWhvXay7yDRrzWgAXDMXQl6qCDui0Btqs10bN2u7f7rYclqP5YZRxU1hxinBfCLA-cyQwDAetl6QZfrRDyRFyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Spokane City, WA","date","2025-04-16T06:46:53.37Z","article","The Spokane City Council considered a resolution expressing opposition to proposed federal or state cuts to Medicaid (referred to in the meeting as \"Apple Health\" in Washington). The item drew lengthy public comment from health‑care executives, frontline caregivers, union representatives and community advocates.

Alex Jackson, senior vice president and chief executive of MultiCare in the Inland Northwest, told the council that Medicaid is a crucial payer for the region and said cuts would be catastrophic for hospitals and patients. \"While we understand the need of the state and federal governments to lean their budgets, doing so on the backs of some of the most vulnerable Washingtonians is extremely concerning,\" Jackson said, noting the hospital system's recent operating losses.

Several speakers described how Medicaid supports long‑term care, in‑home caregivers and hospital staffing. Susie Young, a home‑care worker, said Medicaid is \"the foundation of long term care\" and warned that reduced hours for in‑home care would force caregivers to rush essential tasks. Jen Williams, a registered nurse at MultiCare Valley Hospital, said staffing and patient needs have grown more complex and warned that reductions could force hospitals to cut staffing or services.

Representatives of regional organizations also testified. Tessa (representing Better Health Together) said Medicaid enrollment efforts in Eastern Washington enrolled tens of thousands last year and that approximately 25% of Spokane residents rely on Medicaid. Shantel Jackson of the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane described personal experience with the program and urged passage. Several speakers — including providers and union representatives — told the council Medicaid cuts would ripple through homelessness services, mental‑health and substance‑use treatment, school health clinics and long‑term care.

Council discussion thanked speakers and emphasized Spokane's role as a regional health hub. Council member Dhillon said copies of the resolution will be sent to the governor and to state and federal representatives; several other council members urged vigilance and said they supported opposing cuts.

The resolution was advanced by the council for adoption; staff and council members discussed a small verbal amendment introduced earlier in the meeting to clarify language. The transcript shows robust support from council members and a plan to send the adopted resolution to state and federal elected officials and the governor's office for consideration.

Why it matters: Medicaid (Apple Health) is a major payer for hospitals, long‑term care, and behavioral health services in Spokane. Local health systems and providers warned that cuts would force reductions in services, staffing and access to care for vulnerable populations.

What happens next: The council's resolution will be forwarded to the governor and members of Washington's congressional delegation and state legislature; staff indicated the city will track and communicate further state or federal actions that could affect local services.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 14th, 2025 Spokane City Council Legislative Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council took up a resolution opposing proposed state and federal Medicaid cuts after extensive public testimony from hospitals, caregivers, union representatives and advocacy groups; council members said the city will send the adopted resolution to state and federal officials.","taxTitle","Spokane, Spokane County, Washington","taxId",2644,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6273270,"Council approves first readings to vacate two alleys for Chick‑fil‑A site and mixed‑income housing",941,1399000,2340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3003987-f72402931f41fa665c0caad35cb36702&start=1399&end=2340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3003987-f72402931f41fa665c0caad35cb36702/thumbnail_1399000.jpg","/articles/6273270/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Council-approves-first-readings-to-vacate-two-alleys-for-ChickfilA-site-and-mixedincome-housing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273270-9ccf9097d95864baf2bc51be55c88d78/orig.mp4?Expires=1773323547&Signature=bwYvTUfKEgH6KeZPUJlkgrWJ~sgz~ZzbvJe0mPuyDGFGsUz5bX5sbaRsKgOY1J2pvr0e900fllx6zcshbU3ER81XrvSo9fMEdi0MlO4Yuw5ig9tfTtE-xOk1z7ZVPgLtW97p0BrzpY2o8ZMQP9d9Z-iDDlWUvT8VDDgjYBTooE9Ja-MaoyhgrBJ2KZjaxvKkE-2tHNGf9wDmBNlo9i750E9YNwrKBUXlzbRW1TmQETLKXflOhiSToIeXO9J7EibS28k9i14QTG~ycYvFxaepwsQqNXVnTwS0ytCX3T0R4Q-duUUXp7vy3dG1w5UXreuQMgZpFmZodQGysIV6BP7gVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Spokane City Council approved first-reading actions to vacate two public right‑of‑way segments to accommodate private development: a parcel for a proposed Chick‑fil‑A restaurant and a larger vacation requested by Excelsior Wellness to build a 45‑unit mixed‑income housing project.

Eldon Brown, city planning/street staff, summarized the Chick‑fil‑A request (H‑1): the applicant is seeking vacation of the west 150 feet of an alley between Mission and Sinto from Ruby to Pearl to accommodate a double‑lane drive‑through with access off Mission and Sinto. Brown said an aging sanitary sewer — a clay tile line installed circa 1909 — runs in the alley; the city will require either replacement or a cured‑in‑place relining of the west 50 feet of the sewer before final vacation.

Brown said utilities including Lumen/CenturyLink, Zayo, Vista and the city would need easements retained over the vacated area; the applicant would pay $44,240 for the vacated land. The city also said it would not encourage new driveway access onto Ruby because of the state's bus rapid transit project along that corridor.

On the Grace Avenue vacation (H‑2), Brown said Excelsior Wellness needs the right‑of‑way to build a 45‑unit mixed‑income development; without the vacation the site could accommodate only about 24 units. He said two water mains run in Grace Avenue (a transmission main and a ductile‑iron main) and would need protected easements, and that Vista has electrical facilities that must be relocated or placed under easement. The proponent would pay $125,328.89 for the land being vacated. Brown said the city is requiring a pedestrian/bicycle connection to a nearby park as a condition; the final location of that easement will be negotiated as the final site plan is completed.

Public comments were mixed. Justin Haller, a resident of District 1, said he opposed the Chick‑fil‑A vacation only because of concerns about traffic impacts at that location and the planned closure of one traffic lane for the state's bus rapid transit project. Another District 1 resident voiced support for the Chick‑fil‑A proposal and said traffic impacts usually subside after a new restaurant opens.

Council members moved to close the hearings and then approved both vacations on first reading, subject to the conditions outlined by staff: retaining or relocating utilities with easements, completing required sewer repairs or relining for the Chick‑fil‑A site, maintaining access or relocation agreements for a billboard at Ruby Street, and securing pedestrian/bicycle access and stormwater controls for the Grace Avenue site. The council recorded a voice vote in favor of approval on first reading.

Why it matters: The two vacations clear regulatory hurdles for private development projects — a national quick‑service restaurant with drive‑through lanes and a mid‑scale mixed‑income housing project. Both votes were conditional: the city requires utility protections, stormwater isolation, and final site‑plan review before final ordinances and full vacation can be completed.

Next steps: Both items will return for final reading after the applicants meet the stated conditions, resolve utility easements and complete any required relocations or repairs.","Council approved first readings, subject to conditions, for two street vacations: a Chick‑fil‑A proposal to vacate part of an alley for a drive‑through and a 45‑unit mixed‑income housing project that requires vacating Grace Avenue; both approvals include conditions to protect utilities and stormwater.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6273274,"Council to ask voters whether Spokane should rejoin county aquifer protection area",365,354000,719000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3003987-f72402931f41fa665c0caad35cb36702&start=354&end=719","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3003987-f72402931f41fa665c0caad35cb36702/thumbnail_354000.jpg","/articles/6273274/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Council-to-ask-voters-whether-Spokane-should-rejoin-county-aquifer-protection-area","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273274-ccaa168ca63ef1de89a864643fef77cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1773323547&Signature=G-oq1jRvbWyK4temq71i--tsQa70Ya4enGlG-ayPbkx4tfL2DClCOtFm8D61JikZx~HysmxFz8PvzDAxqg03Vo8g2Sn2or5k0VWEBK6F0U8YFqSYct6WQY5qpr4xGeb~fpUENuZDz~Yk-fufspxxiJqP94jSZ7a5WCClzmFNLrXI3t8DlddXaJ0IT35qqpQO03lV~1f1Ddss1kHhFLCxsJcnaZbz8hM~lTtNgWUQ3F9m3XHGWBkDgw8j-lykuv0eSSS1Cs8Y2kyLmGulPjpSGNsocdO32N6ePtlyB0kxY-fKmy-X6XBfCGcyVjn7Xfq4ctjUmq-WaupcXLKOlFxhYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City leaders discussed a resolution to refer to voters a proposal for Spokane to rejoin the Spokane County Aquifer Protection Area, a county-administered program that charges parcel fees to fund aquifer monitoring, education and pollution-control projects.

Marlene Feist, city staff working on water issues, told the council \"we have an opportunity this year to join the county's aquifer protection area\" and said the current county authorization expires at the end of the year. She described how the program can charge fees per parcel and use revenues for education, planning, stormwater and wastewater projects and monitoring.

The measure would collect roughly $15 a year from most residential parcels connected to municipal sewer and drinking water service; Feist said the city would expect about $1,800,000 in annual revenue if Spokane joins. She told the council the county program has a 40‑year history and that the city was part of the original aquifer protection area but declined to participate when it was renewed in 2004. \"These fees can pay for certain things like education around our aquifer and water source, preparation for, planning and project planning, construction of facilities, to protect the aquifer like for stormwater management, wastewater management, and for monitoring,\" Feist said.

Public commenters included residents and local water advocates. Catherine Thompson, speaking for Spokane Riverkeeper, said the aquifer and the Spokane River are connected and urged the council to give voters the chance to support continued regional protection: \"By joining the APA, Spokane can take part in a regional strategy to safeguard the system from pollution and overuse. This APA can help prevent pollution, upgrade critical infrastructure, and support water conservation programs and public education,\" Thompson said.

Resident Larry Andrews questioned some technical points and emphasized that Spokane has abundant water, but he also said deeper wells might be needed in future. Another resident, Sherry Barnett, expressed concern about adding new layers of regulation and potential future taxes but said she trusted existing testing.

Council members who spoke said they would support placing the measure before voters. Council member Bingle called water \"the single greatest resource we should be protecting\" and said she favored asking voters directly. Council member McKechnart said he would ask for an annual report on how APA funds are spent so the public can see outcomes.

Council discussion also noted that, if voters approve, the city would need to adopt an interlocal agreement with Spokane County and that the county commission would place the measure on ballots for jurisdictions that join.

The council moved forward with placing the issue before voters; final implementation steps — including the interlocal agreement and the exact ballot language — were described as administrative steps that staff would complete after voter approval.

Why it matters: The Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie aquifer is the region's primary drinking-water source. Supporters said regional funding helps long-term pollutant monitoring and local infrastructure projects that protect drinking water; some residents urged caution about new fees and powers.

What happens next: If the council-approved measure appears on the ballot and voters approve joining the county program, the city will negotiate an interlocal agreement with Spokane County to define fee collection, eligible projects and oversight. The council signaled support for asking voters to decide this year.","City staff recommended placing a measure on the ballot this year to join the Spokane County Aquifer Protection Area; staff and advocates said the program would fund monitoring, education and infrastructure to protect the Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie aquifer, while several residents raised questions about costs and local controls.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears wide testimony and advances resolution opposing proposed Medicaid cuts

Council approves first readings to vacate two alleys for Chick‑fil‑A site and mixed‑income housing

Council to ask voters whether Spokane should rejoin county aquifer protection area