Addressing Spokane’s Challenges

Poll results from Greater Spokane Incorporated (October 2024) revealed deep concerns among residents about the city's ability to effectively manage critical issues. The findings reflect a widespread lack of trust in the current city government. It’s time for a change.

Total Participants: 600 registered voters
Participants from City of Spokane: 300

Key Findings:

  1. Trust in City's Effectiveness on Issues of Homelessness, Public Safety, Housing:

    • Percentage of respondents who don't trust the city’s plan: 77%

  2. Concerns about the Future of Downtown:

    • Percentage of respondents worried about Downtown's future: 86%

  3. Trust in Local Government Spending:

    • Percentage of respondents who don’t trust local government with tax dollars: 75%

CODY ON THE ISSUES

Homelessness

My Beliefs

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires thoughtful, individualized solutions. Despite spending millions of dollars year over year, what the City has been doing clearly isn’t working – many residents feel the crisis is only getting worse.

As someone who has experienced this first hand, I believe in the power of accountability, opportunity, and self-sufficiency. We must focus on programs that promote independence, not dependency.

A "Housing First" model isn’t enough. Providing shelter is just the beginning – we need to connect individuals with mental health support, addiction treatment, job training, and other services that help them rebuild their lives.

What I Would Do Differently

  • Expand Critical Support Services: Invest in mental health and addiction treatment with more beds and long-term resources. Recovery and stability are not possible without accessible care for those who need it most.

  • Empower, Don’t Enable: Support programs that help people regain independence – job training, life skills, and pathways to employment — not those that promote dependency or complacency.

  • Fix the Broken Shelter System: Fix the City’s scattered shelter site model. Prioritize neighborhood safety, ensure shelters are near needed services, and include robust community input before placing new shelters.

  • Demand Results and Accountability: Push for outcome-based spending. We must track where our money goes and whether it’s truly making a difference in reducing homelessness and improving the lives of the most vulnerable in Spokane.

  • Reallocate Funds to Protect the Public: Redirect the $4 million currently taken from the general fund and invest it into public safety or other needed community projects — enough to hire 20 new police officers — while still maximizing the impact of the remaining $30+ million already budgeted for homelessness solutions. Cities like Houston, a model for addressing homelessness, do not spend any general fund dollars toward homelessness projects.

Public Safety

My Beliefs

Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community. Spokane currently has only 1.5 police officers per 1,000 residents — less than the national average of about 2.3. That’s simply not acceptable.

When voters approved the “public safety” sales tax, they expected those funds to go directly toward strengthening law enforcement and emergency services, not to be diverted while cutting essential positions which the current ‘25-’26 City Budget proposes doing. We need to prioritize safety and make smart, transparent investments in both people and technology.

What I Would Do Differently

  • Protect Police and Fire Staffing: Oppose any budget that cuts police or firefighter positions. I will fight to ensure the new tax revenue is used as promised – to increase the number of officers and firefighters serving our community.

  • Support Regional Cooperation: Maintain Spokane’s partnership with the Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) to maximize efficiency and avoid wasting millions on duplicating systems. This is what voters expected.

  • Invest in Technology: Partner with the County’s Real-Time Crime Center to leverage technology that enhances public safety more affordably than increasing manpower alone. I support providing officers with tools that help them work smarter, faster, and more safely.

  • Back Proven Alternatives: Support the expansion of therapeutic courts to reduce recidivism and better address the root causes of crime – something the current council has neglected.

  • Address Community Needs: Advocate for the construction of a new fire station in Five Mile area to ensure faster emergency response times and better service coverage. Revitalize and strengthen the C.O.P.S. program to ensure our neighborhoods and law enforcement have the tools, resources, and community support they need to stay safe and connected.

Affordability, Infrastructure & More

My Beliefs

Smart, responsible budgeting is more important than ever. Spokane families are feeling the pinch—from rising property taxes to deteriorating roads — while our city government continues to overspend in the wrong places. We need leadership that respects taxpayers, keeps promises, and puts community needs first.

City government should focus on making life more affordable, not more expensive. That means protecting your wallet, maintaining and improving essential services, and holding ourselves to the same standards we expect of those we serve.

What I Would Do Differently

  • Respect Taxpayers and Oppose Unnecessary Increases: I will oppose unnecessary tax and fee hikes — especially property tax increases — that burden working families during already difficult economic times.

  • Keep Budget Promises and Fund What Matters: The public safety sales tax was passed in good faith by voters. I will fight to ensure those funds are used as intended —to strengthen public safety, not disappear into the general fund with no accountability.

  • Prioritize Safe, Clean, and Usable Parks: I support our parks, but before building new ones, we need to focus on keeping our existing parks clean, safe, and family-friendly. Let’s make smart improvements that encourage more families to enjoy the green spaces we already have.

  • Fix Our Roads and Invest in Infrastructure: The City has miles of unpaved roads and neighborhoods like Indian Trail continue to struggle with speeding and traffic. While addressing homelessness is important, we must also recognize the everyday needs of our neighborhoods. Redirecting a portion of the $4 million from the general fund could help improve road conditions, build sidewalks, and invest in infrastructure that directly impacts the safety and quality of life for Spokane families.

  • Hold Council to the Same Standards as Residents: I will oppose any effort to raise pay for City Councilmembers. This is a part-time position, and at a time when families are struggling with the cost of groceries, gas, and housing, it’s wrong for elected officials to vote for a raise for themselves.

Economic Development

My Beliefs

I believe Spokane has incredible potential for economic growth, but we need to create the right environment to support local businesses and attract new opportunities. Strong communities are built on a strong local economy, which means reducing barriers to growth, supporting entrepreneurship, and ensuring our workforce is equipped for the jobs of tomorrow.

City Government should be a partner — not a roadblock – for those trying to build and grow in Spokane. As a downtown small business owner, I know firsthand the barriers to entry and the cost of doing business. Spokane is worth it, and I’m committed to making Spokane a small business and community destination.

What I Would Do Differently

  • Streamline Permitting and Licensing: Cut red tape and speed up permitting processes so businesses can open and expand more efficiently.

  • Support Small Businesses: Prioritize local entrepreneurs with programs that offer resources, mentorship, and access to capital.

  • Invest in Workforce Development: Partner with trade schools, unions, and local businesses to train workers for in-demand, high-paying careers.

  • Make Spokane Business-Friendly: Review and reform regulations that hinder economic growth and job creation.

  • Promote Strategic Growth: Focus on smart development that preserves the character of our neighborhoods while fostering innovation and opportunity.