SPOKANE, WA – The Spokane City Council approved a $150,000 memorandum of understanding, MOU, with the Office of Neighborhood Services, Monday.
The agreement requires ONS to develop and manage a program to install solar or battery powered motion sensor flood lights in residential areas focused on the public right of way.
The emphasis in selected areas should be on alley and other areas with low lighting.
According to documents provided as part of the council agenda packet, the program will be split into two areas.
The first being a process to reimburse residents who purchase and install an appropriate light.
The second is to oversee a process to distribute and install lights with those who are the victims of crime, who live in high-crime areas, or who are unable to purchase a light for reimbursement or cannot install a light on their own.
The program is authorized through December 31, 2026 or until the $150,000 is fully expended. The one time allocation is being funded through ARPA dollars allocated to the city.
The MOU includes language stating: “adequate residential street lighting provides improved safety for all users of the public right-of-way, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, and can serve as a crime deterrent.”
ONS is being tasked with building a web page to provide information about the program and how to apply for reimbursement or to request the installation of a light free of charge.
ONS is authorized to spend up to $25,000 of the funding on marketing. Up to $50,000 is reserved for the purchase and installation of lights for crime victims and/or high property crime areas. $75,000 plus any remaining money from the other allocations may be used as part of the reimbursement program.
