This week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting began with an invocation, the pledge of allegiance and approval of the following meeting agenda. A motion to excuse Mayor Pam Haley and Councilmember Yaeger passed unanimously.
Special Presentation
Deputy Mayor Hattenburg presented the second You Rock! Community Recognition award to Ms. Jayne Singleton recognizing her significant contributions to our community. Learn more about the You Rock! program at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/YouRock.
Deputy Mayor Comments
Deputy Mayor Hattenburg expressed appreciation for the Spokane Valley Police Department and extended heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of all those impacted by Sunday’s tragedy in our community. This incident involved an armed robbery and carjacking, which led to excessive speeds, injuries, the death of an innocent person, and an officer-involved shooting of the suspect.
General Public Comments
Each week, community members can address Councilmembers for up to three minutes during the General Public Comment period, either at the beginning or end of each meeting, in-person or on Zoom.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The TIP is a plan of transportation projects to be implemented in the upcoming six years within Spokane Valley. After holding a public hearing and approval by the Council, the plan must be submitted to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Staff outlined the proposed 2026-2031 TIP:
- Bridge and Grade Separation Projects
- Intersection Improvement Projects
- Reconstruction and Preservation Projects
- Annual Arterial Preservation Projects
- Safety, Sidewalk, Trail and Stormwater Projects
- Projects to be completed in 2026
Members of the public shared comments and questions related to a few of the included projects. Responses to the public hearing comments were addressed by staff or council near the close of the public hearing.
ACTION ITEMS
2. Resolution 25-012: Approval of Draft 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
A motion to approve Resolution 25-012, adopting the 2026-2031 TIP as presented passed with 4 votes in favor and 1 vote against.
3. Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) Interlocal Agreement (ILA) Amendment
Staff reported that the City joined ALTCEW in 2019 and has had a Councilmember on their governing Board of Directors since that time to represent the interests of Spokane Valley. Councilmember Jessica Yaeger currently serves in this role. Although this does not apply to Spokane Valley’s seat on this board, recent congressional actions to the Older Americans Act prohibit ex officio (non-voting) advisory Councilmembers from serving on the board of directors for an area agency. This will necessitate minor revisions to the ILA, and all amendments to the ILA require approval from all participating members, which is why this item is before the Council.
A motion to approve Amendment No. 4 to the Interlocal Agreement for the Eastern Washington Area Agency on Aging in substantially the form presented passed with 4 votes in favor and 1 vote against.
NON-ACTION ITEMS
4. Spokane Transit Authority (STA) presentation: Argonne Station
Mr. Karl Otterstrom, STA Co-Interim CEO and Chief Planning and Development Officer and Mr. Dan Wells, STA Director of Capital Development, presented information about the I-90/Valley High Performance Transit Corridor and the proposed new Argonne Station.
5. Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance (LSWFA) Grant, 2025-2027 Biennium
Staff shared details about a Washington State Department of Ecology grant program which provides funding for planning and implementation for local solid and hazardous waste plan development and maintenance. The grant is non-competitive, reimbursement-based and requires a 25% match. In February 2025, the Council approved a motion for the City to apply for this grant, and for the 2025-2027 biennium, Spokane Valley’s share allocation is $158,576, and when combined with matching funds, the total available budget is $211,435. Recommended projects for 2025-2026 are:
- Homeless Encampment Response (estimated $40,000–$60,000 annually)
- Lithium Battery Fire Safety Storage Cabinet (approximately $30,000–$40,000 total)
Staff outlined the recommended phased approach, next steps and budget impacts. The Council reached consensus to bring this item back at a future date for a motion consideration.
6. Community Oriented Policing Services (C.O.P.S.) Hiring Program (CHP) Grant Opportunity for Police Hiring
The U.S. Department of Justice is currently accepting applications for the 2025 COPS CHP grant; the application deadline is July 1, 2025. If awarded in full, the 2025 grant would provide a maximum of $125,000 per new law enforcement officer, spread over a three-year period; there is a minimum 25% local match requirement. Spokane Valley applied for this grant in 2024 and was awarded $1.25 million, which is being applied to fund a portion of the ten additional police officer positions added in 2025. The City does not typically use grant funding for recurring expenses, but staff believe City Council’s priorities and goals related to public safety align well with the purposes of this grant. Staff will be seeking the Council’s approval to submit a grant application. The Council reached consensus to bring this item back at a future date for a motion consideration.
7. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JPRA) for Training within Spokane Valley
JPRA and 336 Training Group of the Air Force (collectively referred to as JPRA) approached the City requesting authorization to conduct personnel training within Spokane Valley. The training is part of military personnel training in specialized survival, evasion, resistance, and escape within urban environments. Staff have negotiated a MOU with JPRA for Council’s consideration, primarily to ensure thorough communication with the City about planned training events. Council reached consensus to bring the MOU with JPRA back at a future meeting for a motion consideration.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council moved into Executive Session to discuss the potential acquisition or sale of real estate. No action was taken upon return to open session.
About Spokane Valley City Council
City Council meetings occur most Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Spokane Valley City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, online via Zoom or Comcast channel 14. Meeting agendas and minutes are available at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/Agendas. Email the Council at CityCouncil@SpokaneValleyWA.gov or learn more at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/CityCouncil.
Stay Connected
Spokane Valley City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find information at SpokaneValleyWA.gov, sign up to receive email updates at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/SignUp, or follow the City on social media.