SPOKANE, Wash. – The City of Spokane has reported significant improvements in homelessness services, showcasing the impact of regional collaboration and data-driven initiatives. The city has seen a reduction in homelessness and an increase in permanent housing placements, attributed to a legally binding Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the county and valley.
From 2024 to 2025, Spokane achieved an 11% reduction in individuals served by the homeless system, a 31.8% increase in exits to permanent housing, and an 85.7% increase in shelter-to-permanent housing exits, according to the HUD Longitudinal Systems Analysis report.
The ILA is a legally binding contract that facilitates collaborative action, data sharing, and compliance with state and federal requirements. It distinguishes itself from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by having specific responsibilities and performance measures.
The city plans to provide a comprehensive 250-page report on homelessness but has already shared key indicators and data findings with the council. Spokane manages two primary boards for homelessness and housing, which oversee funding and program recommendations. Funding decisions are made through volunteer committees, ensuring non-conflicted evaluations.
Recent investments focus on scattered site housing, a navigation center, opioid treatment, and data infrastructure improvements. The regional ILA, approved in January of the previous year, binds the city, county, and valley to collaborate on homelessness, share and evaluate data, and fund high-performing projects.
The ILA outlines clear responsibilities, data-sharing protocols, and compliance requirements, remaining in effect until 2030. County staff collaborate weekly with city staff to maintain data quality and consistency.
Several new data transparency tools have been introduced, including a Power BI dashboard for tracking 311 complaints related to homelessness and code enforcement. Over 1,000 complaints were managed in the first 10-12 weeks of operation. Additionally, quarterly performance reports and a public GIS map layer displaying city-invested emergency shelters, homeless services, and affordable housing projects are available.
The HUD Longitudinal Systems Analysis report for 2025 highlighted key improvements: 11% fewer individuals served by the homeless system, a 31.8% increase in exits to permanent housing, an 85.7% increase in shelter-to-permanent housing exits, a 42.9% reduction in returns to homelessness within 130 days, and a 54% increase in individuals moving from subsidized to independent housing.
Discussions during the session addressed the differences between the ILA and a proposed MOU. The ILA is a binding legal agreement with specific responsibilities and performance measures, while an MOU is non-binding. The ILA includes a five-year plan to end homelessness, required by the state, and provides clear operational guidance.
Council members discussed funding priorities, noting that most state and federal funds require a housing-first approach. The city receives opioid settlement funds, with about $3.3 million spent, but most behavioral health funding is managed by the county.
The session concluded with an emphasis on ongoing collaboration and data-driven efforts.
