The Spokane Valley City Council agreed Tuesday to rejoin the regional Safe and Healthy Spokane planning effort and to send city staff to participate on the task force planning team, Mayor Haley and several council members said during a discussion led by City Manager John Homan.

Homan told the council the task force started as a regional effort after leaders visited Whatcom County to study a combined incarceration/treatment approach. He said private funders including Avista and the Waters Meet Foundation (formerly Empire Health Foundation) and the Greater Spokane Incorporated and Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce have provided planning support and that VISTA is providing consultant funding to develop mapping and an action plan. Homan read the task force charter language included in the meeting packet: the group is "committed to developing actionable strategies that enhance public safety, support behavioral health, and strengthen system coordination across Spokane County" and aims to provide "data-informed community-driven recommendations to regional elected leaders" by May 1, 2026, according to the packet.

Homan and several council members described a period in the summer when Spokane city actions around a claimed $57 million in utility taxes and disputes involving regional emergency communications strained intergovernmental trust, and the city temporarily did not participate. Homan said the planning group continued without Spokane but that organizers have sought Spokane Valley participation so the plan reflects the valley's needs.

Council members asked about the planning-team composition; Council Member Padden expressed concern that early planning representation showed heavier membership from Spokane than from smaller cities and asked that Spokane Valley ensure its voice is heard. Several council members said they support a seat at the table so the city can represent Valley residents and small cities that do not otherwise have the same influence. Council Member Yeager said the council should participate but make clear the city is not committing in advance to any final recommendations. County Commissioner Mary had also been mentioned as engaging with the city about representation, Homan said.

Council members signaled concurrence for Homan to name Deputy City Manager Eric Lam as the city representative to the task force; Homan said Mayor Haley and Council Member Patton will continue as planning-team participants. Homan said he attended recent planning meetings to stay informed and that the task force plans more meetings next week as consultants begin mapping services and funding across jurisdictions.

Why it matters: Homelessness, behavioral health and jail capacity cross municipal boundaries. The council said the city needs representation in regional planning so recommendations are workable for Spokane Valley and smaller jurisdictions. Council members emphasized that participation does not prejudge future funding decisions or automatic approval of whatever final package the task force may recommend.

Next steps: Homan said he will notify the planning team of the city's intention to rejoin and will appoint Deputy City Manager Lam to the task force. The council asked staff to brief the council as key milestones occur and to keep the council informed before any tax or funding recommendations reach a ballot or contract stage.