Spokane City Council approves opioid settlement funds and bicycle advisory board members

Spokane City Council made significant strides in community services and public safety during their meeting on June 2, 2025, as highlighted by Council Member Paul Dillon of District 2. Among the key decisions, the council approved an interlocal agreement with Spokane County to allocate opioid settlement funds for treatment services, marking a proactive step in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis.

Additionally, the council voted to expand the Spokane Cares team, which will now include a new position dedicated to collaborating with the fire department on treatment services. This expansion aims to enhance support for individuals in need and improve overall community health.

In a move to bolster public safety, the council reallocated funds for the replacement of an armored vehicle for the Spokane Police Department, which was damaged in a recent crash. This decision underscores the council's commitment to maintaining effective law enforcement resources.

The council also addressed the upcoming renaming of the Post Street Bridge to the Friends Of The Falls Memorial Bridge, with a vote on this resolution scheduled for June 30. Furthermore, they initiated discussions on updates to the camping code following a Washington State Supreme Court ruling, as well as the Home Starts Here initiative, which focuses on the siting of facilities and establishing good neighbor agreements with local communities.

Looking ahead, Council Member Dillon announced a District 2 town hall meeting set for June 9 at the MLK Center, where residents can engage in discussions about traffic safety, public safety, housing, and homelessness. This meeting presents an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns and contribute to local governance.