RANGE Media

For over three decades, Spokane has partnered with nonprofit C.O.P.S for its community policing services. But this year, that could change: Mayor Brown's administration is considering if continuing the relationship is cost-effective. And, a deeper look into C.O.P.S. uncovered a Brady List cop on payroll and a volunteer with ties to extremist group Tactical Civics. It's a long story, but a good one: https://lnkd.in/g2d5mgPb

The body would represent the first time the county has paid formal attention to the PFAS contamination crisis between Airway Heights and Spokane since the chemicals were found in West Plains groundwater more than 7 years ago.

Do you have thoughts on Spokane's budget? Share them with the city council tonight at their public hearing! And more in this week's CIVICS: ????Latah Valley’s future will likely be studied, per a contract with a consulting firm in Spokane City Council’s consent agenda tonight, as the council votes on stalling more development in a different part of town — Beacon Hill. ??? Multilingual recruitment, new council rules and committee appointments, public records and a COPS contract extension are all up for discussion at this week’s Finance and Administration Committee meeting. ????Spokane Valley City Council could pass a letter asking for more representation on a regional emergency board, following Spokane City’s lead. Read the full edition here: https://lnkd.in/gV8utN_F

The food pantries, coat drives, toy drives and shelters where people in need can get help throughout Spokane, Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties. (And where you can lend a hand if you aren’t in need.) https://lnkd.in/geu2utzZ

Our city hall reporter and our urbanism columnist teamed up to take you on a tour of Spokane’s Top 10 Most Dangerous Intersections. Get a sense for the safety of our city’s streets and your neighborhood. Buckle up, folks - this could get bumpy.

It's a testament to this community that we have made it this far, but compared to the budgets of other news operations in our area, ours is tiny. How do we do so much with so little? Three things: - Our efficiency - Our editorial focus - Our ownership structure https://lnkd.in/gMHnuNxY

Someday, Division Street could be safer, quieter and more friendly to pedestrians and drivers alike. A rapid transit bus line could stretch from downtown Spokane all the way out to a new transit center in Mead running along dedicated transit lanes, hitting each stop as regularly as every 7.5 minutes. With more foot traffic utilizing the bus line and improved pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, businesses along the Division corridor could thrive. This is just one of the many dreams laid out in Spokane Transit Agency's Connect 2035 ten-year strategic plan. Read more about the plan and how you can have a say here: https://lnkd.in/gthFt_TV

The weekly pod is SO back, baby! This week, Luke and Erin discussed the closure of City Hall due to threats of violence, the most recent Spokane election results (and what they actually MEAN) and an update on gender affirming healthcare options in Idaho.

The “27 by 2027 Urban Mobility Network” would fortify a few of Spokane’s many existing neighborhood streets to make them comfortable for users of all ages and abilities to walk, ride a bike or use a mobility device.

CIVICS this week is a doozy: ????? Central Valley School Board will vote tonight on sending a letter that would state their support for forcing transgender high school athletes to compete under their “biological sex.” Though their resolution couldn’t limit athletic participation this year, it’s intended to put pressure on the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association to change their policies next year. ??Spokane City Council is continuing to rapidly pass American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contracts, in order to get the money out before it expires. This week, there are contracts for youth sports, safe and clean streets, childcare and neighborhood development. ???Spokane’s Urban Experience Committee will get updates on key homelessness issues, including from the operators of the new navigation center. ??Spokane Valley City Council will consider making it a misdemeanor to be in their parks after hours, or sleep on public property, just in time for winter. ??The Board of County Commissioners will consider making space on the Spokane Regional Emergency Communications board for the Spokane Police chief as a compromise to the city’s proposed board reorganization. Read the full edition here: https://lnkd.in/gudpTqWB