Spokane: Legislative Session Held to Approve Proposed Community Safety Campus

~ Spokane City Council Approves Purchase of Community Safety Campus

During a special legislative session, the Spokane City Council voted 6-1 in favor of purchasing a Community Safety Campus. The proposed campus, located at the Rock Pointe East Building on Boone, aims to consolidate various functions and serve as a central hub for community members to access court obligations and essential stabilizing services.

According to Lisa Gardner, the City Council Communications Director, the decision was made after careful consideration and will be a sound financial investment for the city and its taxpayers. Mayor Lisa Brown also expressed her support for the purchase, stating that owning rather than leasing space will save money in the long run while also creating greater operational efficiency and a safer environment for staff and those navigating the court system.

Currently, the City of Spokane leases space from Spokane County across three facilities for court and police operations. However, with rising costs for building maintenance and upgrades, it has become financially unsustainable. The leases cost approximately $1.2 million annually, with an additional $10 million expected for upgrades to comply with the Clean Buildings Act over the next few years. By consolidating community safety operations into one city-owned facility, significant long-term savings can be achieved.

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In addition to financial benefits, there are also logistical advantages to having all safety operations in one location. Council President Betsy Wilkerson emphasized that this has been a critical need for some time now and will ultimately save time and money while maximizing resources and amenities for officers and court staff. She also highlighted how this purchase offers an opportunity to integrate public safety and courts instead of keeping them separate, aligning with their mission to serve the people of Spokane.

The City is considering a phased approach to enhance public safety services through this purchase. The first phase will focus on co-locating existing public safety departments and services within Spokane City limits. This will result in financial savings from reduced lease costs, improved facilities, and enhanced coordination for staff and individuals navigating the system. The second phase aims to strengthen and coordinate the city's system of care and response, including integration with public health and behavioral health providers and the establishment of a "navigation center" for justice-involved individuals and their families.

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With the City Council's approval of the purchase agreement, the Brown Administration can now proceed with a due diligence period. If there are no unforeseen issues with the property, the purchase can be finalized without further approval from the City Council. The completion of this purchase is expected as early as January 2027.

In conclusion, the Spokane City Council's decision to approve the purchase of a Community Safety Campus is a significant step towards consolidating safety operations, saving taxpayer money, and improving services for community members. With careful planning and collaboration, this purchase has the potential to create a more efficient and effective system for public safety in Spokane.

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