[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6264815,"mediaKeyId","3095819-95fafa6bf7866340706866bc6ab05457","parentId",3095819,"title","Votes at a glance: council approves several budget, bond and administrative measures","audioSeconds",1065,"startMs",1085000,"endMs",2150000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095819-95fafa6bf7866340706866bc6ab05457&start=1085&end=2150","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095819-95fafa6bf7866340706866bc6ab05457/thumbnail_1085000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6264815/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-several-budget-bond-and-administrative-measures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264815-89e621202db309d127fd2622742123f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440293&Signature=nT3IEZ51Pv2B0ybhE5XalsLjlq0O1dOcwr3Mdrx3FBthBe1Sw7bI5I7VS61CY-Hg-jb7Jti80RaZ-fDGozz8MYDrLj~kiJ8UF-w00g5UNRTstvieWo6WXefGq40ChFvR5Z3WovA4twOIt~wiSONDF~ckLbez5ZFHejy-QbhecgSGFox9DlCGQgbkQM6Hp8Tc3scVgvv-VeYt6ab2x8vbvmG7~n51Nnfm6S9FFNTcAOz5rmjgq1oVJbS0G5KPb56H8B8DrjCfzvnKVXjqRJn7EYNmT1Okd4e6SrHnttyQfzaDUTpVbYn0HkOLH3aKUf20DfPtmVJbIxFFoMqsr3q-4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Spokane City, WA","date","2025-04-23T16:27:19.657Z","article","At its legislative session, the Spokane City Council approved multiple routine and time‑sensitive measures by recorded votes. Council members took action on special budget ordinances, equipment purchases, interlocal contract language, truck‑route updates and bond refunding authorizations.

High‑level results (selected):

- Ordinance C36660 (USCM innovation grant budget amendment): Passed 7–0.
- Ordinance C36672 (amended AOC grant awards to municipal court): Passed 7–0.
- Ordinance C36673 (purchase of equipment at lease end): Passed 6–1.
- Emergency ordinances C36663, C36664 and C36665 (authorizations to issue refunding bonds — unlimited tax G.O. refunding, limited tax G.O. refunding, and water/wastewater revenue refunding): Taken together and approved 7–0.
- Resolution 2025‑24 (boards and commissions administrative policy): Passed 7–0.
- Ordinance C36650 (amendments to intergovernmental purchase contracts / interlocal agreements): Deferred previously and passed 7–0 after clarification of contract language.
- Ordinance C36659 (designated truck routes update): Passed 7–0.

Why it matters: Several items were routine budget or administrative housekeeping. The bond refunding ordinances, adopted as emergency measures, delegate authority to the administration to refinance or refund outstanding debt if market conditions are favorable; council members said the flexibility could save the city millions over time.

Notable council comments: Council member Bingo said he initially sought a short deferral to receive additional clarity on the bond measures but supported adoption after the CFO explained potential savings and the need for administrative agility. On the interlocal contract updates, Council member Munbringo said clarifying language ensures financial commitments still come before the council prior to payment authorizations.

Ending: All individual ordinance outcomes and recorded tallies are listed below for convenience; council recorded unanimous votes on most items and larger majorities on others as noted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 21st, 2025 Spokane City Council Legislative Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Spokane City Council approved a slate of ordinances and a resolution, including budget adjustments, equipment purchases and bond refunding authorizations. Most items passed unanimously or by large majorities; three bond refunding ordinances were adopted together as emergency measures.","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},6264819,"Council holds first reading on LGBTQ+ protections; large public turnout for and against ordinance C36667",1331,3845000,5176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095819-95fafa6bf7866340706866bc6ab05457&start=3845&end=5176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095819-95fafa6bf7866340706866bc6ab05457/thumbnail_3845000.jpg","/articles/6264819/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Council-holds-first-reading-on-LGBTQ-protections-large-public-turnout-for-and-against-ordinance-C36667","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264819-61994530f8a4c2d4b9006753a428673f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440293&Signature=KmcBcCIX1UIKFLq-PeraeyvsnMOn60LVjB34WZbYvJwZrikwIW1lD5Lp-mciw7qWWOfgrLyHt3bRX2wpjjzyGeTRhPgnJTNEdW2BQ0weLhUIf7LBHFxaw-XNu5ZCuGMaQiZZno1KLuaexmVzyVyOknHpvGCyrqWd1WNpk1MQe~Ep-PO0aoZAeUtgAA6Hvf4gUKRUMRRXWE~cjPrdVb-C3pE99w9kpBW6LuR3RkwtRQ4ptxH8u1rCm0t2k1gYlO0l5FkauBXniRZ3ub0ZFYPpIn6WeaLR1KgQM6yGqpNZ5tuPw93x3JrrYz1oSKwSjjH6NtmJ2--OyBLSWJRdPWNdaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ordinance C36667, a proposed update to Spokane's human‑rights code addressing protections for LGBTQIA2S+ residents and city commitments around gender‑affirming care and event safety, received extensive public testimony but was deferred for further action after its first reading.

Public testimony: Several speakers urged passage, citing safety and healthcare access for transgender residents. “We’re scared. My kid deserves to live without fear of her medical treatment being withheld,” said JR, a parent who identified herself as the mother of a transgender child. Other supporters described local safety concerns tied to past extremist activity and urged the city to affirm protections at the municipal level.

Opposition and suggested amendments: Several speakers opposed the ordinance or called for caution. Gretchen McDevitt asked the council to recommend more mental‑health support and to acknowledge long‑term risks of irreversible medical interventions for minors. Karen Pooley argued the council should not contradict state‑level initiatives and asked for additional safeguards for women’s privacy and sports participation.

Council action: The ordinance was presented as a first reading; the council accepted public comment and deferred additional action. Several council members noted the sensitivity and intensity of testimony and said amendments and additional work sessions may follow.

What the ordinance would do: The first‑reading materials would amend city code to update nondiscrimination language, explicitly address protections for 2S/LGBTQIA+ people and include city commitments to event safety and nondiscrimination in health‑care access. The ordinance language and proposed implementation details were not finalized at first reading.

Next steps: The council deferred final action at first reading and signaled that amendments and further committee work are likely before any vote.","Ordinance C36667, which would expand city civil‑rights protections and affirm access to gender‑affirming care and other supports, received extensive public testimony at first reading; council deferred further action for later consideration.",{"_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},6264824,"Spokane council adopts ‘ban the address’ ordinance to remove applicant address from early hiring steps",1472,2312000,3784000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095819-95fafa6bf7866340706866bc6ab05457&start=2312&end=3784","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095819-95fafa6bf7866340706866bc6ab05457/thumbnail_2312000.jpg","/articles/6264824/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Spokane-council-adopts-ban-the-address-ordinance-to-remove-applicant-address-from-early-hiring-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264824-e36e9cd354f099299934c503f9a9fd15/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440293&Signature=YdbjOxf~tWOYIQZ8BxzG~VIJKod139vVkbx4Ve~lTMkBPxkPS3linZbs3ttO-FtgkKtIq7WV4U0LEKIsXBhbOfpDs0CBVL-Qo5nQ~F2F~e-z1GxcEaHjSiWI5oyavPlEvDejePY02FQ3djHf8qQCOfYNApdEmLhoLylJLMaFmJDiX8bB1I~nOS7O-RF8rE6Dy8uzBGLUzEME9nS3Bu2LWiGPDxbYEkkcDvLJ9uaUr6mv1ICkP1cwYU3P8Bo0bIv7DndXag~xwRow9bdiLZTr4UMaILlokbrsT8SDwrBGN1kJizbnugT7WQBYzRVHUJv~~OL3tl3WWRMXpGACAvErKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Spokane City Council voted 6–1 to adopt Ordinance C36666, known locally as the “ban the address” ordinance, which prohibits employers from asking job applicants for their home address during the hiring process.

The ordinance’s sponsors and supporters described it as a simple, low‑cost step to reduce an unfair hiring barrier for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. “This ordinance makes it clear that we value people for what they bring to the table, not where they lay their head at night,” Terry Anderson, director of the Spokane Office of the Tenants Union of Washington State, told the council during public comment.

Supporters: Council members who backed the measure framed it as “low‑hanging fruit” that preserves dignity and helps people gain employment—often a path out of homelessness. Council member Dillon said the city was “really making history tonight as the first city in the country to pass an ordinance like this,” and noted bipartisan support from local groups including the Spokane Business Association.

Opposition and concerns: Several members of the public opposed the measure as insufficient to address broader homelessness or public‑safety concerns. Will Hewings, a downtown resident, called the ordinance an “insulting joke” and said it would not address the practical problems of job applicants who lack housing, laundry or storage. Other commenters suggested the change could be symbolic if employers still infer instability from PO boxes or shelter addresses.

What the ordinance does and limits: The rule prevents asking for an applicant’s address during early hiring steps; it does not prevent employers from collecting permanent mailing or tax information later in the process for payroll, tax or legal purposes. Sponsors and commenters repeatedly emphasized that the ordinance removes one administrative gatekeeper rather than solving housing shortages.

Vote and next steps: The council recorded a 6–1 vote in favor. Council members asked staff to support implementation and enforcement and to monitor whether the change improves hiring outcomes for people experiencing housing instability.

Ending: With the vote, Spokane becomes one of the first U.S. cities to adopt an ordinance restricting address requests in early hiring; council members said they will monitor outcomes and consider additional measures.","The Spokane City Council voted 6–1 to bar employers from asking for applicants’ addresses early in the hiring process, aiming to reduce a barrier experienced by unhoused and housing‑insecure jobseekers; supporters called it a low‑cost, dignity‑preserving change and opponents said it does not solve homelessness.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6264829,"Council approves $18 million package to expand stabilization services, debate centers on data spending",631,1167000,1798000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095819-95fafa6bf7866340706866bc6ab05457&start=1167&end=1798","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095819-95fafa6bf7866340706866bc6ab05457/thumbnail_1167000.jpg","/articles/6264829/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Council-approves-18-million-package-to-expand-stabilization-services-debate-centers-on-data-spending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264829-ad31cb0f49c3714c3152c9266d678974/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440293&Signature=nFQU0kFDw39MXjRaBXsjg~mHnB1BaxnOgQDL3cUcQVWCFJwiIRmWwjSwnNVGjUJ6ddKifElcqmPBrkXGOyeQue0LUb5VGfaeTCSYxkS-Gxk0676d9enJaKhqyIoyUUJ25T30WHV1wY~RCTV5XD~I3~ETAJwOVAuWWB0fuH0Z1~BFqEjUL-Lm1mRp3bXjR67PrPuElnNTc5za5ZKTbhaNbDN1nfsoMICHDjsWmzPxgh2yxbUQ9IClbTAiQrS7HzkhPxMsMp18aMyjJUYgVtbS9xi6HY08VB9gfrx~aSCuvpH22CY7P6SbJFsxNJoqBDH~SRLnm2WWvtl1kL78yXuDDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Spokane City Council voted 5–2 to approve special budget ordinance C36661, a package that officials said would allocate roughly $18 million in combined federal, state and city funds to expand Spokane’s Stabilization Center and related opioid-response services.

Council members described the measure as a coordinated, county‑city investment to expand clinic hours, add sobering beds and increase culturally specific treatment. “It’s gonna have 12 additional sobering beds … expanded access to the clinic until 10 p.m.,” Council member Zappone said in support.

Why it matters: Council and public testimony tied the opioid response to housing stability, public safety and emergency services. Supporters said expanded space and harm-reduction services would fill service gaps; critics argued some administrative spending should instead directly fund frontline services.

Main points and debate: Sponsor and supporters emphasized partnership with Spokane County and providers. Council member Dylan said the package was “overall a net positive” and praised collaboration that included matching county funds and additional STARS beds.

Opposition focused on a $140,000 annual salary line for a data analyst. “140,000 on a data analyst, I feel like we could be sharing that with the county,” Council member McGatkart said, asking whether the position duplicated county capacity and noting remaining opioid dollars the county might reallocate. Council member Bingo echoed that concern, arguing the city might achieve data needs with lower-cost tools and should maximize money spent directly in the field.

Supporters countered that a data analyst would create benchmarks and enable evaluation of interventions over time. “We have been collecting data. I don't think we are truly benchmarked where we're at and where we're going,” one council member said, urging staff to track outcomes.

What the ordinance does: The ordinance funds an expansion of Spokane’s Stabilization Center, additional sobering beds, extended clinic hours (to 10 p.m.), increased culturally specific treatment and STARS program beds. The council recorded a 5–2 vote in favor.

Public comment: Students and community members, including a Gonzaga University student, urged support for harm‑reduction and stabilization investments. A public speaker earlier thanked council for a new van for detox and STARS but asked for more mental‑health supports for outreach workers.

Next steps: The ordinance authorizes the described funding and program expansion. Council members asked staff and partners to develop a clearer, consolidated plan for how remaining opioid funds will be deployed and for measurable benchmarks to track outcomes.

Ending: The ordinance passed 5–2; council members on both sides asked staff to return with more detailed plans and data so future allocations can be evaluated.","The Spokane City Council approved a special budget ordinance supplying up to $18 million toward expanding the city’s Stabilization Center and related opioid-response services. Debate focused on administrative spending, including a $140,000 annual data analyst line.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6264834,"Upper Columbia United Tribes urges regional action to reduce toxics and restore salmon",450,490000,940000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095819-95fafa6bf7866340706866bc6ab05457&start=490&end=940","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095819-95fafa6bf7866340706866bc6ab05457/thumbnail_490000.jpg","/articles/6264834/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Upper-Columbia-United-Tribes-urges-regional-action-to-reduce-toxics-and-restore-salmon","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264834-84a185a89ea079aaa3cc92e7a8626011/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440293&Signature=eD2IfXCwayUamSL2HETNigJFAM76LBiJHHZLwYOOHnltdQ5RvHr6zuAQ7mlnZQv5laY9LmkxfT3Q5LFiOMy~ng8yiJnsOEJ3UxXQq1aGavaMhnnRDgd2wuv51ru41ajlEpLWI0cmYc4WmkeMuwUKCR-nm2sbczgx~2u6nh6ZWM3zbKDFqzCfWL-y7dKMJvKFyFhMRQsRDg8yBgsKwrN~SaTsi-MyFwDcWzwIHYE2vWNb82sBZXqcShgQw0PGWpNZnlGw2s6c36QFdaMMEGxRXZzPtKp45bkwz4WMQ2VrhVCbZtvOkxXNzGxJ6-jQKJHqhwMZAZmITQIM8cWjFbD8pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Michelle, executive director of the Upper Columbia United Tribes, told the Spokane City Council on Monday that tribal leaders are seeking coordinated regional action to reduce toxic pollution in the Upper Columbia watershed and to re-establish salmon runs above major dams.

The presentation summarized UCUT’s mission and recent grant awards and urged the council to consider a study session to discuss regional coordination. “Columbia River Toxics Reduction Lead NDE project will award over $5,000,000 to UCUT member tribes and the community stakeholders to reduce toxics in our region,” Dr. Michelle said.

Why it matters: UCUT represents five Plateau tribes and manages or influences millions of acres of tribal and aboriginal territory; tribal leaders say restoring fish and habitat would have cultural, ecological and economic benefits for the region.

In her remarks, Dr. Michelle framed salmon restoration as both cultural and ecological: “If we can get them back above those two facilities, get them up in those traditional spawning grounds in Canada, it’ll be better for all of us,” she said, referring to sites above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams. She also cited an economic study UCUT posts on its website estimating hundreds of billions of dollars in ecosystem services annually, and contrasted that with hydro production revenue to make the case for balancing power production and ecosystem function.

Council response: Council members thanked UCUT for the briefing and discussed scheduling a study session so council members could ask detailed questions and staff could respond. The council did not take any formal action on the presentation during the meeting.

Background and details: Dr. Michelle described UCUT’s strategic planning changes and corrected the organization’s mission language to emphasize benefit for “all living creatures” rather than “people” alone. She listed recent cultural and educational fish releases in Chimney Creek, Haman Creek, the Little Spokane River and the Spokane mainstem and said releases have shown salmon can successfully spawn when returned upstream.

Next steps: The council indicated interest in setting a study session where UCUT could return with more technical details and staff could present options for city involvement or coordination. Dr. Michelle provided UCUT’s website, ucut.org, for further materials and invited follow-up contact.

Ending: The presentation concluded with council members expressing appreciation and asking staff to schedule a follow-up briefing so questions about funding, permitting and potential city roles could be addressed.","A representative of the Upper Columbia United Tribes told the Spokane City Council the tribes seek to reduce toxic pollution in the Upper Columbia watershed and restore salmon above major dams, noting a recently awarded $5 million federal grant for tribal and community projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: council approves several budget, bond and administrative measures

Council holds first reading on LGBTQ+ protections; large public turnout for and against ordinance C36667

Spokane council adopts ‘ban the address’ ordinance to remove applicant address from early hiring steps

Council approves $18 million package to expand stabilization services, debate centers on data spending

Upper Columbia United Tribes urges regional action to reduce toxics and restore salmon