Of 29 Spokane city employees that got layoff notices this summer, only three lost their jobs

The article outlines the situation surrounding layoffs for Spokane city employees, where 29 individuals were initially notified of potential job cuts as the city faced budgetary constraints for 2025-2026. Ultimately, only three employees were laid off, with at least one being reassigned within the city. The reductions included crucial roles such as a civilian planner in the police department and an IT employee, raising concerns about public safety. Mayor Lisa Brown credited the recent approval of a sales tax increase for helping to avert more extensive layoffs and emphasized that the funds would be directed towards enhancing community safety. The article also notes that the biennial budget, approved recently, resulted in a net reduction of 23 positions, primarily through the closure of existing vacancies.

This marked a significant change, as it was the first budget in a decade to reduce positions rather than increase them. The article is timely and relevant, providing insights into local government operations and the importance of fiscal stability, while reflecting broader concerns within municipal governance amid financial challenges.