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The Washington State University Board of Regents has narrowed the search for the institution's 12th president to five candidates but has chosen not to disclose their identities, raising concerns about transparency in the selection process.
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed phasing out the subminimum wage program for disabled workers, a move supported by Washington lawmakers Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Patty Murray. This change aims to eliminate discriminatory wage practices and promote equitable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Spokane residents will soon have their food and yard waste bins collected year-round, with limited monthly service starting in January. This change, driven by community requests and state law, will result in a slight increase in billing, averaging out costs over the year, and aligns with the city's sustainability goals.
Spokane's Parks Levy has been deferred as the city explores a partnership with Spokane Public to optimize recreational resources in response to rising demand. Additionally, the 2025 Point-in-Time Count is scheduled for late January, with volunteers sought to assist in the annual survey of homelessness in the area.
Spokane City Council unanimously passed a resolution to amend state law for better consumer protections against fraud related to virtual currency kiosks. The changes include transaction limits and required disclosures, addressing concerns from the Federal Trade Commission about high scam rates in Washington State.
The City of Spokane has provided an update regarding the DNR Thorpe Property Trust Land Transfer Request, indicating a request for additional time for deliberation and engagement with stakeholders. This development is crucial for the city as it pertains to local land management and development initiatives.
Spokane's development fees are set to rise significantly next year as part of a three-year initiative to align them with the actual costs of city infrastructure. This increase, driven by a moratorium on development due to failing infrastructure in the Latah Valley, will impact various water and sewer connection fees, aiming to encourage smaller connections while addressing the city's growth needs.
The Spokane City Council has requested a delay in the transfer of a 160-acre woodland south of Thorpe Road to Blue Fern Development, which plans to build 1,000 homes. Concerns about increased traffic and the preservation of cultural and natural values have prompted this request. While the council cannot legally halt the transfer, they aim to influence the Department of Natural Resources. A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the development.
The City of Spokane has applied for the transfer of the Thorpe Road property from the Department of Natural Resources to safeguard it for preservation as part of its Parks & Natural Lands Master Plan. However, the application did not rank sufficiently high for funding consideration, prompting the City Council to request an extension of the public comment period to discuss the matter further with stakeholders.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown faces criticism from transportation safety activists over her budget proposal to fund a traffic enforcement unit by reallocating infrastructure funds. Activists argue this contradicts her previous campaign stance against similar budget maneuvers, highlighting the ongoing tension between public safety funding and infrastructure commitments.