2023 adopted State Legislative Agenda approved 11-15-2022
2023 Legislative Agenda
Approved by Council 11-15-2022
10210E Sprague AvenueSpokane Valley WA 99206
Phone: (509) 720-5000Fax: (509) 720-5075www.spokanevalley.org
FUNDING REQUESTS
Completing Pines Grade Separation: The City of Spokane Valley requests a $5 million state funding allocation to
the Pines Road Grade Separation project. This state allocation will match federal and local funds to fully fund the
project. Pines Road isone
key
transportation corridors,
carrying residential,
commercial, and industrial
traffic from Trent Avenue
(SR 290) across the
Spokane River toI-90. This
project will provide grade
separation at a crossing that
60 trains travel through
each day, blocking traffic
movements for nearly four
hours. Italso improves the intersection of two state highways,Pines Road (SR 27) and Trent Avenue (SR 290).
Grant Funding for Greenacres Park Phase 2: The City of Spokane
Valley requests that the Legislature fund the following two grants for
Phase 2 of Greenacres Park: 1) Washington Wildlife and Recreation
Program (WWRP) grant award for $500,000, ranked number 7 of 59
projects;and2) Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant award
of $1 million ranked number 11 of 25 projects.
This projectwill expand the park to adda tennis court, pickleball courts,
basketball courts, a community garden, and add new parking spacesand
more.
SUPPORTREQUESTS
Support for Grants Awarded to the Performing Arts Center: The
City requestssupport from the Legislature to fully fund: 1) a
$1,175,808 grant from the Youth Recreational Facilities (YRF)
program;and 2) a$1,848,577 grant from the Building for the Arts
program for a performing arts center in Spokane Valley.
These state grant awards will match private contributions to fund a
state-of-the art 59,000 square-foot performing arts center housing a
475-seat main stage, 200-seat flexible studio theater, acting
conservatory for area youth and event and business meeting space.
Support for Minor League BaseballStadiums: The City of Spokane Valley joins communities
throughout the State to request $24 million to upgrade publicly owned stadiums, including
Avista Stadium.State funding will be paired with local funding to upgrade stadiums throughout
the state to allow minor league baseball to maintain its strong presence in Washington.
POLICY STATEMENTS
PUBLIC SAFETY
The Spokane Valley City Council and its residents
support a commonsense and meaningful approach to public safety policies that protect lives and property
and do not erode trust in government. Examples include:
Make possession of controlled substances an arrestable offense, preferably a felony, and
increase funding for substance use treatment programs.
Re-establish a reasonable suspicion standard for when officers engage in vehicular pursuits.
Increase
homeless outreach co-responder models.
Increase resources to hire, train, and protect law enforcement officers.
REMOVE BARRIERS TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSING
In 2020, the City of Spokane Valley amended its zoning codes to allow high density residential structures
within one-half mile of frequent transit stops. Additionally, duplexes and accessory dwelling units are
allowed in many residential areas. The City calls on the state to remove other barriers to the construction
of housing, including but not limited to:
Revise condominium liability regulations.
Evaluate the impact of the state energy and building codes on the cost of construction.
Provide tax incentives.
AMEND STATE LAW REGARDING MUNICIPAL UTILITY TAXING AUTHORITY
The City of Spokane Valley requests that the Legislature clarify the conditions under which it is legal for
a municipality to impose utility taxes on revenues from a county wastewater treatment system.
TAX RELIEF
provided in other states.
LOCAL DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY
A foundational belief for the Spokane Valley City Council and the citizens they represent is that the most
effective level of government is the one closest to the people. As such, the Council urges the Legislature
to respect local decision-making. Some examples include management of right-of-way and land use
decisions.
PROTECT AND RESTORE LOCAL STATE-SHARED REVENUES
The City of Spokane Valley requests that the Legislature protect and enhance local state-shared revenues
to allow the City to deliver vital services to its residents. These funds include the Liquor Excise Tax
Account, Liquor Board Profits, Municipal Criminal Justice Assistance Account, City-County Assistance
Account, and Marijuana Revenues.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT POLICIES
The City of Spokane Valley will monitor proposals to make changes to the Growth Management Act and
City encourages the state to allocate adequate funding to cities to effectively implement planning
directives from the state.
The City supports AWC legislative agenda items that serve the best interests of Spokane Valley.