Mayor Brown Reflects on Progress and Outlines Next Steps in Annual Statement of Conditions and Affairs

Mayor Lisa Brown delivered her annual Statement of Conditions and Affairs, emphasizing Spokane's progress in community safety, housing, and fiscal responsibility. She praised the city's 2,200 employees for their dedication amid a $13 million budget deficit and reaffirmed her commitment to balancing the budget without compromising essential services. Notable achievements included reinstating the Fire Academy, restoring the traffic safety unit, and reducing police vacancies to their lowest level in a decade. The mayor also highlighted a new homelessness response model, which has seen over 40% of participants transition into housing. Additionally, she noted expanded partnerships to combat the opioid epidemic and support small businesses through ARPA funding.

Mayor Brown urged collaboration across various sectors to support Spokane's growth of nearly 1,000 residents annually. She concluded with a call for a shared vision to create a stronger and safer community. Her remarks underscore the city's proactive approach to addressing pressing issues while maintaining fiscal responsibility.