06/12/2026
NEWS RELEASE: City of Spokane Valley Begins 2027 Budget Discussions Prioritizing Low Taxes and Efficient Government
SPOKANE VALLEY, WA—On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the Spokane Valley City Council kicked off the 2027 city budget process during an all-day budget workshop.
The portion of the draft budget presented Tuesday was limited to non-public-safety-related expenses and maintained the status quo, continuing current programs and acknowledging minor increases due to inflation.
The preliminary draft budget presented was incomplete, as it did not yet include expenses for the city’s public safety contracts, which historically account for two-thirds of the city’s budget. Spokane County is unable to confirm the city’s 2025 and 2026 police service costs due to challenges with its new financial software. City staff will continue collaborating with the County to obtain accurate estimates for the draft budget.
“The City of Spokane Valley is committed to keeping taxes low, running an efficient government and eliminating waste,” stated Spokane Valley Mayor Laura Padden. "We continue to have the lowest staffing per capita among similar-sized cities in Washington State; the Council has not enacted the state-allowed 1% property tax increase since 2009; and we remain focused on economic development and sports tourism efforts that increase our sales tax revenues and keep taxes low for our residents.”
Spokane Valley maintains its strong financial position through the Council’s adopted fiscal policies, which provide a framework for the City to follow, enabling staff to manage resources and build reserves to sustain operations during economic downturn.
“Our staff is dedicated to managing city finances responsibly and making sure every tax dollar delivers real value for residents,” shared Councilmember Jessica Yaeger. “Any discussion by one Councilmember of rebates before the financial picture is clear is irresponsible and based on inaccurate information. Offering rebates could jeopardize funding for essential services like public safety, parks and street maintenance, which our community relies on every day. The Council majority works diligently not to overpromise and underdeliver and to ensure we never put our future at risk.”
The budget workshop agenda covered an economic forecast, revenue projections and options, and a review of the Council’s goals and the city’s fiscal policies, as well as presentations and discussions on the 2027 expense forecasts for each non-public safety department.
The city’s finance director reviewed several revenue sources, noting that sales tax revenue is trending upward while property tax revenue remains mostly flat. The City receives only 8% of all property taxes paid in Spokane Valley, with increases coming from new construction only, estimated at $200,000 in 2026. While additional new revenue options were reviewed, no new tax increases are currently proposed.
The draft 2027 budget will continue to evolve throughout the year. The process includes 13 conversations with the Council and community, with the final 2027 budget scheduled for adoption on Nov. 17, 2026.
Extensive community input opportunities are available. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts with Councilmembers in person at the upcoming Community Conversations reception from 5-6 p.m. on June 16 at City Hall, as well as during three public hearings scheduled for Sept. 15, Oct. 13 and Nov. 17, or speaking for up to three minutes during Public Comment at regular Council meetings, which occur most Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. at Spokane Valley City Hall. Feedback can also be shared via email or phone.
For notifications about the city’s budget, sign up for email updates from the City at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/Signup or watch the June 9 budget workshop and view meeting materials. www.SpokaneValleyWA.gov/Agendas
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