Your trusted source for local Spokane, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Spokane City Councilwoman Lili Navarrete has announced she will not seek re-election, citing health concerns. Navarrete, who was appointed in January 2024, made history as the first Hispanic or immigrant member of the Spokane City Council. Her departure raises questions about representation in local governance as the city prepares for upcoming elections.
Spokane's City Council has unanimously approved a temporary waiver of height restrictions for downtown buildings, allowing for potential new developments. This decision, driven by Mayor Lisa Brown’s reform proposal, could lead to taller structures in a city where the tallest building has remained unchanged since 1981. City officials hope this move will stimulate growth in a downtown area marked by a 28% office vacancy rate.
The Spokane Valley City Council is contemplating a 0.1% sales tax to bolster police services amid rising law enforcement costs. Deputy City Manager Erik Lamb highlighted that the tax could generate approximately $2.6 million annually, reducing the burden on taxpayers while addressing public safety needs. The proposal is set for a first reading on April 1, with a council member dissenting based on the belief that current funds are sufficient.
The Spokane County Prosecutor's Office has determined that deputies were justified in using lethal force against Michael L. Dingman during a December 2021 incident. The shooting occurred after Dingman, who was armed with rifles, failed to comply with commands and charged at the deputies. An independent investigation confirmed that Dingman's rifles were not loaded at the time of the incident.
The Spokane County Prosecutor has cleared Sheriff’s Deputies Ashley Hood and Kyle Leavenworth of any criminal wrongdoing in the December 10, 2021 shooting of Michael L. Dingman, deeming their use of lethal force justified. Similarly, a separate incident involving several Spokane Police Officers who shot a suspect on January 31, 2024, was also found to be justified. These decisions have significant implications for law enforcement accountability in the region.
University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma raised eyebrows by questioning Spokane's suitability as a host for NCAA March Madness regional games, citing a lack of accommodations. Despite his comments, local officials are optimistic about the city's preparations and believe visitors will have a positive experience. The article highlights Spokane's history of hosting NCAA events and the city's efforts to enhance its downtown area ahead of the tournament.
The article announces recent updates from the CenterPlace Regional Event Center, including the promotion of their services through Cvent, a platform designed for event planners. It highlights community activities and upcoming public events, encouraging visitors to learn more about the center's offerings. The content is relevant to local residents and event organizers seeking venue options.
The article highlights the community-driven initiative, Trash Smash, led by Victoria Eby-Bounds in Spokane, aimed at beautifying neighborhoods through collective clean-up events. It emphasizes the importance of local engagement, the benefits of participating in neighborhood councils, and the positive impact of community involvement. The initiative showcases how collaboration and local partnerships can foster pride and responsibility among residents.
The Spokane City Council has approved an interim zoning ordinance that removes building height restrictions in downtown Spokane. This decision aims to stimulate economic development by promoting diverse housing and job opportunities in the area. Council Member Jonathan Bingle emphasized the importance of this move for the city's vitality and overall revitalization.
Spokane's Community Climate Planning Survey gathered insights from 1,573 residents regarding local climate hazards, revealing significant concerns about wildfires and extreme heat. The findings will guide future policies aimed at enhancing the city's resilience against climate challenges. Engagement opportunities, including workshops and ongoing assessments, will further inform the city's climate planning efforts.