Thank you,
Spokane.

The next step toward
a better way is here.

Change that matters.

Since her election, Mayor Brown has taken steps to make good on her promise to bring change that matters to Spokane. As a first step, Mayor Brown assembled a transition team of five committees to address the city’s most pressing issues.

Committee members worked together, using their expertise, lived experience and common sense, to provide Mayor Brown with recommendations to consider enacting during her first 100 days in office.

Recommendations for a better Spokane.

The 96 committee members and co-chairs who participated are leaders and experts in their respective fields and are deeply engaged in the work of improving Spokane. Each committee formed 3-5 recommendations for the Mayor to consider. Their areas of focus were public safety, economy and workforce, future resiliency, families and communities, and health and housing.

The Brown Administration has published a final report summarizing committees’ recommendations in the spirit of progress and transparency. Now, Mayor Brown will consider their ideas and use the strength of their collective thinking to lay the foundation for a better future for Spokane.

Enhancing Public Safety & Building Trust
Improving Health & Housing Options
Investing in Economy & Workforce
Building a Resilient Future
Enriching Families & Communities
The Better way

Safer Spokane neighborhoods and improved emergency response services.

Together, public safety representatives, social justice advocates, retired lawyers, and judges will evaluate our city’s emergency response system and improve community policing practices, so people get the help they need—every time they need it.

Committee Chairs:

  • Maggie Yates (Former Spokane Regional Law & Justice Council Administrator)
  • Mike Ormsby (Former U.S. Attorney)
  • Virla Spencer (The Way to Justice)

Committee Members:

Francis Adewale, Andy Bessmer, Justin Bingham, Jeremiah Bourgeois, Greg Bulkley, Emilie Cameron, Mike Connelly, Howard Delaney, Curtis Hampton, Chris Jordan, Toni Lodge, Maryann Moreno, Sean Nemec, Kurtis Robinson, Hanncel Sanchez, Larry Soehren, Sally Winn, 

 

The Better way

A community response to homelessness, housing, and health issues.

Homeless service providers, health care professionals, and housing experts are working together on ideas to help people experiencing homelessness or mental health issues. The goal is to help them get into stable and affordable housing, get treatment if needed, and get back on their feet. 

Committee Chairs:

  • Fawn Schott (Volunteers of America Spokane)
  • Marty Dickinson (STCU)
  • Dr. Luis Manriquez (Community Health Association of Spokane)

Committee Members:

Joe Ader, Terri Anderson, Chris Batten, Danny Beard, Cara Carlton, Tija Danzig, Dylan Dressler, Jim Frank, James Gallina, Amber Lenhart, Robert Lippman, Jonathan Mallahan, Kelli Miller, Marcus Riccelli, Lerria Schuh, Zeke Smith, Ben Stuckart

The Better way

Support for local businesses and career pathways for our workforce. 

We want Spokane’s economic engine to remain strong. Business owners, education leaders, and industry experts are working on ideas for solid career pathways for Spokane’s current and future workforce, especially in sectors vital to the region’s economy. 

Committee Chairs:

  • Charlotte Nemec (Greater Spokane Incorporated & Canopy Credit Union)
  • Kelly Fukai (Washington Technology Industry Association)
  • Luis Licea (Northwest Laborers)

Committee Members:

Kerra Bower, John Bryant, Stephanie Curran, Vange Hochheimer, Laura Ives, Gary Livingston, Stacie Maier, Mark Mattke, Marcelo Morales, John Powers, Marvo Reguindin, Mike Senske, Francis SiJohn, Tom Simpson, John Sklut, Brian Walter, Todd Woodard

The Better way

A future where the city’s budget and infrastructure are strong and climate goals are met. 

Some of our city’s sharpest financial minds and brightest environmental leaders are convening to identify the most important challenges and opportunities to secure Spokane’s long-term resilience and meet our sustainability goals.  

Committee Chairs:

  • Dr. Brian Henning (Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment)
  • Gavin Cooley (Spokane Regional Collaborative)
  • Latisha Hill (Avista)

Committee Members:

Mike Allen, Andy Barrett, Rick Boutz, Tim Dunivant, Darrin Griechen, Steve Helmbrecht, Margo Hill, Elyse Hochstadt, Larry Luton, Kara Odegard, Karl Otterstrom, Rick Romero, Dale Silha, Gavin Tenold, Jerry White

The Better way

Enrichment opportunities for children and families—from our preschool classrooms to our parks and playgrounds to creative and cultural events across Spokane. 

Youth advocates, art organizers, and cultural and community leaders will bring forward their ideas to create richer learning, recreational, and cultural opportunities for everyone, with a focus on quality child care and early childhood education.  

Committee Chairs:

  • Amber Waldref (Spokane County Commissioner)
  • Freda Gandy (MLK Jr. Family Outreach Center)
  • Ginger Ewing (Terrain)

Committee Members:

Maisa Abudayha, Tamara Bradley, Deb Brock, Mark Finney, Lacrecia “Lu” Hill, Amy Knapton Vega, Alan Lesher, Juan Mas, Jennyfer Mesa, Ryan Oelrich, Ian Sullivan, Adam Swinyard, Sima Thorpe, Rick Welliver, Jeremy Whittington