Spokane County presses state to back condo rules, mobile-home relocations and TIF reforms
December 11, 2025 | Spokane County, Washington
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Spokane County commissioners on Dec. 10 told legislators they will press for housing and tax-increment-financing changes in 2026, including more permissive condo rules, continued mobile-home relocation support and clarification of TIF statutes the county relies on.
Commissioner Al French said condo policy should be part of the affordable-housing mix and described his preferred constraints: "12 units, no higher than 2 stories," arguing condos offer pathways to homeownership and family wealth building. French also summarized a multi-partner mobile-home relocation effort tied to Fairchild Air Force Base, citing partnerships with Airway Heights, Habitat for Humanity and Greenstone Development.
On tax increment financing, French said Spokane favors the county's 39.89 approach, which he described as revenue neutral for the county and useful for covering public infrastructure that otherwise would be charged through impact fees. He and county staff warned that alternative approaches (referred to in the meeting as 1 14) risk shifting revenue away from counties.
County officials said they are coordinating with fire districts and expect many local stakeholders to support a TIF bill that would allow public-safety uses while providing an opt-out for taxing districts that do not wish to participate.
Next steps: county representatives will refine bill language and engage stakeholders, including fire chiefs and the Association of Washington Cities, ahead of formal bill filing.
Commissioner Al French said condo policy should be part of the affordable-housing mix and described his preferred constraints: "12 units, no higher than 2 stories," arguing condos offer pathways to homeownership and family wealth building. French also summarized a multi-partner mobile-home relocation effort tied to Fairchild Air Force Base, citing partnerships with Airway Heights, Habitat for Humanity and Greenstone Development.
On tax increment financing, French said Spokane favors the county's 39.89 approach, which he described as revenue neutral for the county and useful for covering public infrastructure that otherwise would be charged through impact fees. He and county staff warned that alternative approaches (referred to in the meeting as 1 14) risk shifting revenue away from counties.
County officials said they are coordinating with fire districts and expect many local stakeholders to support a TIF bill that would allow public-safety uses while providing an opt-out for taxing districts that do not wish to participate.
Next steps: county representatives will refine bill language and engage stakeholders, including fire chiefs and the Association of Washington Cities, ahead of formal bill filing.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
