Spokane County Commissioner Amber Waldrep used a recorded set of remarks in the transcript to recap 2025 accomplishments and outline priorities for 2026, saying the county closed a projected $20,000,000 shortfall "without an increase in property taxes."

Waldrep said public health and substance-use treatment were central to her work last year as chair of the Spokane Regional Health Board, where she helped "integrate new tribal representatives, create the first federal legislative agenda, and increase hours and access for patients at the opioid treatment clinic." She said she also "helped secure $3,000,000 from the state to expand our county PATH Recovery Center, which will provide more sobering beds," and that she worked with "Sen. Murray and Sen. Cantwell" on funding for that project (the transcript uses only last names).

On environmental health, Waldrep said she helped secure $7,500,000 for water filtration systems to help Plains, described in the remarks as impacted by PFAS contamination, and noted that voters renewed an aquifer protection area ballot measure to protect drinking water for 20 more years. She said an interlocal agreement was reached to ensure a "smooth transition" for the City of Spokane and "Shrek" to each provide 9-1-1 services; the name "Shrek" appears in the transcript as spoken and is recorded here as transcribed.

Waldrep described a regional homeless plan agreement among the City of Spokane Valley, the City of Spokane and Spokane County that commits the jurisdictions to share data and outcomes, collaborate on inclement weather centers and align funding to avoid duplication. She said the county's growth plan update, due in 2026, will include public engagement on climate change and affordable housing.

Looking ahead, Waldrep listed housing, safety and health as the county's key goals for 2026 and said she plans to "double my efforts to develop and implement policies that will help our community build more affordable housing." She also mentioned a "safe and healthy task force," described as a community effort to identify priorities for a potential future ballot measure addressing criminal justice and mental health systems.

The transcript does not specify the date of these remarks. Waldrep closed by encouraging readers to consult her newsletter for a full list of accomplishments and to follow her on "Grama," as transcribed.