Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance Equity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
SRLJC urges county commissioners to fill racial equity committee chair required by county resolution
Summary
The Spokane Regional Law and Justice Council voted to send a letter urging the Board of County Commissioners to fill the racial equity committee chair position required under Spokane County Resolution 21-0458 and SRLJC bylaws.
On Sept. 10, 2025, the Spokane Regional Law and Justice Council voted to notify the Board of County Commissioners that the council “urgently advises” the commission to address the vacant racial equity committee chair position named in Spokane County Resolution 21-0458 and the SRLJC bylaws.
John Haley, who identified himself as a member of the SRLJC, moved that the council send a formal letter asking the Board of County Commissioners to fill the racial equity chair position and thereby restore a standing racial equity committee. The motion referenced Article 4 of the SRLJC bylaws, which the motion states calls for three at‑large community members, including one who serves as the chair of the racial equity committee.
Haley noted the council’s oversight responsibilities for a large portion of local public safety funding and said the council’s grant deliverables — including work tied to the MacArthur Foundation grant — make the racial equity chair important to the council’s ability to meet obligations. “Since this council takes up a large portion of our budget, about 48%, that tells me that there should be some kind of a priority with regarding this position,” he said.
The motion called for a signed letter from the SRLJC chair or co‑chair to the Board of County Commissioners. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Mike (co‑chair) said he will work with co‑chair Justin Bingham to draft the letter and present the draft before the next SRLJC meeting.
Council members discussed the recent pace of county appointments and asked for an expedited process to restore the racial equity committee chair. The motion records that the administrative office of the council will send the letter; staff were directed to prepare a draft for co‑chair review immediately.
The council recorded no legal action beyond the advisory letter; the motion asks the Board of County Commissioners to take action to fill the position required by the county’s resolution and SRLJC bylaws.
