Public Meetings - Spokane Valley, Washington

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting actually occurred on June 18, 2026, but the user instruction specified using August 13, 2026. This summary reflects that date as instructed. The Spokane Valley Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) Commission met on August 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall. The meeting covered the financial report, administrative updates, and the status of the Opportunity Fund. No public comments were received. The commission discussed revenue trends, Placer AI analytics, and upcoming application processes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered at the meeting. Discussion Items - Financial Report (Chelsie Walls): As of April 2026, year-to-date revenues were up approximately $17,000–$18,000 (about 5%) compared to the same period in 2025. January through March showed declines, but April rebounded with a 41% increase over the prior year. Walls noted a two-month delay in revenue collection due to Department of Revenue processing and mentioned potential anomalies from software changes, which she would investigate. - Administrative Report (Teri Stripes): Stripes, the new Economic Development Specialist, addressed prior commission questions. Key reports included: - Hotel Analytics: Year-to-date daily revenue was up 108% from April's -4.4% year-over-year, but still down 2.9% year-to-date. - 116 & West Website Analytics: The campaign was performing above benchmarks, with a full evaluation expected in August or September. - Placer AI Reports: Stripes presented a domestic travel report showing total trips slightly down, but average monthly visitors and visitor spending up. A CenterPlace report showed 12,500 visits from 9,600 visitors in the last 12 months. A Val 4 Park event report for the 250th Celebration (May 25–31) recorded 926 visits, though actual attendance was estimated at 400; the majority occurred on the event day. Stripes noted that Placer AI cannot filter out stops shorter than 10 minutes, which could skew data (e.g., gas stations). - Spokane Sports Events: March 13–15 girls' basketball event generated 723 room nights across nine properties; March 20–22 boys' event generated 785 room nights. Future reports will include more detail. - Opportunity Fund: Stripes reported that the application and guidance documents are with legal review and will be live before the next meeting. Staff will first review applications for completeness before presenting to the commission. Commissioner Terry noted that $170,000 may not go far, but the commission acknowledged it was a starting amount. - Placer AI Usage: Commissioner Gary asked if other city departments use Placer AI. Stripes confirmed economic development uses it, and transportation may in the future. The subscription was funded by TPA dollars, though some add-on analyses used separate department funds. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The commission will review completed Opportunity Fund applications at the next meeting (likely August or September, depending on submissions). - Staff will continue to provide monthly Placer AI reports on recent events. - 116 & West and Spokane Sports are scheduled to present at upcoming meetings (August/September). - The meeting adjourned by motion and second.

The Spokane Valley Planning Commission held a regular meeting on August 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The primary business was a study session on the goals and policies of the draft Comprehensive Plan, presented by staff. Commissioners also heard public comments, discussed state-imposed housing regulations, and reviewed upcoming meeting schedules. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved with a change: the approval of minutes from July 23, 2026, was removed from the agenda because the minutes were not included in the meeting packet. The agenda was approved 6-0. - Commissioner Dingus was excused from the meeting (approved 6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Sue DeLuckey (Spokane Valley resident, former chair of Washington State Boundary Review Board for Spokane County): Shared a story about the Board's past decisions to deny development in North Spokane County due to inadequate water and road infrastructure, which she argued were validated by recent catastrophic evacuations. She urged the Commission to be mindful of long-term consequences and expressed concern that the Planning Commission's authority has been diminished. - Linda Klesh (2215 Conklin Court, Spokane Valley): Criticized the current draft Comprehensive Plan as being an economic plan rather than a true growth management plan. She compared it to other cities' plans (Walla Walla, Millwood, Seattle, Pasco, Richland) and argued that the plan does not adequately address affordability for residents. She also noted opposition to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in her area due to property title issues and called for better planning and restored power for the Planning Commission. Discussion Items - Administrative Report (Steve Roberge): Outlined upcoming meeting topics: - August 27, 2026: Virtual presentation by consultants on upcoming code updates (review of new state legislation). - September 10, 2026: Review of the updated draft Comprehensive Plan, expected to be released within the next week. - September 24, 2026: Detailed discussion of draft code changes. - A schedule for the remainder of the year will be provided at the August 27 meeting. - Study Session – Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies (Steve Roberge): - Presented background on the Growth Management Act (GMA) goals (RCW 36.70A.020) and the city's planning process. - Noted that the new draft contains 42 goals and 162 policies, up from 33 goals and 123 policies in the current plan, largely due to the new Climate and Resiliency chapter. - Highlighted select new policies: Economic Development Policy 18 (sports tourism), Policy 19 (industrial land use), Land Use Policy 17 (battery storage and data centers), Transportation Goal 5 (optimizing roadway network), Transportation Policy 22 (pursuing federal/state funding), Housing Goal 1 (removing barriers), and Climate Resiliency Policy 8 (strengthening wildfire resilience). - Commissioner Discussion: - Commissioner asked for clarification on wildfire risk areas; Mr. Roberge replied that the state is working on mapping but it is not yet defined in the comp plan. - Commissioner requested a breakdown of how many goals reflect state mandates versus local priorities; Mr. Roberge noted it would require analysis but that the climate chapter was entirely state-driven. - Commissioner Winkler expressed concerns: - Land Use Goal 3 and Policy 7 focus on commercial/industrial/mixed-use transformation but omit residential innovation, which she felt was better addressed under the housing element. - Transportation goals lacked a clear objective to serve residents and businesses. - Housing Policies 13 and 14 reference a five-year strategic plan to end homelessness; she questioned its effectiveness given a high average homeless duration (over 8 years in Spokane vs. under 6 months in Houston) and suggested adding flexibility to allow updated methods. - Commissioner raised wildfire egress concerns, noting that while there is a regulation for a second access point at 50 houses, there is no standard for a third access point, potentially leading to dangerous congestion. Mr. Roberge acknowledged that street standards might be revisited after the comp plan. - Commissioner questioned the need for proactive city action on wildfire evacuation access. - Commissioner sought clarification on ADU numbers: the new bill requires allowance for up to two ADUs and removes owner-occupancy requirements; the higher number (six) referenced earlier pertains to middle housing affordability bonuses. - Commissioner asked about affordability definitions: Mr. Roberge stated that affordable units must be at 60% or 80% of area median income (AMI), which for a family of four in Spokane Valley is approximately $100,000 (100% AMI). - Commissioner raised concern about rising property taxes for fixed-income homeowners due to increased density and higher property values; Mr. Roberge noted the city’s limited tools but agreed to explore options. Commissioner McKinley noted the existing exemption (around $50,000 assessed value threshold) is an all-or-nothing system that needs indexing. - Commissioner Jorgensen thanked staff for providing printed materials. Key Outcomes - The Commission will receive the updated draft Comprehensive Plan electronically and a paper copy available at City Hall within the next week. It will also be posted on the city’s website. - Staff will bring back the full draft plan and address commissioners' concerns (e.g., flexibility in housing policies, wildfire risk, street standards) in upcoming meetings over September and October. - No formal motions or votes were taken on the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies; the study session was informational. - The meeting adjourned without further business.

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Spokane Valley City Council held a regular meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting was dominated by the ongoing Spokane Complex Fire, which had burned nearly 10,000 acres across three fires and prompted the evacuation of approximately 67,000 people. The Council heard an extensive update from emergency management and law enforcement, approved the consent agenda, advanced a condemnation ordinance for the South Barker Corridor project, awarded a construction contract for Sullivan Park Phase 1, and voted to apply for state grant funding for two new public safety pilot programs: an alternative jail transport unit and a parking enforcement officer. Consent Calendar - The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda which included claim vouchers totaling $3,711,319.19, payroll for the period ending July 31, 2026 in the amount of $892,943.11, and the meeting minutes of June 9, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Thomas Quinlan read a statement citing Washington Constitution articles, claiming his rights to petition, free speech, and open administration of justice had been denied by the three-minute speaking limit. - Rob Chase thanked the county for its fire response, suggested that deliberate arson be classified as terrorism, and asked about removal of campaign signs. The City Manager clarified that only signs placed in prohibited areas are removed and candidates are contacted to retrieve them. - John Harding urged a public after-action report on the fires, called for creating fire breaks and addressing dead-end roads in subdivisions, and later commented on the South Barker condemnation, questioning whether the design could be changed to avoid taking property. - Jonathan Plum spoke against eminent domain, stating property rights are fundamental. - Another speaker commented on the Sullivan Park project, inquiring about impacts to nearby businesses; staff confirmed coordination had occurred. - A speaker expressed general opposition to using grants for manpower, citing past experiences, but supported the “paddy wagon” transport idea. Discussion Items Spokane Complex Fire Update - City Manager John Hohman, Police Chief Dave Ellis, and Emergency Management Deputy Director Chandra Fox provided an update. As of August 11, 2026, the Autumn Lane Fire was 89% contained, the Old Trails Fire 73% contained, and the Fairview Fire 97% contained. Total acreage burned was 9,932. All evacuation orders were lifted at 2:00 p.m. that day. - A Disaster Assistance Center at Shadle Park High School had seen nearly 2,000 individual visits. Federal assistance from the EPA was on the ground for hazardous materials removal. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported. - Chief Ellis highlighted the use of a fire evacuation app that allowed real-time tracking of parcel status, credited King County’s counter-drone team for keeping aerial firefighting assets safe, and noted an arrest of an arson suspect by the joint SWAT team. He also reported multiple arrests in Spokane Valley for intentionally starting fires, including one on the day of the meeting. - Councilmembers discussed lessons learned, including the need to update the city’s emergency plan, improve preparedness, and consider legislative changes to increase penalties for arson (current presumptive sentence 30 months). Councilmember Wick noted asbestos testing requirements and warned about unlicensed contractors. Councilmember Merkel asked about lessons for Spokane Valley; staff committed to forming a working group after the immediate situation. First Read: Ordinance 26-008 – South Barker Corridor Project (Condemnation Authority) - Engineering Manager Rob Lochmiller and City Attorney Kelly Konkright presented the ordinance, which would authorize condemnation proceedings for three remaining parcels (33 of 36 had been negotiated) needed to widen South Barker Road from two to three lanes, add bike lanes and sidewalks, and construct roundabouts at 4th and 8th Avenues. Construction is slated for 2027. - The Council held public comment and debate. Some councilmembers expressed concerns about using eminent domain and requested more information on the price differential and litigation costs. City Manager John Hohman assured that staff does not take this lightly and that federal grant requirements mandate strict procedures. The Council voted 6–1 to advance the ordinance to a second reading, with Councilmember Merkel voting against. (The exact tally was not clear from the transcript; after voice vote, a show of hands confirmed six in favor, one opposed.) Motion Consideration: Sullivan Park – Phase 1 Bid Award - The Council awarded the Sullivan Road and Park Improvements Phase 1 contract to William Winkler Company for $1,226,873, which is about 2% below the engineer’s estimate. The project includes a new north entrance, sidewalks, landscaping, and sewer lift station to support the ice sports facility. Four bids were received. Councilmember Merkel voted against, stating the underlying project is unnecessary. The motion passed 6–1. Motion Consideration: HB 2015 Grant Discussion – Two Pilot Proposals - Deputy City Manager Eric Lamb, Chief Ellis, and grant manager Sarah Farr presented two options under the ESHB 2015 grant program (application deadline August 15, 2026): 1. Alternative Jail Transport Unit – Two commissioned officers working Saturday–Tuesday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., to transport prisoners from Spokane Valley, reducing patrol officer time spent on jail runs. The city match is $54,000 for a one-year pilot. The jail would loan a vehicle. 2. Parking Enforcement Officer – A part-time (25 hrs/week), non-benefited position ($29,000/year) to handle parking complaints, enforce ordinances, and manage speed trailers. Startup costs $33,000, with vehicle provided from retired fleet. - The Council voted 7–0 to separate the items, then passed the jail transport pilot 4–3 and the parking enforcement officer 6–1. (Opposition to the transport pilot centered on uncertainty about ongoing costs and reliance on grant funding; the parking officer was more broadly supported.) Admin Report: Signal Cabinet Wrap Update - Project Manager Virginia Clough reported that 10 signal box wraps, funded by an STCU grant, are being installed. Originally 12 were planned, but cost increases reduced the number. Artist designs were selected by a committee including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The wraps help prevent graffiti and add public art. Admin Report: Master Speed Limit Schedule Update - Traffic Engineer Jerremy Clark presented a study of school zones, recommending lowering speed limits from 35 to 30 mph on four segments: Broadway (Adams to Sullivan), Pines (32nd to 40th), Park Road (Mission to Trent), and Park Road (Trent to city limits). The Broadway segment was held for a corridor-wide review. The Council requested additional data on crash history, traffic counts, and community input before taking action. Staff will bring back a formal proposal. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously. - Ordinance 26-008 (South Barker condemnation) advanced to second reading by a 6–1 vote; an executive session will be scheduled before final action. - Sullivan Park Phase 1 construction contract awarded to William Winkler Company ($1,226,873) by a 6–1 vote. - HB 2015 Grant Application approved for both the Alternative Jail Transport Unit (4–3) and the Parking Enforcement Officer (6–1). Staff will submit applications by August 15. - Signal Cabinet Wraps installation underway; thanked for community engagement. - Master Speed Limit Schedule to be revisited with additional data; staff directed to engage the public and coordinate with enforcement. - Fire Preparedness – Councilmember Yeager placed an advance agenda item for a comprehensive community volunteer and preparedness effort; City Manager confirmed it is a high priority after the immediate fire response concludes. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:25 p.m. after extending past the normal end time.

This meeting was scheduled to take place on August 4, 2026, at 14:00 (2:00 PM) UTC in Spokane Valley, Washington. However, the agenda, meeting minutes, and raw transcript for this meeting were all unavailable or empty at the time of summarization. As a result, no substantive discussion items, public comments, consent calendar actions, or key outcomes can be reported. Data Availability Notice - Agenda: Not available. - Minutes: Not available. - Raw Transcript: Empty — no transcription content was provided. Without source materials, it is not possible to reconstruct the proceedings, identify speakers, or list any votes or decisions made during this session. This summary is limited to confirming the scheduled meeting date and time, and noting the absence of all documentation required to produce an accurate summary. Key Outcomes - None — no decisions, votes, or directives can be confirmed due to the complete lack of agenda, minutes, and transcript content.

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the date as Thursday, July 23, 2026, but the user-provided timestamp is July 28, 2026. This summary uses the user-provided date (July 28) while noting the discrepancy. The Spokane Valley Home with the Company Task Force convened on July 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM (per the user’s timestamp) to discuss meeting frequency, receive a presentation on the regional point-in-time homeless count, and hear updates on HUD funding. The meeting included roll call, public comment, approval of previous minutes, a vote to move to quarterly meetings, and a detailed data presentation by Amanda Martinez from the City of Spokane’s HMIS team. Consent Calendar - Approval of April 2026 Meeting Minutes: The task force unanimously approved the minutes from the April 2026 meeting. A motion was made, seconded, and passed without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Jennifer Wilcox (Spokane Valley resident, veteran, community advocate) requested that meeting minutes standardize the listing of task force members with their positional titles (e.g., “George Dahl, Spokane County Housing and Community Development Administrator and Spokane Regional Continuum of Care Board member”). She also asked for brief task force updates at each meeting, clearer contact information for community members (suggesting the chair’s email be published), and expressed support for increased transparency. - Lisa Miller (task force member, speaking during the public comment period) advocated for more emphasis on understanding macroeconomic forces affecting homelessness and housing, and suggested the task force proactively request specific data from regional sources rather than waiting for events. She also noted that a new member solicitation was underway. - George Dahl (task force member) responded to Lisa Miller, noting that the presentation by Amanda Martinez would cover regional data, and offered to track down specific data requests. - Alicia Curly (task force member) commented on the relationship between vacancy rates, homeownership, and rental markets, linking them to homelessness trends. She referenced a book by UW professors that found vacancy rates were the strongest statistical predictor of homelessness. Discussion Items - Proposal to Move to Quarterly Meetings: Eric Robison (city staff) proposed changing the task force meeting frequency to quarterly (this meeting, October 2026, January 2027, April 2027) due to a low workload, with the option to call special meetings as needed. After discussion, including a suggestion to schedule two-hour meetings quarterly, the motion passed unanimously. - Presentation on Point-in-Time Count and HUD Funding: Amanda Martinez (City of Spokane, HMIS lead) presented the 2026 point-in-time count data, conducted countywide on January 27, 2026. Key statistics: - Total individuals counted: 1,738 (1,521 in families). - Sheltered: 1,095 (855 in emergency shelter, 240 in transitional housing); unsheltered: 643 (including 121 in vehicles/RVs). - Demographic breakdown: majority white, male, aged 25–54; BIPOC populations overrepresented compared to census data. - 640 reported serious mental illness, 404 reported substance use disorder, 139 survivors of domestic violence. - Historical trend: 4% decrease from 2025, with the peak in 2023. - 90% of respondents reported being from Spokane County before homelessness; 10% from Washington outside the county, 13% from outside Washington (mostly northern Idaho). - Two additional questions: document readiness (majority lacked both ID and Social Security card) and origin (consistent with prior years). - Beds unused: nearly 200 emergency shelter beds vacant on the night of the count, attributed to a mild winter. - HUD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Martinez reported that 38 applications were submitted, requesting $12.5 million, with only $9 million available (from $6.8 million renewal and $2.2 million bonus). The Continuum of Care board will vote on funding on August 5, 2026. Notably, many transitional housing projects applied, a shift from previous years. Key Outcomes - Vote to Move to Quarterly Meetings: The task force voted to adopt a quarterly meeting schedule beginning immediately, with the next meeting in October 2026. Special meetings can be called as needed. - Data Presentation: The task force received the 2026 point-in-time count data and HUD funding update. Members expressed interest in accessing the quarterly economic data from Eastern Washington University and the HMIS data dashboards. - Announcement: The grand opening of the Orchard Vista affordable housing project (across from City Hall) is scheduled for August 26, 2026, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. Task force members were invited. - Next Steps: The task force will continue to monitor regional data and may consider additional topics for future meetings. The mayor is reviewing one application for the vacant task force position.

The Spokane Valley City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included public comment, approval of a road preservation project bid, renewal of the Urban County Consortium participation agreement, and council member motions on future agenda items. Key decisions included awarding the Sullivan Road Preservation Phase 1 contract to Inland Asphalt Company and authorizing the city manager to execute the cooperation agreement for CDBG and related funds. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda, including claim vouchers totaling $2,137,212.38, payroll for the period ending July 15, 2026 ($794,840.06), and council meeting minutes from May 12, 19, 26, and June 16, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Ben Lund (longtime Spokane Valley resident and business owner) expressed support for the city’s fiscal responsibility and economic development (balanced budgets, cross-track Ice Arena investments) but raised concerns about leadership challenges related to the Public Records Act. He stated these issues have already cost taxpayers approximately $500,000, with additional costs occurring. He urged the council to protect public trust through transparency, accountability, and faithful adherence to the law. Discussion Items - Sullivan Road Preservation (UPRR to Kiernan) Project Bid Award – Engineering Manager Rob Lochmiller presented the bid award recommendation. The project replaces deteriorating pavement from the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge to Kiernan Avenue, includes ADA upgrades and bridge deck/joint rehabilitation, and has a $1.5 million federal grant (no match). Bids were opened July 22; the lowest responsive and responsible bidder was Inland Asphalt Company at $2,568,767.50, approximately 12% (about $280,000) over the engineer’s estimate. Staff recommended increasing the project budget by $300,000 to maintain a 10% contingency. Council members discussed the single bid, cost increases (attributed to stormwater work and bridge joints), and the timing of construction (35 working days, starting August 17, completed by mid-October). Councilmember Merkel expressed concern over the single bid exceeding estimates but acknowledged the pavement’s poor condition (PCI rating 56–58). Councilmember Wick and others supported moving forward to avoid further deterioration and pothole costs. The motion passed unanimously. - Urban County Consortium – Requalification Process – City Service Administrator Gloria Mantz explained the city’s entitlement to federal CDBG and HOME grants. Every three years, HUD requires requalification; the city has participated in the Spokane County consortium since 2005. In June 2026, council reached consensus to continue, and the next step is executing an agreement with the county (due by first week of August). The agreement mirrors the previous one, minus language about a regional homeless entity (since that entity was not formed). Benefits include the county assuming all administrative costs (which HUD caps at 10% but actual costs exceed that), avoiding an estimated $150,000 startup and about $86,000 annual general fund subsidy if the city administered alone. The city has four representatives on the HCDAC advisory board. Councilmember Merkel questioned the absence of performance monitoring requirements for sub-recipients; city manager Holman noted that performance is addressed in separate subcontracts with the county. Councilmember Kelly clarified the county would not be harmed if the city withdrew. Gloria Mantz noted that approximately $156,000 in ESG funds could be lost to the region if the city left the consortium. After public comment from Ben Lund (who drew comparisons to difficulties with the sheriff’s contract), council members expressed support, citing the strong board presence and cost savings. The motion passed unanimously. - Advance Agenda – Two items were raised: 1. Councilmember Wick requested a future discussion on the potential closure of the Geiger facility by Spokane County (which houses misdemeanor-level offenders), noting the impact on local law enforcement responsibilities. Council agreed to add this to a future agenda. 2. Councilmember Yeager moved to “direct the city attorney to evaluate all lawful options available to recover taxpayer funds expended as a result of litigation involving councilmember Merkel and provide recommendations regarding any legal or policy changes necessary to protect taxpayers from similar financial losses in the future.” After discussion (Councilmember Kelly raised concerns about punitive actions but acknowledged the need for a high bar), a show of hands resulted in 5–2 approval. Key Outcomes - Approved the Sullivan Road Preservation Phase 1 bid award to Inland Asphalt Company for $2,568,767.50, with a $300,000 budget increase (total project budget now $3.3 million) and authorization for the city manager to execute the contract. - Approved authorizing the city manager to execute the cooperation agreement with Spokane County for CDBG and related funds, continuing the Urban County Consortium participation. - Approved (5–2) directing the city attorney to evaluate options to recover taxpayer funds from litigation involving Councilmember Merkel and to recommend policy changes. - Scheduled a future council discussion on the potential Geiger facility closure. - No meeting next week (August 4) due to National Night Out events; council members encouraged community participation.

The Spokane Valley Planning Commission met on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a public hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the 2026-2046 Comprehensive Plan Update, and administrative reports on upcoming meetings. Consent Calendar - Excused absences were approved for Vice Chair McKinley and Commissioner Poquell (5-0). - The agenda was approved (5-0). - The minutes from the May 28, 2026 meeting were approved (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Brent Heath (1820 North Eli Road, Spokane Valley) requested a traffic engineering study at the intersection of Knox and Vista, citing congestion and poor reaction time due to parked cars and power poles. Staff indicated the request would be forwarded to the traffic engineer. Administrative Report - Planning Manager Mr. Roburge outlined the upcoming meeting schedule: - August 13, 2026: Dedicated to walking through the draft Comprehensive Plan, including new traffic analysis and maps. - August 27, 2026: Focus on state-mandated code amendments, without a draft code yet. - September 2026: Public hearings on the Comprehensive Plan and code amendments. Discussion Items Public Hearing: Comprehensive Plan Update 2026-2046 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) - Staff presented the SEPA process, noting the DEIS was released on July 10, 2026, with a 30-day comment period ending August 10, 2026. - Three land use scenarios were analyzed: No Action (non-compliant with GMA), Scenario A (limited rezone to meet housing allocations), and Scenario B (higher densities citywide). - Commissioner Dingus asked if the commission would receive a summary of comments; staff confirmed the Final EIS will include responses to all comments. - Commissioner Winkler noted that a WSDOT scoping letter requesting inclusion of Sullivan, Pines, Argonne, and I-90/Trent corridors was not addressed in the DEIS transportation section. Staff replied that additional multimodal level-of-service analysis has been conducted and will appear in the updated Comprehensive Plan, and that coordination with WSDOT is ongoing. - Commissioner Weatherman had difficulty locating the draft Comp Plan chapters on the website; staff confirmed they are available on the dedicated Comp Plan page. - Commissioner Dingus asked for a definition of “walkable neighborhoods” (referenced in the DEIS). Staff stated the city has no official definition, but an active transportation plan is being developed by the City Council. Commissioner Comments (Good of the Order) - Commissioner Dingus praised the recent sidewalk buffer improvement on Pines Road, noting it makes walking safer. - Commissioner Winkler commended the public input section of the DEIS as well-organized. - Commissioner Weatherman reminded the commission to consider wildfire smoke and regional fire impacts in future planning. - Chairman Robertson gave historical notes on Independence Day events and encouraged community involvement, urging neighbors to be “citizens rather than residents.” Key Outcomes - The public hearing on the DEIS was opened and closed without public testimony beyond Mr. Heath’s earlier comment. No formal action was taken on the DEIS. - The comment period on the DEIS remains open until August 10, 2026. - The commission will next meet on August 13, 2026 for a Comprehensive Plan overview, and on August 27, 2026 for code amendment discussions. - The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:45 p.m. by unanimous voice vote.

The Spokane Valley City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The council considered four action items, received two administrative reports, and heard public comments on a range of topics including automated license plate readers, voter integrity, traffic safety, and transportation planning. All action items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - First General Public Comment: An unnamed speaker urged the council to join 90 other cities in canceling contracts with Flock automated license plate readers (ALPRs), citing studies showing no deterrent effect, misuse of data, and lack of transparency. The speaker stated the cameras provide nothing in return to citizens. - John Harding voiced concerns about voter integrity, claiming 24 million illegally registered voters and 465 counties with more registered voters than eligible voters. He urged the council to support enforcement of the 1993 voter integrity law and questioned the reliability of electronic voting machines. - Second General Public Comment: Blaine Slacks questioned the scoring rubric in the draft Active Transportation Plan, arguing that schools and parks were rated as separate categories (10 points each) rather than combined, which could undervalue safe routes to school. He also expressed concerns about the Level of Traffic Stress tool but acknowledged the state requires it. He asked for the rubric to be reevaluated. - Jonathan Plum raised two traffic concerns: (1) reckless driving on 8th Avenue east of Barker Road, asking for targeted enforcement and a speed study; (2) the proposed roundabout at Barker and 8th, requesting verification that the design accommodates full-size commercial vehicles (design vehicle, swept path analysis, truck apron, repair history at comparable roundabouts). He also asked if Flock cameras, though canceled, were still physically present. The city manager responded that cameras have not been active since March and will be removed by Flock, and that public works will follow up on the roundabout design. Action Items - Resolution 26-012 – Master Parking Prohibition Schedule: Presented by Jerremy Clark. The resolution adopts a baseline inventory of all signed no-parking areas in the city, as required by code. Approved unanimously. - Motion – TIB Grant Application: Presented by Adam Jackson and Kristen Armstrong. Authorized the city manager to submit 2026 Transportation Improvement Board grant applications for two projects: Pines Road from 32nd to 40th ($880,000) and Barker Road from Sprague to south city limits ($897,000). Both projects have an 80% grant / 20% local match. The Sullivan Trent interchange will be pursued in a later cycle. Approved unanimously. - Motion – Arterial School Crossing Bid Award: Presented by Rob Lochmiller. Awarded the contract to Halloween Construction Inc. in the amount of $1,239,505.49 for improvements at 10 school crossing locations. The sole responsive bid was 21% above the engineer's estimate, but an additional $520,000 grant from WSDOT Safe Routes to School raised the total grant to $1,712,000, covering the cost. Councilmember Wick asked about adding speed feedback signs; staff will explore using contingency funds. Approved unanimously. - Motion – Federal Local Bridge Program Grant Opportunity: Presented by Robert Blegen. Authorized applying for up to $800,000 for preservation projects on three bridges: Fancher over BNSF, Barker over BNSF, and Barker over the Spokane River. The project would apply a penetrating surface sealer to extend bridge deck life. Approved unanimously. - Motion – Mayoral Appointment to Homeless and Housing Task Force: Confirmed the mayoral appointment of Councilmember Jessica Yeager as a second alternate for position one (city council representative). Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Admin Report: Citywide Impact Fees Discussion – Jerremy Clark presented three options to update the transportation impact fee program, which currently has three zones. The recommended Option 3 includes all projects on the eligible list but reduces the fee rate to keep development affordable, charging about $6,800 per trip in the East zone (lowest) and $10,900 per trip in the West zone (highest). The total project list is $264 million, fiscally constrained by historical city spending trends. Option 3 provides flexibility in fund use and aligns with existing city contributions. Council supported moving forward with Option 3. - Admin Report: Draft Active Transportation Plan – Adam Jackson, Jerremy Clark, and Kylie Jones (Kimley Horn) presented the first draft of the plan, developed over 18 months. Key findings: community engagement (winter market, online surveys, stakeholder working group) identified top priorities as safety, completing missing connections, and improving access to schools, parks, and businesses. The plan uses Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) analysis and proposes network improvements: sidewalk infill, bicycle/shared-use paths, and corridor studies (e.g., Sullivan, Pines, Sprague). About 80% of projects are in the existing comprehensive plan. Next steps: public hearing in mid-to-late August followed by a council study session. Council discussed LTS methodology and project prioritization. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26-012 adopted unanimously. - Authorization to submit TIB grants (Pines and Barker) approved unanimously. - Arterial School Crossing bid awarded to Halloween Construction Inc. approved unanimously. - Federal Local Bridge Program grant application authorized unanimously. - Mayoral appointment of Jessica Yeager as task force alternate confirmed unanimously. - Council consensus to proceed with Option 3 for citywide impact fee update; staff will finalize rate study and bring back for adoption. - Draft Active Transportation Plan will proceed to public hearing and subsequent council study session. - City Manager announced chip seal projects starting August 3 (Sprague Ave) and August 10 (32nd Ave).

The Spokane Valley City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting included adoption of the consent agenda, a resolution adopting the Hazard Mitigation Plan, confirmation of a planning commission appointment, and several administrative reports on solid waste facility improvements, bridge grant opportunities, the Auto Row marketing campaign, and the TPA Opportunity Fund. Public comments addressed police funding, council conduct, and infrastructure concerns. Council also discussed advance agenda items regarding sex offender group homes and a proposed tax holiday. Consent Calendar - Approved claim vouchers totaling $2,894,719.60 for July 14, 2026. - Approved payroll for the pay period ending June 30, 2026, in the amount of $862,065.67. - Approval of the consent agenda was unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Dolan (Spokane Valley resident): Expressed appreciation for a new bike rack at City Hall. Voiced support for the current police department and opposed privatization. Criticized city management for weaponizing code enforcement, and stated his intention to move out of Spokane Valley due to dissatisfaction with city projects (roundabouts, Balfour Park). - Virginia Gadd (resident at Bowdish and 16th roundabout): Commended the council for the roundabout’s success. Raised concerns about council members speaking for others and questioned the value of continuing the invocation, suggesting it be dropped if prayers are not being answered. - Ben Lund (34-year resident, family business owner): Questioned why Councilmember Merkel should be treated differently, noting five reviews (city manager, city attorney, independent investigation, appeal, superior court) all found he violated the Public Records Act and City Government Manual. Asked why a sixth review at taxpayer expense is warranted. - John Harding (Spokane Valley resident): Expressed concern about hospital capacity during a major disaster, noting long ER waits and lack of public input in planning. Urged the city to include hospitals and military in emergency plans. - Mike Dolan (second public comment): Praised the Auto Row initiative, suggested creating a welcome wagon for visitors, and noted that the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce should promote the valley at the airport. Discussion Items - Resolution 26-010 – Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption: Virginia Clough presented the 2026 Spokane County Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The plan involves 16 agencies and is required for state/federal funding eligibility. Questions were raised about hospital coordination; City Manager noted that a comprehensive emergency management plan is the next step. Councilmember Merkel expressed concern that the fire portion lacked specificity for the Ponderosa area. The resolution passed unanimously. - Planning Commission Appointment: Mayor Padden nominated Daniel Jorgensen for an unexpired term (July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027). The Mayor cited Jorgensen’s eight-year residency, experience in trucking/logistics, and balance between growth and green spaces. Councilmember Kelly noted multiple qualified applicants. The motion passed unanimously. - Sunshine Disposal & Recycling Facilities Improvement: Robert Blegen and Brian Coddington updated the council on a $2 million expansion to the transfer station, including separated scale lanes for commercial and public use, a new compactor to increase efficiency (34 tons per load), and completion by December 2027. The project is funded through the existing contract with no rate impact. The council asked about capacity (20 years of growth), cost, and plans for acquired adjacent property. - Federal Local Bridge Program Grant Opportunity: Robert Blegen proposed applying for federal funds (zero to 20% match) for crack sealing on the Fancher Road Bridge over BNSF, Barker Road Bridge over BNSF, and Barker Road Bridge over the Spokane River. The preventive maintenance extends deck life at low cost. Council consensus was given to proceed with the application, with matching funds from REET accounts. - Auto Row Update – Marketing and Economic Impact Study: Teri Stripes presented the marketing campaign for Spokane Valley’s Auto Row, which began in May 2026. Auto dealers generate $400–500 million in annual sales and contribute 14% of sales tax revenue ($4.7 million) to the general fund. The $85,000 study will evaluate physical improvements; $100,000 is allocated for marketing. Councilmember Merkel expressed concern about lack of dealer engagement and suggested focusing on beautification first. Councilmember Kelly questioned the return on investment and budget. The meeting to engage dealers is scheduled for July 29, 2026. Council accepted the report as informational. - TPA Opportunity Fund Status Update: Teri Stripes reported that the application process has been developed and will go live after the TPA commission meeting on July 16, 2026. The fund aims to support tourism promotion projects. The application is 16 pages with a 250-word limit per response. No council action was required. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26-010 (Hazard Mitigation Plan) was adopted unanimously. - Daniel Jorgensen was confirmed to the Planning Commission by a unanimous vote. - Consensus was reached to apply for the Federal Local Bridge Program grant. - Sunshine Disposal project is on schedule; council was informed. - Auto Row report accepted; further dealer engagement and a future capital planning study will follow. - TPA Opportunity Fund applications will open after July 16, 2026. - Advance Agenda – Sex Offender Group Homes: Council agreed to escalate discussions on group homes and explore options for protective fencing and legislative advocacy. - Tax Holiday Proposal (Councilmember Merkel): Proposed returning 10% of property tax, license plate tax, or wastewater fees to residents. Council declined to add this to the advance agenda due to uncertainty over public safety contract costs (vote: 2 in favor, 4 against, 5 abstentions/absent). The discussion was tabled until budget numbers are finalized.