Spokane Council Approves Habitat for Humanity Affordable Housing Project

Spokane Valley's city council made significant strides towards addressing affordable housing and the opioid crisis during their meeting on July 15, 2025. The council approved a crucial logistical step to finalize a grant award to Habitat for Humanity, which will develop affordable housing in the area. This initiative aims to provide permanent homeownership opportunities for low-income families, reinforcing the city’s commitment to community welfare.

Despite some dissent from Councilmember Merkel, who expressed concerns about the council acting like real estate developers, the majority supported the project. Councilmember Yeager emphasized the importance of utilizing city property to benefit the community, highlighting that Habitat for Humanity's model ensures generational ownership for families in need.

In addition to housing, the council also authorized an interlocal agreement with the Spokane Regional Health District to address the ongoing opioid crisis. This agreement will allocate approximately $47,000 to expand the health district's opioid dashboard and conduct a needs assessment specific to Spokane Valley. The funding comes from recent opioid settlements, totaling around $337,000, which the city plans to use for various health initiatives.

While there was a proposal to enhance the needs assessment with actionable items, it did not receive council support during the meeting. Nonetheless, the council's decisions reflect a proactive approach to pressing community issues, with a focus on improving living conditions and public health in Spokane Valley.