Spokane City Council interviews five candidates for interim District 2 seat; appointment deferred

The Spokane City Council on Thursday conducted interviews with multiple applicants for the interim District 2 seat and recessed into an executive session under RCW 42.30.11 to evaluate candidates without taking public action; council members said they plan to make the appointment on Monday.

Applicants told the council a four-month interim appointment requires prioritizing constituent responsiveness and pressing, short-term work. Applicant Ryan Ulrich said, “4 months is a very short amount of time,” and described his immediate priorities as making sure District 2 neighborhoods are “advocated for, are listened to, and are well supported,” pushing on affordable housing and improving coordination among local service providers.

The candidates answered a standard set of policy questions. On municipal budgeting, several applicants said a sound budget must be balanced, include reserves and reflect community priorities. Ulrich referenced an estimated $3,800,000 deficit the city faces this year and praised council investments in fire services and code enforcement. Applicant Chris Neely emphasized preparation, listening and keeping projects on schedule during a short interim term: “Listen to the constituents in District 2,” Neely said.

Homelessness, public health and perception gaps were recurring themes. Multiple applicants urged better coordination among service providers and stronger public communication about outcomes. Christina Sabastida highlighted a recent Washington University (WU) report showing Spokane’s rate of infants born exposed to substances at roughly three times the national average and noted council consideration of funding for maternal‑support services, referencing a $300,000 proposal for “Maddie’s Place” that councilmembers said is slated for final approval on Monday.

On workforce and procurement, candidates expressed cautious support for a community workforce agreement for public‑works projects above $5,000,000 if details are workable and local workforce capacity and stakeholder buy‑in are addressed. Neely said such agreements can “keep the money in Spokane” and build local skills, while others sought more information on implementation timelines and impacts on local contractors and unions.

Applicants also discussed civic engagement and neighborhood structures. Shelby and other candidates urged greater outreach to boost participation in the community assembly and neighborhood councils, suggesting targeted recruitment (for example, at schools) and clearer public messaging about what residents gain from local initiatives and levies, including the joint parks and schools funding proposal known as Together Spokane.

Council members asked about the separation of powers and partisanship; candidates generally characterized checks and balances as a feature that slows hasty action and said they would evaluate proposals on their merits rather than strictly along party lines. Several council members emphasized the upcoming midyear budget work and the heavy time commitment required, particularly during budget and policy peaks.

After the interviews the council adjourned to executive session under RCW 42.30.11 to evaluate qualifications. Meeting announcements recorded an extension of executive session time, and council later returned to say no public action was taken and to invite the public to the next Monday meeting for the appointment decision.

Notes and next steps: council members said they expect to appoint the interim District 2 member at the next council meeting. No formal vote or appointment occurred during the public meeting.