SPOKANE, Wash. – Mayor Lisa Brown’s office offered its initial biennial budget proposal Saturday. The proposed 2025-2026 budget suggests a 1% property tax increase and gradual sales tax growth to overcome a projected $25 million deficit for 2025 left by former Mayor
Brown’s budget proposal, which will be reviewed by City Council before a final budget is passed, focuses on balancing out the budget while addressing housing and public safety.
“I am excited to put forward a budget that is not only balanced, but puts the City of Spokane back on track to fiscal stability, all while making critical investments in our collective future,” Brown said.
Under the proposed budget, a new permitting and licensing system would be developed to streamline housing developments and staffing would increase at the Spokane Development Services Center. Funding for sheltering unhoused Spokanites during periods of extreme weather would also increase from $250,000 to $1 million.
If a passes in November, the budget could also boost resources for the Neighborhood Resources Officer program, police department and fire department.
the Brown Administration’s proposed spending regime could potentially stabilize the city’s financial situation heading into the 2025-2026 biennium.
