City of Airway Heights

06/20/2026

STA LINK ON-DEMAND TRANSIT PILOT CLEARED FOR FALL LAUNCH

Spokane, WA – The Spokane Transit Authority (STA) Board of Directors has approved an award of contract to Direct Medical Transportation, Inc. to operate STA’s new mobility-on-demand (MOD) pilot program, called STA Link. The service is now cleared to launch this fall with the first two of six pilots, serving the Latah Valley and north Spokane Valley areas. Additional service areas are planned for implementation in future years.

STA Link is a flexible, on-demand transportation service designed to expand transit coverage in areas currently underserved by regular bus service due to geographic or infrastructure constraints. Rather than following a set schedule and route, STA Link riders can request trips in real time through a mobile app, website, or phone and are matched into shared rides of one to five passengers. STA Link will provide curbside pickup that connects riders to STA’s broader bus network as well as curb-to-curb travel within designated zones. Fares are expected to mirror STA’s standard bus fare.

“As part of STA’s 10-year strategic plan, Connect 2035, STA Link supports the plan’s goal of elevating the customer experience,” said STA CEO Karl Otterstrom. “For riders, STA Link means access to transit in neighborhoods that are not easily served by traditional bus routes, allowing more people to reach jobs, appointments, and activities by transit.”

STA Link will include six different pilots across five geographic zones as depicted in the attached map. North Spokane Valley and Latah Valley are the first two zones scheduled to launch this fall. Other geographic zones include portions of Liberty Lake, West Plains, and Northeast Spokane, including the township of Mead. The sixth pilot is an overlay of the five zones, providing an accessible van for individuals with disabilities or seniors who need extra assistance due to mobility issues. See the map for more information, including the timeline for each pilot. Under the contract agreement, STA will pay a flat hourly rate to Direct Medical Transportation, Inc. for service.

“STA Link is an important project that will help inform our long-term planning in the years ahead,” said STA Chief Planning and Development Officer Emily S. Poole. “The STA Link pilot program will provide STA with performance data to inform future decisions about expanding the service and how it will fit into STA’s long-range service model.”

In a separate action, the STA Board awarded a contract to Spare Labs, Inc. to provide software solutions for routing, scheduling, and dispatching STA Link and STA’s existing Paratransit service. Spare Labs software currently supports similar operations through 182 contracts across North America.

“This is an exciting time for STA as the agency prepares to launch a new mode of service to help support mobility access in our region while also improving the booking process for paratransit customers,” said STA Board Chair and City of Medical Lake Councilmember Lance Speirs. “These pilots are an important component of the Connect 2035 plan and will help more people take advantage of transit.”

“The residents of north Spokane Valley will greatly benefit from STA Link,” said STA Board Member and City of Spokane Valley Councilmember Pam Haley. STA continues to make investments in services for Spokane Valley that help our commuters connect to other parts of the region. This is a significant next step for transit in the region.”

More information about STA Link will be shared ahead of the program launch this fall. Visit staconnect2035.com for more additional details about the pilot service to Latah Valley and north Spokane Valley, as well as other projects in the Connect 2035 plan.

06/19/2026

Today, we join our community and our nation in recognizing Juneteenth. This day commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the enduring pursuit of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all.

Juneteenth serves as a reminder of our shared history and the importance of treating every person with dignity, respect, and compassion. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to strengthen trust, foster understanding, and build a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard.

The City of Airway Heights remains committed to serving all members of our community with professionalism, integrity, and respect. We are grateful for the diversity, resilience, and spirit that make Airway Heights such a special place to live, work, and raise our families.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we encourage everyone to take time to learn, reflect, and celebrate the values of freedom, unity, and hope that bring us together.

From all of us at the City of Airway Heights, we wish you and your families a safe and meaningful Juneteenth.

06/17/2026

The City of Airway Heights is considering a ban on cryptocurrency kiosks due to concerns about scams.

AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. — Airway Heights is weighing a ban on cryptocurrency kiosks within city limits, one year after Spokane enacted a similar prohibition in response to growing scam concerns.

06/17/2026

The City of Airway Heights is receiving grants to support courts and police.

AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. – City leaders in Airway Heights will be accepting two grants to improve courts and protect police officers.

06/16/2026

Airway Heights city leaders told U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) why a Public Safety Complex and improvements to U.S. Highway 2 are the city’s top two priorities.

“This project represents more than a building—it represents an investment in the people we serve, the safety of our community, and the future of Airway Heights,” said Airway Heights Police Chief Brad Richmond. “We appreciate Congressman Baumgartner's dedication to supporting communities throughout Eastern Washington and his interest in helping us meet the needs of our growing city.”

Baumgartner stopped in Airway Heights to attend the change of command ceremony at Fairchild Air Force Base.

Richmond joined Fire Chief Mitch Meztger, Council President Larry Bowman, Councilmember Jennifer Morton, and City Manager Albert Tripp to explain why the Public Safety Complex is “more than a building” but rather represents the safety and future of Airway Heights. The complex is located in the same building as the new fire station.

City Manager Tripp explained that the city is working with Baumgartner to secure $1.5 million in federal money to build out the police station phase. “Representative Baumgarnter is supportive of initiatives, like ours, to improve and protect public safety here on the West Plains,” said Tripp.

Baumgartner also heard about traffic and pedestrian planning underway stemming from the U.S. Highway 2 corridor to help improve mobility, safety, and business access.

“Representative Baumgartner acknowledges the key to improving mobility resides in a multiprong approach that provides a variety of transportation improvements,” explained Tripp.

The city is in the process of writing a letter in support of federal funding for an Air Force project to upgrade what some refer to as the “back gate” to the base. The improvements to the Thorpe-Rambo Gate are expected to ease congestion on U.S. 2 and improve emergency medical response to the base.

“We appreciate him taking the time during his trip here for the change of command at Fairchild, and that he stopped to visit with us and discussed the different priorities and the things that we're working on now, we can work on those things together," Tripp added.

Chief Richmond echoed Tripp’s comments. “Strong communities are built through strong partnerships. When local, state, tribal, and federal leaders come together with a shared commitment to service, remarkable things can happen,” Richmond said.

06/14/2026

Airway Heights leaders are expected to accept two grants to improve courts and protect police officers.

Here’s a quick look at what’s up for discussion on Monday, June 10, 2026:

· The State Office of Public Defense awarded the Airway Heights Municipal Court a $17,000 grant. It will reimburse eligible public defense costs related to simple drug possession and public use charges.

· The city is also expected to accept a federal grant to provide officers with bulletproof vests. The Bureau of Justice Assistance administers the grants under the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership program. Grants will reimburse the department for 50% of the cost of vests purchased between April 1, 2025, and August 31, 2027.

· The council is also expected to change its animal control ordinance to mirror Spokane County’s. The move comes at the request of SCRAPS and Airway Heights police to ensure uniformity in the law across the county.

· Council members will discuss the Spokane County Hazard Mitigation Plan, developed by a coalition of Spokane County cities and special-purpose districts. Organizers say it presents a “comprehensive and coordinated plan” and aligns with Washington’s multi-hazard and flood mitigation plans. You can find Airway Heights' section at the following site: SpokaneCountyHMPVol1_Final_05222026_V1 SpokaneCountyHMPVol2_Final_05222026_V1 f

· The meeting starts at 5:30. You can join in person or via Zoom using these instructions.

City Council Legislative Session – 3rd Monday

Council Airway Heights is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85674531812

Meeting ID: 856 7453 1812

06/08/2026

Airway Heights City Council welcomes your take on items on the June 8, 2026, agenda.

· City engineers are proposing two new transportation projects they believe are the best candidates for funding through the State's Transportation Improvement Board (TIB).

1. Officials say 21st Avenue, from Craig Road to Hazelwood, meets the criteria to reduce dust by stabilizing the gravel.

2. The second project is outlined in the recently completed Hayford Road Safety Study. It calls for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon at the intersection of 9th and Hayford. That’s a specialized traffic control device used to help pedestrians and bicyclists cross busy or high-speed roadways safely.

· The council will also begin considering a newly proposed ordinance to ban virtual currency kiosks in city limits.

· Council members will also take a first look at the Spokane County Hazard Mitigation Plan, developed by a coalition of Spokane County cities and special-purpose districts. Organizers say it presents a “comprehensive and coordinated plan” and aligns with Washington’s multi-hazard and flood mitigation plans.

You can find Airway Heights' section at the following site: SpokaneCountyHMPVol1_Final_05222026_V1 SpokaneCountyHMPVol2_Final_05222026_V1 f

The meeting starts at 5:30. You can join in person or by following these ZOOM instructions:

City Council Legislative Session – 2nd Monday

Council Airway Heights is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84273993522

Meeting ID: 842 7399 3522

06/05/2026

Airway Heights Seeks Volunteer Salary Commissioners

The City of Airway Heights is seeking applicants for five available seats on the Airway Heights Salary Commission. The commission sets the salaries of Airway Heights City Council members.

Commissioners are nonpartisan volunteers who must be U.S. citizens, residents of Airway Heights for at least 1 year prior to an appointment, and registered voters in Spokane County.

The time commitment is approximately two meetings per month for three months, from July 26 through October 26, 2026. The term of appointment is three years; the term of the initial members of the commission shall expire on December 31, 2028.

To apply, visit https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/rmm2c7h2C2.

06/04/2026

We are hiring!

Therapeutic Court Coordinator Position

Brief Summary
Under the direction of the Presiding Judge and Court Administrator, or assigned supervisor, the Therapeutic Court Coordinator is responsible for performing a wide variety of technical record-keeping and complex court and administrative duties in support of the Municipal Court’s Therapeutic Court and is the intermediate-level position in the Judicial Department.

Get more details and apply here:
https://cawh.bamboohr.com/careers/66

06/02/2026

City of Airway Heights Initiates West Prairie Village Water System Feasibility Study

The City of Airway Heights Public Works Department was awarded grant funding in 2025 to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study evaluating potential water service alternatives for West Prairie Village (WPV).

The purpose of this study is to gather information, assess potential options, and provide decision-makers with the data needed to evaluate both the long-term viability of extending water service between the City of Airway Heights and West Prairie Village, as well as evaluating the cost to install and run a Granulate Active Carbon (GAC) filtration system at their existing well. No decisions have been made regarding future construction or consolidation of the two systems.

What the Grant Will Fund

The study will include:
➡ A feasibility analysis of consolidating the West Prairie Village and Airway Heights water systems.
➡ An evaluation of current water use within West Prairie Village.
➡ Identification and assessment of potential connection points.
➡ Evaluation of improvements that may be required for the existing WPV water system.
➡ Development of at least three potential alternatives for connecting the two systems.
➡ Cost estimates for Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration to address PFAS and PFOA concerns as an alternative to a piping solution.
➡ A financial evaluation of the various alternatives.

What the Grant Does Not Fund.

It is important to understand that the grant does not:
🚫 Guarantee that Airway Heights will ultimately provide water service to West Prairie Village.
🚫 Provide funding for future improvements.
🚫 Include Teen Challenge facilities in the study area.
🚫 Engineering Considerations
🚫 Several engineering and operational challenges will be examined as part of the study.

Potential connection routes along Deno Road and Craig Road each present unique considerations, including terrain, railroad crossings, utility placement, and overall constructability. The study will also evaluate appropriate water main sizing to balance water quality, chlorine residual requirements, water turnover, and fire flow demands.

Additional factors include compliance with City of Airway Heights standards, future maintenance responsibilities for on-site infrastructure, and long-term fire suppression needs.

Alternatives Under Evaluation.

The study will evaluate multiple potential alternatives, including:
- Deno Road connection utilizing an 8-inch public water main and a new WPV on-site water system while retaining the existing reservoir for fire protection.
- Deno Road connection utilizing a 12-inch public water main with Airway Heights-provided chlorine injection and a new WPV on-site system.
- Craig Road connection utilizing an 8-inch public water main and a new WPV on-site system while retaining the existing reservoir for fire protection.
- The placement of a GAC filtration system at their source well.

Rate Study and Long-Term Financial Planning.

In addition to the engineering analysis, the City will conduct a Rate Study to better understand the long-term financial implications of each alternative.

The study assumes any initial infrastructure improvements would be funded through grants and will evaluate:

Future operations and maintenance costs.
- Infrastructure replacement costs.
- Potential GAC filtration costs for PFAS/PFOA treatment.
- Development of a reasonable and equitable rate structure.

Life-cycle cost evaluations will also be completed for key infrastructure components, including:
- Water mains and valves with an estimated 75-year service life.
- Fire suppression reservoirs with an estimated 50-year service life and approximately $1.4 million in inflation-adjusted life-cycle costs.
- Chlorination facilities with an estimated 50-year service life and in inflation-adjusted life-cycle costs.

Additional Considerations

The study will also address Spokane County right-of-way and franchise agreement requirements, pavement restoration obligations, and other permitting considerations that could affect future project costs.

Because any future water main extension would likely operate as a dead-end water main rather than a looped system, service reliability during maintenance activities or emergencies will be evaluated. Billing options, including master metering versus direct customer metering, will also be reviewed.

Project Schedule

The grant-funded work includes two primary tasks:
Task 1 – Consolidation Feasibility Study
- Draft Report: July 31, 2026
- Final Report: March 31, 2027
Budget: Not to exceed $40,000

Task 2 – Rate Study
- Final Report: October 31, 2026
Budget: Not to exceed $10,000

The public from both water systems will be invited to comment on the draft study before the final report is prepared.

During recent City Council discussions, several community members asked about options for Teen Challenge that could be included in this effort. The City understands the interest in exploring solutions that could benefit additional properties throughout the area. However, this study is focused on evaluating water service alternatives for West Prairie Village. Completing this study is an important first step because it will provide critical engineering, operational, and financial information needed to better understand the feasibility of extending water service in this part of the West Plains. The findings from this study will help inform future discussions and potential opportunities, including whether additional areas or facilities could be considered in subsequent planning efforts.

Looking Ahead
This study represents an important opportunity to evaluate potential long-term water service solutions for West Prairie Village while ensuring responsible planning and stewardship of public resources. The City of Airway Heights is committed to conducting a thorough analysis and to providing transparent information throughout the study.