Council backs Spokane Transit Authority renewal despite one dissenting vote

Spokane City Council voted 6–1 to adopt a resolution supporting Spokane Transit Authority Proposition 1, a renewal of a 0.2% sales tax to maintain and enhance local transit services. Councilmember Spohn said the measure is a renewal, not a tax increase, and emphasized its role in securing federal matching dollars for projects including Division bus rapid transit; she said the measure would help secure “over a $100,000,000 in state and federal matching grants.”

Opponents said the council should avoid formally weighing in on ballot measures and leave decisions to voters; Councilmember Katkar said she would vote no because “we should let the voters make their decision.” Public comment included a resident urging support for transit because riders rely on it. The council emphasized the ultimate decision rests with voters, but members expressed support for the transit investments and the resolution passed 6–1.