2023 amended State Legislative Agenda approved 12-20-2022
Approved by Council 12-20-2022
2023 Legislative Agenda
2023 State Legislative Agenda
10210 E Sprague Avenue Spokane Valley WA 99206
Phone: (509) 720-5000 Fax: (509) 720-5075 www.spokanevalley.org
FUNDING REQUEST
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 – local parks) grant award
for $500,000, ranked number 7 of 59 projects; and 2) Land Water
Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant award of $1 million ranked number
11 of 25 projects.
This project will expand the park to add a tennis court, six pickleball
courts, basketball courts, a community garden, shade structure and shade
trees, a new backstop, and more parking spaces to meet demand. This
phase will also expand the existing playground and splash pad, renovate
the disc golf course with a new a practice green and 3-hole introductory course, and pave the existing perimeter path.
SUPPORT REQUESTS
Support for Grants Awarded to the Performing Arts Center:
The City requests support 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 Baseball Stadiums: 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
Public safety is the City Council’s highest priority. 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 investments in alternative response teams, such as the City’s behavioral health and
homeless outreach co-responder models.
Increase resources to hire, train, and protect law enforcement officers.
2023 State Legislative Agenda
10210 E Sprague Avenue Spokane Valley WA 99206
Phone: (509) 720-5000 Fax: (509) 720-5075 www.spokanevalley.org
POLICY STATEMENTS CONTINUED
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
The City of Spokane Valley calls on the Legislature to provide relief to Washington’s taxpayers, as 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
supports proposals that honor local democracy and enhance the City’s role in the planning process. The 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.