Speakers urge Spokane to reaffirm 'Keep Washington Working' law; council committee allows testimony

At the Jan. finance and administration meeting, five people who signed up for public comment urged the committee to back a resolution reaffirming the state’s Keep Washington Working law and to fund legal services for immigrants.

The committee’s chair initially ruled that the proposed resolution was not on the meeting agenda but could be considered if it was judged relevant to the Office of Civil Rights. That ruling was challenged and a motion to sustain the chair’s ruling was called; the chair then asked members to vote. “All those in favor. Aye,” the chair said, and the ruling was sustained, allowing the speakers to testify.

Speaker Jorge Guerrero described the resolution as a request that the city "reaffirm its stance about the Keep Washington Working act" and asked for "further education on it to avoid lawsuits that have happened in other counties in the state." Jennifer Mesa told the committee she and other community members wanted the city to "put forward a plan and to investigate forms in which they can provide funding for legal services because families need legal services in immigration."

Other commenters echoed that theme. Criselda Orduno said the law "is crucial in ensuring that all residents regardless of immigration status feel safe and secure in their communities." Evie Polanski described immigrants as "essential workers" and urged the council to pass the resolution so children in immigrant families would not have to live under continued fear of separation. Mark Finney, speaking for a community organization, framed the request as a signal that Spokane is a safe place to live while federal immigration policy evolves.

Speakers and some councilors asked the administration and the Office of Civil Rights to brief the council on the resolution and on what training or reporting the city already provides. Several speakers asked the city to explore restored or new funding for community-based legal services, as those services are costly and limited in Spokane.

The resolution itself was not before the committee for final action at the meeting; speakers said the draft was being developed by community groups and that administration review was underway. Council and administration members said they were reviewing the draft with legal staff and that no final vote had occurred.

The public comment period concluded without a council vote on the resolution. Committee members and staff said they would continue reviewing the draft resolution and the Office of Civil Rights would help coordinate information and next steps.