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Council confirms HCDAC appointment, adopts 2026 state legislative agenda and approves holiday closures
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Summary
At its Oct. 7 meeting the Spokane Valley City Council confirmed Eric Robinson to the Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee, adopted its 2026 state legislative agenda (6–1) after adding support for the Sullivan–Trent interchange, and approved City Hall holiday closures for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Spokane Valley City Council on Oct. 7 confirmed an appointment to the regional housing advisory committee, adopted its 2026 state legislative agenda with a late amendment and approved several City Hall holiday closures.
The council voted 6–1 to confirm the mayor’s recommendation to appoint Eric Robinson to the Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee (HCDAC). Mayor Pam Haley, who recommended Robinson, said the pick was based on his “deep knowledge of the homeless and housing situation in Spokane Valley” and existing familiarity with the committee’s work. Council Member Merkel said she would vote no, arguing the vacancy should have been advertised to allow for citizen representation; Merkel said staff are already represented on the committee and the city lost an opportunity for broader community involvement.
The council also adopted its 2026 state legislative agenda. The adopted package includes a small capital ask for components of Balfour Park (lighting for sport courts and a parkwide audio system), transportation placeholders and multiple policy statements on public safety, behavioral health and fiscal management. After discussion the council amended the agenda to add express support for state matching funding for the Sullivan–Trent interchange; the amendment was moved by Council Member Wick and carried by voice vote. The main motion passed 6–1, with Council Member Merkel recorded as the lone dissent.
Finally, the council approved a staff recommendation to close City Hall and CenterPlace for half-days on the days before Thanksgiving and Christmas and the full day after Christmas; the motion passed unanimously. John Whitehead, the city’s human resources director, told the council these closures are consistent with past practice and that staff continue to monitor service needs and will respond to emergencies.
The council did not take final action tonight on other programmatic items discussed at the meeting, including a potential automated school‑zone speed camera program and a proposed reclassification of a vacant position to create an in‑house right‑of‑way agent; staff were asked to return with ordinance language and additional analysis.
