State law would create $100 million policing grant program; Spokane County staff outline grant conditions and local tax option

Spokane County staff summarized a state law passed in the 2025 legislative session that creates a $100 million grant program designed to fund law‑enforcement hiring and related investments, and that authorizes a local one‑tenth percent tax option to support participating jurisdictions.

Staff said the grants will require applicants to meet multiple eligibility criteria before awards are made, including adoption of model policies and training in areas such as de‑escalation. The county must submit staffing plans that describe how any awarded funds would be spent; staff noted the law allows grant dollars to be used broadly, not only for sworn officers but also for crisis‑intervention counselors and other “wrap‑around” services.

Staff said the bill includes a prioritization process administered by the Criminal Justice Training Commission that will influence how the $100 million is allocated among jurisdictions. The grants may fund salaries (up to 75% of an award), training, recruiting, and other eligible costs; recipients must provide a 25% local match. Staff said the grant program awards would be limited to a 36‑month period.

The bill also authorizes counties to levy an additional one‑tenth percent tax; Spokane County would have to adopt the tax by June 30, 2028, and local rules would require a waiting period before the county could place a measure on the ballot. Staff said they will follow up with the board once the governor signs or vetoes bills and when the Criminal Justice Training Commission establishes the application process and schedule.

Commissioners asked about the grant timeline and when awards would begin. Staff estimated the program likely would not begin until 2026 because the grant administration must be stood up. Staff also advised commissioners to study the prioritization process to identify competitive needs for local applications.