This week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and approval of the following meeting agenda. Councilmember Yaeger was excused from the meeting.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Padden presented a proclamation for America 250 Constitution Week to members of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
General Public Comments
Each week, community members have an opportunity to address Councilmembers for up to three minutes during the General Public Comment period, either at the beginning or end of each meeting, either in person or via Zoom.
ACTION ITEMS
#1 – Public Hearing – 2027 Budget Revenues, Including Property Tax
The 2027 budget is currently under development; this is the first of three public hearings and third of eight discussions by the Council before they are asked to approve the budget on Nov. 17, 2026. Staff shared information on sales tax revenue estimates, property tax revenue estimates, capital expenditures, recurring and non-recurring expenditures, major revenues for the general fund and other funds, and funding challenges. Members of the public were invited to share their thoughts and provide input regarding the city budget.
NON-ACTION ITEMS
#2 – Right-of-Way Vegetation Control Discussion
Staff provided a summary of ongoing vegetation maintenance within the city’s rights-of-way (ROW). Typical ROW maintenance includes dryland grass moving, weed control, addressing vegetation obstructions (such as overgrown bushes or trees blocking line-of-sight), tree removal, and tree trimming. Staff provided information from 2016 to 2026 on the maintenance contractors, costs, responses to community requests for service, and plans for this program going forward.
#3 – 2027 Council Goals and Priorities for Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)
Council goals and priorities for using lodging tax revenues to benefit tourism in Spokane Valley were last reviewed by Council in July 2025. Per SVMC 3.20.010, the City collects a 3.3% tax on lodging (hotel/motel room rentals) within Spokane Valley. Staff outlined Washington state regulations for the allowed uses of collected lodging tax. Staff provided details about the lodging tax, outlined the state rules regarding use of the lodging tax, and the types of organizations/projects that may be awarded funds from the tax revenue. While the city’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) evaluates and recommends which organizations/projects receive the tax proceeds, the City Council makes the final decision. The Council reviewed and discussed potential recommendations to update the proposed 2027 goals.
The Council reached consensus on the 2027 goals and priorities to be considered by the LTAC when evaluating applications. This item is scheduled to come before Council as a motion consideration at the Sept. 22, 2026, meeting.
#4 – 2026 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
The Department of Justice annually awards JAG grants to local jurisdictions nationwide for various criminal justice purposes. This year, the City will receive $30,978 in JAG funds. The Spokane Valley Police Chief has recommended utilizing the grant allocation towards the purchase of a new motorcycle. The total cost for a motorcycle is $43,470. The approximate $12,500 cost difference will be covered by the SVPD Traffic Designated Unreserved Fund from DUI restitution. By using JAG and SVPD monies, the City will not need to fund the purchase of a motorcycle in 2028.
The Council reached consensus for staff to return with a motion consideration at a future meeting to apply for and use JAG funds to purchase a SVPD traffic motorcycle.
#5 – Draft Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update
The Council has reviewed and discussed the draft Comprehensive Plan update multiple times since the update process began in January 2025. The draft plan has been updated to incorporate suggested changes, further edited for clarity and accuracy. The draft document is available on the city website for review by the public at www.SpokaneValleyWA.gov/Valley2046.
The Council will be presented with the final draft Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations on Nov. 17, 2026, there will be a public hearing on Dec. 1, 2026, and the Council will be asked to approve the updated plan at the Dec. 15, 2026, meeting.
About Spokane Valley City Council
City Council meetings occur most Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Spokane Valley City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley, and online via Zoom. Meeting agendas and minutes are available at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/Agendas. Community members are invited to attend Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in-person or online. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14. Email the Council at CityCouncil@SpokaneValleyWA.gov or learn more at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/CityCouncil.
Stay Connected
Spokane Valley City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information is available online at SpokaneValleyWA.gov. Sign up to receive email updates about the topics that matter to you most at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/SignUp or follow the city on social media.