Council approves allocation of opioid-settlement funds for navigation, life-saving services including Maddie's Place

The Spokane City Council on July 14 approved a budget amendment to accept a round of opioid/opiate settlement funds and added clarifying language specifying how the money may be spent. Public comment included a request from a resident that settlement funds not be used for "low-barrier or no-barrier" housing models; council debate and statements focused on directing funds to outreach, navigation and life-saving services. Council member Dylan and others said the allocation will support an outdoor navigation center, Maddie's Place (described in the record as a life-saving provider for infants and critical care), and a mobile unit. Council member Dylan said the funding "is going to save lives as we really continue to tackle our opioid crisis." Council member McCluskey and Council member McCadcart both noted the importance of itemizing expenditures so the public understands where settlement funds are allocated. The ordinance passed 6-0. Council members spoke of balancing priorities: some said they did not agree with every expenditure but stressed that funding for harm-reduction and outreach services such as Maddie's Place and a mobile unit would address immediate needs tied to the opioid crisis. No votes against the measure were recorded.