SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown proposed two investment plans focusing on health, human services and accessibility.
According to a news release from the City of Spokane, the proposition is for two strategic investment plans that use the American Rescue Plan Act and opioid abatement funds. The money put towards these plans would be used to create a vibrant, clean, and safe community within Spokane.
“The proposals I have put forward are not just about allocating funds, they are about crafting a vision for a safer and healthier Spokane. By investing strategically in city safety measures and targeted programs to assist those experiencing homelessness or suffering from substance abuse, we are addressing immediate challenges and laying the foundation for a resilient future for our community,” Mayor Brown said.
The City of Spokane would give the American Rescue Plan Act over $9 million. Mayor Brown proposes the following:
$5 million to assist in transitions for Catholic Charities’ House of Charity. $1 million to ensure Compassionate Addiction Treatment has adequate facilities for critical services to meet the community’s needs. $2.15 million to expand broadband infrastructure to underserved communities. $1 million to support operations and resources for a “Vibrant, Clean, and Safe” initiative. $350,000 for Municipal Court’s Community Justice Services provides pretrial case management and electronic monitoring.
The City anticipates receiving $13.3 million over 17 years from two opioid litigation settlements involving opioid distributors and manufacturers. It currently has $2.2 million available.
Mayor Brown proposes an initial allocation of:
$500,000 to expand the Spokane Fire Department’s CARES program, including the addition of a social worker, substance use disorder professional, and case manager to increase the caseload capacity from 600 to 1,500 cumulative cases. $500,000 to the creation of a High Utilizer and Complex Care Initiative, including contracting with a community-based provider to coordinate care, provide intensive wrap-around services, and launch case management services for up to 50 opioid use disorder patients.
