Councilmember Paul Dillon

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

COUNCIL RECAP: We had a relatively short meeting this week but still significant items.

For express testimony, we heard much commentary about the tenant protection ordinance in response to emergencies and natural disasters. This is a pending item and could be up for a final vote on September 9th.

Our contracts were unanimously approved and included the multifamily tax exemption for the new 200 unit apartments at the west end of Kendall Yards.

For final ordinances:

-We approved the expansion of funding for cooling, heating and weatherization as a trailer ordinance to the renters’ right to cooling. This passed 7-0.

-We approved a repeal of charitable solicitation license requirements that impacts non-profits tabling at events as this was a duplicative charge from the state. This passed 7-0.

-We approved the extension of the interim zoning ordinance to continue to repeal of height limits in the downtown core. This passed 7-0.

For open forum, we heard much commentary about continuing to pause the Comprehensive Plan, Spokane Complex Fire response, landlord tenant issues and youth homelessness.

That’s it for now, thanks for reading!

09/03/2026

As I headed up to the Thorpe Road Property to celebrate the Trust Land Transfer designation to ensure this land remains a park, a coyote tip toed across my path and paused to look back.

That says it all.

This is a major win for protecting public lands - and I am looking forward to the work ahead this legislative season to secure funding to finalize the transfer.

Thank you Lands Commissioner Upthegrove WA Dept. of Natural Resources , Sen. Marcus Riccelli , City of Spokane Mayor’s Office , Spokane Parks & Recreation , Friends Of The Bluff , Washington Wild , Citizen Action for Latah Valley Kate Telis , former Councilmember Lili Navarrete and so many more who made this happen.

Photos courtesy of Hal Rowe and Ginny Ramos.

09/02/2026

We are moving forward with an ordinance that would create additional tenant protections in the wake of the Spokane Complex Fires.

“Emergency Housing Protections.” sponsored by Spokane City Councilmember Sarah Dixit , Kitty Klitzke and myself would give qualifying tenants additional protections from eviction and unpaid rent when a declared disaster or emergency causes a significant financial impact.

There’s already pushback about the need for the ordinance even though we have seen increased housing instability due to the Spokane Complex Fires. But most importantly the ordinance would create a longer-term framework for protecting Spokane tenants during disasters.

We will have first reading tomorrow night and final reading expected next week on September 9th.

08/31/2026

A lot went wrong three years ago in Lahaina, Hawaii, that went right in Spokane on Aug. 1.

08/30/2026

Best Tacos Y Tequila Festival yet! Thank you Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario for all you do. And gorgeous playing compandres !

08/28/2026

ICYMI: Residents of West Hills and the Grandview/Thorpe neighborhood are about to gain new access to the Fish Lake Trail as part of an expansion project 20 years in the making. Can’t wait!

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/aug/01/expansion-of-fish-lake-trail-will-bring-access-to-/

08/28/2026

COUNCIL RECAP: We began the meeting with a hearing for a street vacation on Rebecca Street presented by Eldon Brown, our principal engineer, who is marking his 50th (!!!) anniversary as a city employee! Thank you Eldon for your service and dedication!

Our contracts were unanimously approved that included Spokane Complex Fire shelter meal service and additional funding for the Pacific Avenue Greenway,

We approved an ordinance that significantly lowered demolition fees in the wake of the Spokane Complex Fires to support the rebuilding. Average demolition fees can range as high as $450, which will now be lowered for fire-affected buildings to a flat fee of $28.50 while also waiving any surcharges. This passed 7-0.

We approved an expansion of the Excelsior Wellness Center that will house youth transitioning out of foster care and older adults seeking affordable and permanent housing. This passed 7-0.

We approved a grant from the Department of Commerce for the wildfire housing assistance fund. This passed 7-0.

We approved a continuation of an interim zoning ordinance to expand childcare centers. This passed 7-0.

And finally, we approved Megan Duvall as the Director of the Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Department. This passed 7-0.

For open forum, we heard commentary on the Comprehensive Plan, racism in Spokane, s*x trafficking, harassment at Unity In the Community, racial inequality in education and youth homelessness. That’s it for now, thanks for reading!

08/24/2026

COUNCIL RECAP: Apologies for the delayed recap this week! For pending ordinances, we had funding for weatherization as a follow up the right to cooling ordinance as well as a grant from the Department of Commerce for the wildfire housing assistance fund.

We reappointed two members to the Bicycle Advisory Board. Our contracts were unanimously approved except for a streets outreach consulting contract with CM Zappone voting no.

We unanimously approved salary changes for Primary Safety Answer Point (PSAP) salaries for our 911 dispatch.

We unanimously approved a resolution - after an amendment from CM Cathcart about notice – to ratify an Executive Order issued by the Mayor declaring an emergency in response to the Spokane Complex Fires. This provides the Mayor and her administration to have the flexibility to enter into contracts for more than $50,000 necessary to respond to the wildfire and its aftermath with a streamlined process and bypassing certain procurement procedures that might delay the response.

For open forum, we heard commentary on pausing the Comprehensive Plan, homelessness and wildfire response.

As a reminder, we will have a special legislative meeting tomorrow at 10:30am for a potential Community Safety Campus at the old east Rock Pointe building. That’s it for now, thanks for reading!

08/20/2026

State Cash Assistance Available for Those Impacted by Fires Posted on Aug 14, 2026 By Washington Military Administrator En Español abajo  CAMP MURRAY, WA – Individuals whose homes were significantly damaged or destroyed by recent fires in central and eastern Washington can now apply for state as...