Spokane leaders outline projects, pledges after voters approve Together Spokane bond and levy

Mayor Lisa Brown on Friday celebrated Spokane voters’ approval of a package of measures she described as “generational investments” in the city’s schools and parks, and introduced local leaders who laid out project priorities and early timelines.

"We're all united in our love for our city," Mayor Lisa Brown said, thanking voters and volunteers who campaigned for the measures and calling the effort a partnership among residents, the Spokane School District and Spokane Parks.

Dr. Adam Swinyard, superintendent of Spokane Public Schools, said the measures will benefit "tens of thousands of kids" and thanked the school board and community for trusting district leadership. "We couldn't be more excited for students like these that are standing behind us," Swinyard said.

Garrett Jones, director of Spokane Parks, described how parks and school projects will roll out. He said design work will continue over the winter, the first levy payment to parks arrives in May, and physical improvements will begin in 2026. "You're going to see level of service improvements system wide in every neighborhood," Jones said, and listed upgrades such as restroom and playground replacements, new park rangers and all-weather and lit sports fields.

Jennifer Ogden, president of the Spokane Park Board, said partner organizations pledged a total of $11,000,000 in support if both the bond and levy passed, naming groups that pledged funds including the Boys & Girls Club, Hoopfest, Launch Northwest, the MAC, PNQ Spokane, Spokane Indians Baseball, Spokane Youth Sports Association and the U.S. Tennis Association. "They sent in pledges of support totaling $11,000,000 if both measures pass," Ogden said.

School Board President Nikki Lockwood said bond dollars will be spent with "accountability and transparency," and named Adams, Madison Elementary and Gary Middle School among projects expected to have significant impact. Lockwood and district leaders also highlighted a planned trades high school.

Adams Elementary Principal Beth Nye said the school will temporarily relocate as construction proceeds and emphasized accessibility improvements. "We're going to have a building that's modern and ADA accessible," Nye said.

Jones also said the city has secured a state grant of over $2,000,000 that is tied to the levy and earmarked for Meadow Glen Park design and launch. "We were able to receive a grant from the state over $2,000,000 hinging on the passing of the levy for Meadow Glen Park," Jones said.

City and school officials said community engagement will continue as designs are finalized and partners refine project lists. The immediate next steps listed by parks leadership include winter design work, the first levy disbursement in May and phased construction starting in 2026.