State awards Spokane $1.6 million participatory budgeting grant for climate resilience projects

City staff and the Washington State Department of Commerce described a time‑sensitive opportunity: Spokane was selected to receive a $1,600,000 participatory‑budgeting grant to fund community‑chosen projects that reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions or build community resilience.

Commerce staff outlined the participatory process: steering committees will design outreach and project selection; community members will brainstorm, the committee will assess feasibility and costs, and the community will vote on which projects to fund. The grant includes facilitation funds and does not require a local match. Commerce officials said participating jurisdictions include Tacoma, Spokane and Yakima County.

Council members asked about outreach, steering‑committee selection, how feasibility and final decisions are reached, and whether the city will contract for facilitation. Staff said more than half the grant is intended for facilitation and that the city expects to contract for some project management while maintaining internal oversight.

No formal action was taken; staff will return with a program design and recommended public engagement steps.