City updates federal agenda to stress fentanyl response, mental-health funding and waste-energy solutions

City staff briefed the committee on proposed updates to Spokane's federal legislative agenda, including strategic priorities such as funding for fentanyl response, mental-health crisis interventions, the Spokane Aerospace Tech Hub, emergency preparedness, and potential federal support for waste-to-energy issues.

Eric Paulson, who presented the updates, said the package is intended to remain flexible so the city and its lobbyists can pursue time-sensitive federal opportunities. He noted the city's federal agenda was first created in 2019 and that the mayor asked that the item be presented to the finance committee, which staff called a cooperative sign that the administration and council are aligning priorities.

Several council members expressed concern that the agenda language is broad and could allow lobbyists to pursue a wide array of requests without explicit council approval. Staff responded that the city's legislative committee (a three-member committee) and the city's legislative team typically vet and prioritize detailed asks, and lobbyists frequently bring time-sensitive items to the committee for quick guidance.

Council members also asked whether the city coordinates priorities with Spokane County and other regional partners; staff said coordination is frequent, with stakeholder groups and organizations such as the Association of Washington Cities consulted during development of the agenda.