This week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting began with an invocation, the pledge of allegiance and approval of the following meeting agenda. Mayor Padden and Councilmembers Yaeger and Merkel were excused from the meeting.
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 – Consent Agenda
The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included vouchers for paying city expenses and payroll, and minutes from the following Council meetings: Feb. 3, 2026, Feb. 10, 2026, Feb 17, 2026, and Feb. 19, 2026.
#2 – Potential Grant Opportunity: Pedestrian Bicycle Program (PBP) and Safe Routes to School (STS)
The Council reviewed this topic at the March 3, 2026, meeting. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has issued a call for projects for the PBP and SRTS programs, which are designed to improve safety and encourage walking and bicycling. There are no local match requirements for the PBP and SRTS programs. Staff have identified five projects eligible for the grant programs. The projects listed below were recommended for applications.
Pedestrian Bicycle Program:
• Barker/Appleway Roundabout
• Appleway Crossings
• Arterial Crossings
• Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Improvements Planning: Sprague (Argonne to Sullivan) and Sullivan (Sprague to Mission)
Safe Routes to School Program:
• Citywide School Zone Flashing Beacon, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon and Speed Feedback Sign Installations
A motion to authorize the City Manager or designee to apply for the projects as identified in Table 1 passed unanimously.
#3 – Interlocal Agreement with Spokane County – Opioid Remediation
The Spokane Regional Opioid Abatement Council and opioid settlements have been discussed by Council at numerous meetings since 2022. Staff recapped the opioid settlements secured by the State of Washington and litigating local jurisdictions from various entities involved in production, sale and distribution of opioids. The City has received approximately $121,000 in settlements to date; all funds must be used for opioid remediation and ten percent must be directed to Spokane County for operating the Opioid Abatement Council.
The City committed $57,200 in an agreement with Spokane Regional Health District for increased data collection and an expanded opioid dashboard, in addition development of a needs assessment. For the remainder of the opioid settlement funds the Council gave consensus for staff to negotiate an agreement with Spokane County to contribute to operation costs and the explanation of the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center (SRSC). The proposed interlocal agreement would contribute city opioid settlement funds to the SRSC.
A motion to approve the interlocal agreement with Spokane County for the SRSC expansion project and annual operation costs passed unanimously.
NON-ACTION ITEMS
#4 – Safe and Healthy Spokane Regional Task Force Update
On October 21, 2025, Council gave consensus for the City to participate in the Safe and Healthy Spokane Regional Planning Team and Task Force. Entities involved in this organization collaborate in discussions regarding public health, safety and justice throughout the Spokane region. Mayor Padden, Councilmember Haley and City Manager Hohman participate on the Planning Team and Deputy City Manager Lamb is a member of the Task Force, with City Services Administrator Mantz serving as alternate. Mr. Lance Beck of Greater Spokane Inc. and Mr. Zeke Smith of Waters Meet Foundation provided an update on Task Force meetings to date and upcoming discussions.
#5 – 2026 Economic Trends Report #1
Dr. Patrick Jones and Dr. Kelley Cullan of Eastern Washington University’s Public Policy and Economic Analysis Department presented the first of four reports for this year, addressing detailed economic analyses and trends specific to the City of Spokane Valley.
#6 – Spokane County Housing and Community Development (HCD) Grant Applications
Each year, Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides HUD entitlement funding to Spokane County. The County recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the use of the 2026 HUD entitlement funds. On March 10, 2026, applications for affordable housing, community development and community development block grants were presented to Council. This discussion is regarding applications for homeless services. Staff reported on the available funding sources, application timeline and process. 18 applications were received by the County and the Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee (HCDAC) is currently reviewing and rating applications. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and Councilmember Wick are members of the HCDAC. Council was asked to provide input on the applications. Authority to make the grant application funding decisions lies with the Board of County Commissioners.
#7 – 2025 Spokane County Criminal Drug/Death Report
SVPD Police Chief Ellis and Special Deputy Mark Voigtlaender reported on 2022-2025 statistics on deaths in Spokane County due to drug overdoses from 2022-2025.
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. Visit the city’s website at SpokaneValleyWA.gov.