HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026, 01-20 Formal B MeetingMINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Meeting
Formal B Format
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Mayor Padden called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. The meeting was held in person by Council and staff in
Council Chambers, and also remotely via Zoom meeting.
Attendance:
Councilmembers
Staff
Laura Padden, Mayor
John Hohman, City Manager
Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor
Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager
Pam Haley, Councilmember
Robert Blegen, Public Works Director
Michael Kelly, Councilmember
Kelly Konkright, City Attorney
Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember
Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy City Attorney
Al Merkel, Councilmember
Chelsie Walls, Finance Director
Dave Ellis, Police Chief
Absent:
Jill Smith, Communications Manager
Ben Wick, Councilmember
Virgina Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator
Mike Basinger, Community & Econ. Dev. Director
John Whitehead, HR Director
Adam Jackson, Engineering Manager
Justan Kinsel, IT Specialist
Patricia Rhoades, Deputy City Clerk
INVOCATION: Ron Armstrong with Journey Church provided the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council, staff and the audience stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Deputy City Clerk Rhoades called roll; all Councilmembers were present except
Councilmember Wick. It was moved by Councilmember Yaeger seconded and unanimously agreed to excuse
Councilmember Wick.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously
agreed to approve the agenda.
SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS:
PROCLAMATIONS: Community Risk Reduction Week
Mayor Padden read the proclamation and Captain Joe Cushner and Deputy Chief Karl Cantrell with the
Spokane Valley Fire Department accepted the proclamation.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After the Mayor explained the process, she invited
public comments. No comments were provided.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. First Reading: Franchise Ordinance 26-001 Forged Fiber 37. LLC — Tonv Beattie
Deputy City Clerk Rhoades read the title of the Ordinance and then it leas moved by Deputy Mayor
Hattenburg, seconded to approve to advance Franchise Ordinance 26-001, granting a ten-year
telecommunications franchise to Forged Fiber 37, LLC, to a Second Reading. Mr. Beattie provided details
on the Franchise application and the process for the new franchise/ordinance, background on the franchise,
and requirements on the current franchise being proposed. Council discussed the increased bond amount,
the pavement cut policy that currently stands as well, and the timeframe on the warranty or the project work.
Council Meeting Minutes: 01-20-2026 Page I of 5
Approved by Council: 02-10-2026
Mayor Padden invited public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor. -
Unanimous. Opposed.- None. Motion carried.
2. Motion Consideration: AWC CQC Application Selection — Erik Lamb Councilmember Wick
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to confirm the nomination of Ms. Chloe Nelsonfor
the AWC Center for Quality Communities Scholarship. Mr. Lamb provided details on the AWC Center for
Quality Communities Scholarship Nomination and noted that Ms. Chloe Nelson was the only timely
candidate. He noted that she is going to school to become a Medical Examiner and that she volunteers for
numerous organizations within the community. Mayor Padden invited public comments; no comments were
offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed- None. Motion carried.
3. Motion Consideration: Potential Grant Opportunity BUILD Program - Adam Jackson
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to authorize the City Manager or designee, to apply
for the BUILD Fiscal Year 2026 grant for the Sullivan & Trent Interchange Project in the amount of
$24,959,696. Mr. Jackson provided a brief overview of the grant opportunity and noted that there had not
been any changes from the previous presentation. Mayor Padden invited public comments. John Harding,
Spokane Valley; Ben Lund, Spokane Valley provided comments. Council commented on the current
roundabout design and City Manager Hohman noted that the surrounding businesses were looking forward
to the project. Vote by acclaination: infavor: Mayor Padden, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councihnembers
Yaeger, Kelly and Haley. Opposed.- Councilineinber Merkel. Motion carried
4. Motion Consideration: Potential Grant Opportunity FMSIB - Adam Jackson
It was inoved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to authorize the City Manager or designee to apply
to the FMSIB call for projects as identified in the Table in the RCA. Mr. Jackson provided a brief overview
of the grant opportunity and noted that there had not been any changes in the projects from the previous
presentation and that the projects included the Sullivan/Trent Interchange, the Barker/1-90 Interchange and
the Argonne/1-90 Interchange. Mayor Padden invited public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by
acclaination: in favor.- Mayor Padden, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councihnembers Yaeger, Kelly and
Haley. Opposed.- Councilineinber Merkel. Motion carried
5. Motion Consideration: Potential Grant Opportunity NHFP - Adam Jackson
It was inoved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to authorize the City Manager or designee to apply
to the NHFP call for projects for the Sullivan/Trent Interchange project and the Barker/I-90 Interchange
project. Mr. Jackson provided a brief overview of the grant opportunity and noted that there had not been
any changes from the previous presentation. Mayor Padden invited public comments; no comments were
offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor .- Mayor Padden, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councihnembers Yaeger,
Kelly and Haley. Opposed: Councihnember Merkel. Motion carried.
6. Motion Consideration: ILA w/ Spokane County RE: Commute Trip Reduction — Adam Jackson
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to authorize the execution of the 2025-202 7 Interlocal
Agreement for Spokane County Commute Trip Reduction Services. Mr. Jackson provided brief details on the
ILA. Mayor Padden invited public comments. John Harding, Spokane Valley provided comments. Vote by
acclaination: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed.- None. Motion carried.
NON -ACTION ITEMS:
7. Admin Report: Crypto Currency Discussion — Caitlin Prun1y, Chief Ellis Sergeant Bloomer
Police Chief Dave Ellis, Sergeant Bloomer, and City Attorney Konkright presented a PowerPoint
presentation on Cryptocurrency that included details on the definition of cryptocurrency, the fraud trends,
the victim impact of cryptocurrency ATMs in Spokane Valley and the regulation and potential penalties.
Sergeant Bloomer noted that this is virtual currency and is more difficult to track. The police can usually go
to a bank and track transactions, but it is not the same with cryptocurrency. Sergeant Bloomer also discussed
victim impacts: 1. Spokane Valley had a victim that lost over $300,000.00 to a cryptocurrency scam and
later committed suicide; 2. 83 year old victim called a number that appeared on their computer screen and
withdrew $25,000 and deposited it in a Bitcoin kiosk; 3. job task scam, a victim sent $5,640.00 to the crypto
Council Meeting Minutes: 01-20-2026 Page 2 of 5
Approved by Council: 02-10-2026
account; they presented more examples. They showed the warning and caution signs on the machines and
stated that there are estimated to be 20 locations in Spokane Valley. City Attorney Konkright looked at the
options the City has to regulate these kiosks. 1. A class 1 civil infraction - non -criminal, preponderance of
the evidence, issued by law enforcement and prosecuted in District Court, max penalty $250.00, would
recommend pairing with revocation of business license; 2. Misdemeanor - Criminal, maximum penalty if a
gross misdemeanor carries a maximum of 90 days and $1,000, if a gross misdemeanor carries a maximum
364 days and $5,000, beyond a reasonable doubt, issued by law enforcement and prosecuted in District
Court, would recommend pairing with revocation of business license and options set up for repeat offenders;
3. Spokane Code - unlawful for any person/entity to host/allow/operate/permit/locate/place a virtual currency
kiosk within the city of Spokane, must remove existing kiosk within 60 days, violations may result in a class
1 civil infraction issued to the virtual currency kiosk operator, the city of Spokane may cancel or revoke the
business license or registration. Council discussed the crimes that are committed, education of the
community, the location of the kiosks, and the fees associated with the kiosks. Council provided consensus
to allow staff return at a later meeting with an ordinance regarding regulations on the kiosks and the
cryptocurrency.
8. Admin Report: Task Force Update - Erik Lamb
Deputy City Manager Lamb provided an update on the Safe and Healthy Spokane Regional Task Force. Mr.
Lamb explained that he has attended three meetings so far and this is an update from the January 8, 2026
meeting. Key themes: Crisis response systems; courts and justice partners committed to reform, reentry
services are inconsistent and under resourced, housing is key, workforce shortages, data systems are
incompatible and fragmented. Opportunities: Creating fully integrated crisis response continuum, develop
post arrest diversion systems for all county, strengthen reentry and transition services, build a robust
treatment continuum, create sustainable supportive housing network, implement data -sharing agreements,
expand workforce pipelines. Subcommittees include A. Prevention and Crisis Response; B. Custody
Strategies and Courts; C. Reentry, Discharge and Community Corrections; D. Facilities, Infrastructure and
Systems Coordination. These subcommittees are set to begin work in February. Mr. Lamb is concerned
about the timeline; he expressed this at the meeting and to City Manager Hohman. City Manager Hohman
passed these concerns on as well. Mr. Lamb was asked to be a co-chair of Subcommittee C along with
Maggie Yates. There are two new dashboards; the dashboards provide near real-time data and information
about jail usage, pre-trial services, and prosecution. Council discussed the potential of a new jail,
accountability on the subcommittees, and goals for the task force. City Manager Hohman noted that this task
force got started after the measure failed. Anyone who has taken a tour of the jail knows the condition and
the need for more space. He also noted what it looks like when you compare treatment facilities verses
incarceration. They also spoke about the need to look at the legislation as well.
9. Admin Report: Legislative Update - Virginia Clough
Ms. Clough, Chief Ellis, and Mr. Lamb gave an update on the 2026 Legislative Session and some of the
select bills that are coming forward. Mr. Lamb spoke about FLOCK cameras and then Chief Ellis further
elaborated on a bill that affects public safety. Ms. Clough noted that there was a hearing on the bill that they
are continuing to gather information to submit comments. Mayor Padden suggested to sign in as other and
provide comments. Mr. Lamb providing details on another bill listed as modernizing and strengthening laws
concerning Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, Town Marshalls, and others and noted that they have weighed in as con
on one of the bills already. Chief Ellis explained portions of those bills as well. Council provided feedback
regarding the bills. Mr. Lamb continued with additional bills that related that e-bicycles and e-moto bikes
and their regulations. Council asked if the information regarding the weekly updates on the legislation was
on the website and Ms. Clough noted that currently it is not listed on the website, but if council desired, she
would work with the communications department to get it added weekly. Council provided consensus to add
the information to the website weekly. Mr. Lamb spoke about a bill that had to do with short term rentals
and imposing a 6% tax on the rentals for the state for affordable housing. After much discussion, council
consensus was to weigh in as Con on the bill. Mr. Lamb gave details on additional bills regarding transitional
housing, emergency shelters, and emergency housing. He noted that these bills could impact on what
neighborhoods look like. HB2266 and SB6069 are expanding the various types of housing and are critical
to our community. Comments have been provided and will continue to gather comments and monitor the
Council Meeting Minutes: 01-20-2026 Page 3 of 5
Approved by Council: 02-10-2026
bills. Mr. Lamb also gave an update on the homeless bill of rights bill and that it has come back and noted
that is prohibits cities from enacting public camping laws/rules/ordinances — as previously noted as the Boise
v Martin. The bill is HB2489 and the city will be weighing is as con on the bill. The last bill that Mr. Lamb
and Ms. Clough spoke about was the Keeping Families Together Act, HB 1092 maintaining the safety of
children. Council discussed the strong wording needed in the bill and the need for support on the bill.
INFORMATION ONLY: (will not be reported or discussed)
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: Mayor Padden stated that the general public
comment rules still apply and called for public comments. Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; John Harding,
Spokane Valley; Joseph Ghodsee, Spokane Valley provided comments.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Kelly spoke about being new to this process and appreciates the patience that everyone has
had. He noted that there are some complex and complicated issues and appreciates the additional
opportunities to gather information on the issues.
Councilmember Merkel addressed multiple topics that included the STA bus crash and said it was a huge
$2M waste of tax payer money and call for accountability for the organization, had the interesting experience
to sit next to Matt Shea on a plane and gave him comments on the city, expressed a personal vision for the
city and noted that public safety must come first and also means correct tracking and respect tax payers with
performance based contracts.
Councilmember Yaeger stated she will be in Olympia next week, so she won't be in attendance next week.
She also noted that there is no secret that she is a conservative, and there is a group on FB called the
"Conservative Ladies of Washington" and she would encourage people to speak up and be involved in the
community.
Councilmember Haley spoke about the STA bus incident and noted that there is an ongoing investigation
and explained why there is a double-decker bus, the cost of the bus, the reasoning for the purchase of the
bus.
Deputy Mayor Hattenburg thanked councilmember Haley for providing the bus update and had nothing else
to speak about.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Padden noted that we have done some state bashing tonight and may have a bit more. She noted that
here in the state of Washington, we have the highest minimum wage in the nation, there are many layoffs,
the price of gas is $0.70 or more, higher than our neighbor Idaho, and businesses are leaving the state. This
all affects our community and our residents, all the increases hurt our residents, and the state unfunded
mandates applied to us from the state impacts all of us. She closed with ending on a positive note and noted
with all of that we are working hard in the City of Spokane Valley to make life better for our residents. We
have created a business -friendly environment despite the changes, the staff provides top notch services,
speedy and efficient permitting process, fees and licensing are generally lower than surrounding
jurisdictions, the economic development team has worked hard to promote the Valley, and the tourism
development projects are in full swing. We have many new businesses that have come to the Valley and a
lot of expansion projects on existing businesses.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Hohman let Council and the public know that next week's meeting will be taken up with an
Executive Session to discuss potential real estate acquisition.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn at 8: 50p. in.
Council Meeting Minutes: 01-20-2026 Page 4 of 5
Approved by Council: 02-10-2026
A EST: v
\ Laura Padden, Mayor
Mar ' Patterson, CityClerk \J
Council Meeting Minutes: 01-20-2026 Page 5 of 5
Approved by Council: 02-10-2026
vtocramation
City of Spokane vaffey, Washington
Community Risk Reduction Week
Whereas, every 23 seconds, a fire department in the United States responds to a fire somewhere
in the nation; and
Whereas, fires nationally were responsible for 3,670 civilian deaths and 79% of these fatalities
in 2023 occurred in the home; and
Whereas, fires nationally were responsible for 13,350 civilian injuries and 77% of these
injuries in 2023 were also related to fires in the home; and
Whereas, an estimated $23.2 billion in property damage nationally occurred as a result of fire in
2023,-and
Whereas, wildland/urban interface (WUl) related fires remain a concern nationwide with
multibillion -dollar losses as a result in 2023.; and
Whereas, the fire service responds to a growing number of medical calls for service, surpassing
80% of total call volume in some jurisdictions, and
Whereas, Community Risk Reduction is a data -informed process to identify and prioritize local
risks, followed by integrated and strategic investment of resources to reduce their occurrence
and impact; and
Whereas, the value of community support from local, state, and national partners to address
community risks is recognized to meet the demands on paid, combination, and volunteer
members of the fire service; and
Whereas, the goal of Community Risk Reduction is to reduce the occurrence and impact of
emergency events for both community members and emergency responders through deliberate
action in the areas of the five E's of Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Emergency response,
and Economic incentive; and
Whereas, most fire -related and many medical calls for service are preventable, with the
five E's performed as part of an integrated Community Risk Reduction program; and
Whereas, Monday, January 19, 2026, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and is nationally recognized
as a National Day of Service and an opportunity for communities to reduce the risk in their
community through a series of educational and other programs.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
That the week of January 19, 2026 — January 26, 2026, be designated as
CRR Week
a grassroots initiative of fire service professionals across the nation to raise awareness of the
importance of CRR in the fire service community and an opportunity to make communities safer.
Dated this 20th day of January 2026.
�Zh_46 (;
Laura Padden, Mayor
Spokane
jValley-
Memorandum
10210 E Sprague Avenue ❑ Spokane Valley WA 99206
Phone: (509) 720-5000 ❑ www.SpokaneValleyWA.gov
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator
Date: January 20, 2026
Re: Gordon Thomas Honeywell — Government Relations
Legislative Report — Jan. 18, 2026
Please find attached Gordon Thomas Honeywell's second weekly legislative report of the
2026 session.
This report recaps the Governor's State of the State address with his priorities of investing
in infrastructure, reforming the state's tax system to make it fairer and addressing the
housing crisis. The Republican response was that this agenda leans too heavily on higher
taxes at a time when affordability is of increasing concern and causing more strain on
Washington families.
Legislative leaders announced they do not plan to advance either of the two Let's Go
Washington initiatives and those are instead likely headed to the voters in November.
These initiatives include (IL26-001) seeking to repeal recent legislative changes to
parental rights laws, and the other (I1-26-638) banning trans girls from female sports, both
targeting issues related to student privacy, LGBTQ+ students, and transgender athletes.
This week's report highlights a number of work sessions held by the Legislature on topics
including Comprehensive Planning, Water Conservation, Washington Zoning Atlas and
Local Highway Preservation Needs. Links to the videos are included in the report.
The House and Senate each held hearings on various bills including the Governor's
supplemental Operating, Capital and Transportation budget proposals. In the following
weeks, the Legislature will develop its own approach to balancing the state budget and
submit a final budget to the Governor to be signed into law at the end of the 2026
Legislative Session.
Legislative Items:
The report highlights the upcoming Olympia trip with two full days of meeting and I expect
a detailed agenda this week. Additionally, the city's formal budget request for the Balfour
Park lighting and audio equipment was submitted earlier this month.
This week's report provides a summary of some key bills with hearings last week as well
some happening this week. Last week, we signed in on 19 bills with a few hearings moved
to a later date and we provided input on several more.
As of today, we've signed in on 13 bills this week with more under review to determine
possible impacts. While in Olympia, Councilmember Wick is testifying in person in
opposition today on HB 2266 (STEP Housing in all zones except industrial areas) and HB
2489 (Establishing statewide standards for when local governments may enforce laws
regulating the use of public space for life -sustaining activities aka "Homeless Bill of
Rights".)
E
GORDON THOMAS HONEYWELL
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
City of Spokane Valley
Legislative Report
January 18, 2026
SESSION CUTOFF CALENDAR
February 4, 2026
Policy Committee Deadline
February 9, 2026
Fiscal Committee Deadline
February 17, 2026
Chamber -of -Origin Deadline
February 25, 2026
Opposite Chamber Policy Committee Deadline
March 2, 2026
Opposite Chamber Fiscal Committee Deadline
March 6, 2026
Opposite Chamber Deadline
March 12, 2026
Session adjourns - Sine Die
Weekly Overview
The Washington State Legislature convened on Monday, January 12 to begin the 2026
legislative session. This is a short 60-day session and is the second half of the two-year
biennium.
On Tuesday, Governor Ferguson gave his first State of the State address. He opened by
acknowledging the courage shown during December's historic flooding, praising first
responders and communities for stepping up in the face of adversity. Looking ahead to the 60-
day legislative session, Ferguson called for action to invest in infrastructure, reform the state's
tax system to make it fairer, and address the housing crisis. The Governor outlined proposals he
supports, including a ban on masked law enforcement without visible identification and a new
millionaires' tax. He highlighted past bipartisan successes, noting that half of last session's
cross -party bills became law, including bills that improve public safety, support climate -smart
agriculture, and protect vulnerable children.
Ferguson also pointed to executive actions already underway, such as streamlining permit and
license processing and helping students complete FAFSA forms to access higher education. He
closed with a call to lawmakers to "create history" by laying a strong foundation for future
generations, reinforcing his belief that Washingtonians are active participants in shaping the
state's legacy.
Republican leadership pushed back against this address, stating that the Governor's agenda
leans too heavily on higher taxes at a time when affordability is of increasing concern and
contributing mounting strain on Washingtonian families. Click here to listen to Republican
leaders comments on Washington House Republican Radio.
Legislative leaders announced that they do not plan to advance either of the two Let's Go
Washington initiatives, meaning they will not be heard or acted on and are instead likely
headed to the November ballot for voters to decide. The two "Let's Go Washington" initiatives
aim to give parents more control in schools and restrict transgender girls from girls' sports, with
one initiative (IL26-001) seeking to repeal recent legislative changes to parental rights laws, and
the other (IL26-638) banning trans girls from female sports, both targeting issues related to
student privacy, LGBTQ+ students, and transgender athletes.
Throughout the week, the Legislature held work sessions on a variety of topics that impact local
government:
• Comprehensive Planning Work Session — On January 12, the Senate Local Government
Committee heard presentations on climate resiliency guidance and comprehensive plan
updates. The City of Redmond presented on comprehensive planning, highlighting the
need for clearer, more consistent guidance in statutes and across agencies. Click here to
watch the presentation on TVW.
• Water Conservation Work Session — On January 13, the House Agriculture & Natural
Resources Committee heard a presentation from the Ruckelshaus Center on water
conservation within municipalities; tiered utility rates, mandated lawn irrigation
standards, and desert landscaping were mentioned as conservation approaches. The
report recommends that statewide water planning is needed; regional efforts could be
replicated statewide. Click here to watch the presentation on TVW.
• Washington Zoning Atlas Work Session — On January 14, the House Local Government
Committee heard a presentation and brief demonstration from the Department of
Commerce (Commerce) on the Washington State Zoning Atlas (WAZA), a statewide
zoning map that allows you to compare zoning codes across jurisdictions. Click here to
watch the presentation on TVW.
• Local Highway Preservation Needs — On January 15, the Senate Transportation
Committee heard a presentation from AWC, the Transportation Improvement Board,
Snohomish County and the County Road Administration Board on local highway
preservation needs. According to AWC, in a member -wide survey completed in 2025,
maintenance and preservation were the top transportation needs. The Association
highlighted that cities lack basic funding to preserve city roadways. Click here to watch
the presentations on TVW.
In addition to work sessions, the House of Representatives and Senate held public hearings on
various bills, including Governor Ferguson's supplemental Operating, Capital, and
Transportation budget proposals. In the following weeks, the Legislature will develop its own
approach to balancing the state budget and submit a final budget to the Governor to be signed
into law at the end of the 2026 Legislative Session.
Operating Budget Proposal: Click here to view the Office of Financial Management's
presentation on the proposal. House Bill 2289/Senate Bill 5998 seeks to address the
roughly $2.3 billion shortfall over the next two years, driven by caseload/inflation,
federal HR1 changes, reduced revenue forecast, and a low ending fund balance. To
address this issue, the proposal includes $800 million in spending reductions, shifts (e.g.,
Working Families Tax Credit to Climate Commitment Account, Public Works Assistance
Account sweeps, capital -gains flow change), the use of about $1 billion from the Budget
Stabilization Account, the decision not to fully balance the 4-year outlook under the
exception in the balanced budget law, and key policy choices including childcare caps,
health and higher-ed reductions, wildfire, housing, child welfare, healthcare, and
administrative reductions.
Capital: Click here to view the Office of Financial Management's presentation on the
proposal. As a reminder, the capital budget funds long-term assets (schools, parks,
buildings) primarily through borrowed money (bonds) and dedicated funds. Senate Bill
6003 House Bill 2295 issues nearly $400 million in new bonds and proposes investing
$225 million in the Housing Trust Fund while also sweeping the Public Works Assistance
Account by $75 million.
Transportation: Click here to view the Office of Financial Management's presentation on
the proposal. Senate Bill 6005/House Bill 2306 generates $3.1 billion by bonding existing
transportation revenues to invest in preservation and maintenance. Without additional
investments in preservation, WSDOT does not plan to complete any pavement
preservation projects this summer. Additional investments include purchasing 3
additional ferries, allocating $2.2 million for a Local Road Grant Program through the
County Road Administration Board, restoring funding to the Regional Mobility Grant
Program, and $5 million in increased funding for encampment removal. Approval of
bonds to support these investments will require approval from 2/3 of each legislative
chamber.
The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is hard at work advocating for its members. As
such, we will continue to share their resources in addition to the city's tailored reporting. We
encourage you to reference the AWC Legislative Bulletin which is posted online weekly and
includes updates on hot -topic bills related to cities and how AWC plans to weigh in.
Legislative Agenda Items
Spokane Valley Hill Day — On January 28th and 29th the Mayor, City Council, and City staff will
be in Olympia to engage directly with legislators and advocate for the City's legislative priorities
for the 2026 session. The GTH-GOV team has proactively reached out to key committee
members to schedule meetings on behalf of the city, ensuring opportunities to discuss and
advance the City's key priorities. Additionally, the GTH-GOV team has organized a dinner later
in the evening of the 28th with the City and the City's legislative delegation. Detailed
information regarding the City's Hill Day activities, including the schedule and agenda, will be
shared in advance.
Balfour Park: The City asks the Legislature for $250,000 to provide lighting for basketball and
pickleball courts and audio equipment within Balfour Park that will be under construction in
2026. The funding request form for this project has been submitted.
Kratom Consumer Protection Act: House Bill 2291, sponsored by Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-30tn
LD), creates a comprehensive licensing, testing, packaging, and taxation framework for kratom
processors and retailers, including an excise tax dedicated to youth regulated substance
prevention. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a public hearing.
Other Policy Issues
Housing Affordability
Religious Property Housing Density Bonuses: Senate Bill 5885, sponsored by Sen. Marcus
Riccelli (D-3rd LD), and companion legislation, House Bill 1859, sponsored by Rep. Osman
Salahuddin (D-48th LD), modify an existing law that requires cities and counties to grant density
bonuses for affordable housing on religious organization property. Current law requires 100
percent of units to serve low-income households; the Senate bill proposes reducing that to
twenty percent of units while the most recent version of the House bill proposes reducing that
to fifty percent of units, with the option for local jurisdictions to adopt a higher percentage. The
Senate Housing Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5885 on January 14, and the
House Finance Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1859 on January 15; the Senate
Housing Committee is scheduled to hold an executive session on Senate Bill 5885 on January
21.
Affordable Housing Revenue Flexibility: Senate Bill 6027, sponsored by Sen. Emily Alvarado (D-
West Seattle), and House Bill 2359, sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson (D-Edmonds), allows
existing affordable housing revenues to support acquisition, rehabilitation, and long-term
operation of affordable housing, with explicit caps on administrative and supplanting uses and a
stronger prioritization of very low-income households. The Senate Housing Committee held a
public hearing on January 16 on Senate Bill 6027 and has scheduled an executive session for
January 21. The sponsor of the bill clarified that it does not create new taxing authority but
updates existing local and state housing tools so jurisdictions can use them to preserve and
operate existing affordable housing in the face of rising costs and federal funding volatility,
particularly by allowing House Bill 1406 and House Bill 1590 revenues and state operating and
maintenance funds to cover ongoing operations, maintenance, and rehab to avoid losing hard-
won units.
Local Decision -Making Authority
Neighborhood Cafes: House Bill 1175, sponsored by Rep. Mark Klicker (R-16th LD), mandates
that cities and towns allow "neighborhood stores" and "neighborhood cafes" in any zone
permitting residential uses, subject to conditions such as parking regulations, hours of
operation, and maximum square footage. Cafes serving alcohol must also offer food, and stores
and cafes in residential zones may not display products or advertising visible from the street for
items illegal to sell to individuals under 21, with neighborhood stores further prohibited from
GTH-GOV 4
selling nicotine products. The bill establishes a phased implementation timeline for cities,
exempts related regulatory actions from environmental review under the State Environmental
Policy Act (SEPA), and, as amended, exempts cities with a population less than 5,000 that share
a contiguous urban growth area with the county's largest city in counties over 275,000 in
population from the siting requirement. The bill was considered last session, and because of the
progress the bill made through the 2025 session, was able to be voted by the House of
Representatives without a committee public hearing. House passed the bill on January 15 by a
vote of 94-2 and it will next be referred to a Senate committee for consideration.
Residential Required to Be Allowed in Commercial Zones: House Bill 2480, sponsored by
Rep. Chipalo Street (D-Seattle), and Senate Bill 6026, sponsored by Sen. Emily Alvarado (D-West
Seattle), is Governor -request legislation. It requires jurisdictions with a population of 30,000 or
more that plan under the Growth Management Act to permit residential uses in commercial
and mixed -use zones, and removes the authority for a local jurisdiction to require ground -floor
retail or other mixed -use elements, or to condition residential projects in commercial zones on
special or conditional use permits or design departures, subject to specified exceptions for
industrial, refinery -adjacent, shoreline, critical areas, and similar locations. The Senate Housing
Committee held a public hearing on SB 6026 on January 16, and the committee is scheduled to
vote on the bill in executive session on Wednesday January 21.
Miscellaneous
Permit Review Streamlining: House Bill 2418, sponsored by Rep. Davina Duerr (D-Bothell),
standardizes and accelerates project permit review for residential housing in urban growth
areas by vesting applications to the rules in effect at completeness, imposing coordinated
timelines, and requiring fee refunds when deadlines are missed. The bill also mandates
integrated permit processes by June 30, 2027, a single permit responsible official who must also
coordinate State Environmental Policy Act review when the local government is the lead
agency, and parallel timing and refund obligations for utilities and special purpose districts
involved in permitting. The House Local Government Committee held a public hearing on
January 16. The sponsor shared that this bill is a follow-on to earlier permit -timelines legislation
developed collaboratively with housing developers and city staff to improve permitting by
extending timelines to all reviewing agencies and creating a single final permit decision -maker
and point of contact. The Building Industry Association of Washington and the Commercial Real
Estate Development Association testified in support of the bill, while the Washington State
Association of Counties, Futurewise, and Soundbuilt Homes testified in opposition. After the
hearing, Rep. Duerr commented that there is broad agreement amongst builders and local
governments. The Futurewise testimony against the vesting language gave Rep. Duerr clear
direction to change that part of the bill while moving forward with the widely supported
permit -coordination and timeline provisions. The bill is scheduled to be voted on by the
committee on January 23.
PFML Premium Rate Methodology: Senate Bill 5292, sponsored by Sen. Steve Conway (D-
Tacoma), replaces the current formula -based approach to calculating Paid Family and Medical
Leave (PFML) premiums with actuarially determined rates aimed at ensuring long-term
GTH-GOV 5
solvency and establishing a three-month reserve starting in 2030. The bill also revises reporting
timelines and requirements for the Office of Actuarial Services, with an effective date of
January 1, 2027. The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee held a public hearing on Friday
January 16. The sponsor of the bill shared that the bill is intended to stabilize PFML funding
using the same forward -looking actuarial methodology used for state pensions. The Building
Industry Association of Washington and the Association of Washington Business testified in
support, urging the committee to maintain the bill in its current, narrow form to avoid diving
into other PFML policy.
Public Safety & Behavioral Health
Law Enforcement Facial Covering Restrictions: Senate Bill 5855, sponsored by Sen. Javier
Valdez (D-46th LID), and House Bill 2173, sponsored by Rep. Julio Cortes (D-38th LID), prohibit
law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings during public interactions, while
allowing limited exceptions for undercover work and SWAT protective gear, and authorizing
civil actions for violations. On January 13, the Senate Law & Justice Committee held a public
hearing on Senate Bill 5855, and the House Community Safety Committee held a public hearing
on House Bill 2173. There was a mix of testimony for and against the bill at both hearings, and
AWC shared concerns about the uncapped private cause of action against officers in their
official capacity, which would translate into potentially unlimited civil liability and costs for
cities under tight budgets unless some cap or different enforcement mechanism is added; on
January 15, an amended version of the Senate Bill was voted out of committee on a party -line
vote of 5-4 as a first substitute, and House Bill 2173 is scheduled for executive session in the
House Community Safety Committee on January 22.
Accident Risk Zones: House Bill 2174, sponsored by Rep. Mark Klicker (R-Walla Walla), and
Senate Bill 6066, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres (R-Pasco), empowers local jurisdictions and
WSDOT to create accident risk zones on high -incident roads. Within the zone, the jurisdiction
may double certain traffic penalties with notice, and reinvest a share of revenues into
enforcement, signage, and safety upgrades before ultimately dissolving the zones when
conditions improve. The Senate Local Government Committee held a public hearing on Senate
Bill 6066 on January 15. The sponsor shared that constituents brought the bill forward due to a
high number of severe and fatal crashes on US-395 in Franklin County, especially where
passenger vehicles cross the highway. The bill gives authorities a structured tool to designate
high -risk areas, focus enforcement and safety measures, and fund improvements. AWC, the
Association of Counties, City of Pasco and several other entities testified in support. The
Association emphasized the importance of improved traffic safety and appreciates that it is a
local option, but raised concerns about implementation details and potential liability for cities
that designate zones. AWC has asked for clarifying amendments before the bill advances. The
committee is scheduled to vote on the bill on January 19. The House Local Government
Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on HB 2174 on January 21 and an executive
session on January 23.
Emergency Responders Protection from Obstruction: House Bill 2351, sponsored by Rep. Lisa
GTH-GOV 6
Parshley (D-22nd LD), broadens the crime of obstructing a law enforcement officer to cover
obstruction of any emergency responder. The bill also restricts state and local agencies from
using resources to enforce federal actions that target emergency responders based solely on
race, religion, immigration or citizenship status, or national or ethnic origin, and requires local
policy updates by January 2027. The House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Committee held a public hearing on January 16. Rep. Parshley spoke to the bill and described it
as a collaborative, no-nonsense public safety measure requested by counties and firefighters to
ensure that during emergencies, incident command is not undermined and responders are not
intimidated or delayed by unrelated enforcement. Thurston County Commissioner, Pierce
County Council, Jefferson County, and others testified in support, noting it as legislation that
will keep communities safe and protect emergency responders. The Washington Association of
Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Association of Washington Cities, Washington Defender Association
& Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified "other" with language
concerns and emphasized that the incidents this bill is trying to address have only involved
federal, not state or local, officers and warned that this could have unintended consequences.
There was no testimony in opposition. The bill is scheduled to be voted on by the Committee on
January 23.
Indigent Defense Task Force: Senate Bill 5912, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres (R-15th LD),
reinstates and updates a statewide indigent defense task force, originally created in 1988-89, to
evaluate how Washington provides, funds, and staffs legal representation for people who
cannot afford counsel, including in rural and underserved areas. The task force must report
recommendations to the Governor, Supreme Court, and Legislature by January 1, 2028, will
expire on June 30, 2029, and will be staffed by the Office of Public Defense. The Senate Law &
Justice Committee held a public hearing on January 13 and on January 15 voted 9-0 to advance
a first substitute bill out of committee, after which the sponsor shared that the task force will
formalize ongoing informal work on statewide shortages of public defenders and prosecutors
that are harming the courts and people awaiting counsel, and emphasized that OPD will staff
the group so it should have minimal or no fiscal impact; WSAC, OPD, Washington Defender
Association, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, several tribes, and others all
testified in support of the bill, and no one testified in opposition.
Law Enforcement Qualifications: Senate Bill 5974, sponsored by Sen. John Lovick (D-Mill
Creek), standardizes eligibility, certification, and background investigation requirements for
sheriffs, police chiefs, town marshals, volunteers, cadets, and police matrons. The Senate Law &
Justice Committee held a public hearing on January 15. As a former state trooper and county
sheriff, the sponsor of the bill shared that this legislation intends to clarify what happens when
a leader loses certification, and framed it as continuing to build trust between law enforcement
and communities. There was a mix of those testifying in support, such as the Washington
Council of Police and Sheriffs, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and those in opposition,
such as the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs, and several county sheriff
departments. Those in support shared that chiefs and sheriffs should be held accountable at
the same level as the officers they lead. Those in opposition emphasized that decertification
provisions effectively let an unelected governor -appointed commission remove duly elected
GTH-GOV 7
sheriffs, making them the only elected officials subject to such removal and eroding voters'
voice and trust in government. AWC shared concerns, focusing on section 7 of the bill that
creates restrictions on police volunteers. AWC argued there is no evidence of significant misuse
of volunteers, that volunteers provide cost savings and valuable non -adversarial engagement,
and that broad prohibitions on using 'surveillance technologies' or 'sharing information from
databases' could bar benign tasks such as monitoring lobby cameras or helping with
administrative data work, and also conflict with volunteer provisions passed in House Bill 2015
last session. The bill is scheduled to be voted out of committee on January 22.
Reducing Cost Through Reform
JLARC Lodging Tax Reporting Reduction: Senate Bill 5879, sponsored by Sen. Keith Wagoner (R-
39th LID), and its companion legislation, House Bill 2120, sponsored by Rep. Gerry Pollet (D-46th
LID) eliminates the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee's (JLARC) biennial reporting on
lodging tax revenues and removes JLARC's statutory review and evaluation duties for the state
training benefits program, while leaving underlying program structures and other agency
reporting requirements in place. The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee
held a public hearing on January 14. The sponsor of House Bill 2120 shared that, as the JLARC
Chair, he and the 16-member committee reviewed legally required reports and concluded the
lodging -tax and training -benefits reviews are redundant or unused, given State Auditor
oversight and past repeated findings. Eliminating both will save money and free staff for more
meaningful new performance audits. The Washington Hospitality Association shared concerns
with the proposal, noting that eliminating JLARC review could weaken transparency unless
another mechanism provides equivalent oversight. On January 16, the bill passed out of the
House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee unanimously (7-0). The Senate Ways &
Means Committee will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 5879 on January 19.
GTH-GOV 8