SPOKANE, Wash. – The City of Spokane is preparing to reduce its workforce to address a projected $13 million deficit for 2026.
An email shared by the city with NonStop Local revealed that 30 to 50 positions will be eliminated. About a third of these positions are currently vacant. The email also detailed upcoming changes to employee benefits, including a 25% increase in healthcare costs next year.
First responders, police and fire departments are exempt from these cuts. The city has faced similar budget deficits in the past three years.
Spokane’s Chief Financial Officer has attributed these financial challenges to unsustainable contracts with city unions. These contracts have offered significant raises to retain staff but have outpaced revenue growth.
A list of potential positions for elimination has been sent to the city’s Civil Service Commission for review. This list will be narrowed down to the 30-50 positions mentioned in Mayor Brown’s letter to staff.
It is likely that these job cuts will occur before the holidays.
