Lance Dahl

The City Council held a study session to review the 2026 periodic update to the Comprehensive Plan and updates to the city's Development Code. Discussions focused on the Preferred Alternative Growth Map, draft chapters for the Comprehensive Plan, and the 'Build Spokane' initiative regarding modernization of the development code. The presentation covered community engagement outcomes, growth alternatives for housing and population, and upcoming steps for finalizing land use maps and code implementation.

The council meeting addressed several legislative and administrative items. Key actions included the passage of a special budget ordinance to add engineering positions, and the approval of an ordinance concerning the activation of public spaces through mobile food vending. The council also authorized several purchases for city departments, including a new electric vehicle for the waste facility, a chassis cab for the water department, and metal refuse containers. Furthermore, the council approved contract extensions, consultant agreements, and a value blanket order for water dispensers. Additionally, the Public Safety and Community Health Committee conducted a meeting to review monthly updates from the police, fire, and emergency communications departments, and discussed various budget ordinances and grant awards.

The council agenda includes discussions on various city business, such as the purchase of a high-pressure air compressor for the Upriver Dam Powerhouse, a preventative maintenance agreement for transformers, and an engineering contract amendment for the Upriver Dam spillway gantry crane. Additionally, the agenda covers the listing of the Wolfle-Trunkey House and Garage on the Spokane Register of Historic Places, employee assistance program contract renewals, and several capital agreements with the Washington State Department of Commerce for affordable housing infrastructure projects. Legislative items include special budget ordinances for grant fund acceptance and park staff positions, as well as several resolutions regarding sidewalk maintenance, public space activation, and various funding endorsements for housing and homelessness services.

The meetings covered a range of municipal business, including the interview of a nominee for the Ombuds Commission, briefings on upcoming agenda items such as vehicle purchases and contract increases, and the adoption of resolutions supporting a Spokane Transit Authority ballot initiative and amending Periodic Update Grant contracts. The council also held hearings on ordinances regarding off-premises alcohol outlets, approved various contracts for infrastructure projects like crosswalks, addressed municipal accounting and land use procedures in study sessions, and discussed housing and development barriers during a roundtable. Additionally, the finance committee reviewed quarterly reports and various budget ordinances, while other sessions focused on planning, comprehensive plan updates, and tax credit programs.

The council agenda includes discussions on various procurement items, such as the purchase of body armor for the police department, audio equipment replacement for the Fire Training Center, and contract amendments for community care coordination and police drone platforms. Additionally, the agenda covers the appointment of a new member to the Plan Commission, the review of final reading ordinances related to alcohol outlets near public assets and mobile food vending regulations, and the consideration of budget revisions and public works agreements.