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Citizen Portal News Washington
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The Liberty Lake City Council made pivotal decisions on key appointments and a controversial capital facilities plan that left some projects off the table.

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#LibertyLakeSpokaneCounty #WA #LibertyLakeCityCouncil #PublicGovernance #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal
Votes at a glance: Liberty Lake council actions on Dec. 16, 2025
At its Dec. 16 meeting the Liberty Lake City Council approved multiple routine and substantive items, including two commission appointments, a public-records fee resolution, a civil-service ordinance and the 2026–2031 capital facilities plan; several procedural and amendment motions failed.
citizenportal.ai
December 18, 2025 at 7:52 PM
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The Liberty Lake City Council's recent 4-3 vote on the capital facilities plan sparked intense debate and left the proposed new library on the cutting room floor, raising questions about future priorities.

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#LibertyLakeSpokaneCounty #WA #CommunityPlanning #PublicFunding
Liberty Lake council adopts 2026–31 capital facilities plan after narrow vote, leaving proposed library out
After lengthy debate and failed amendments, the Liberty Lake City Council approved an updated 2026–2031 capital facilities plan on Dec. 16; the council voted 4–3 to adopt staff’s ordinance that strikes the proposed new library project from the plan, while rejecting a motion to add it as an unfunded potential project.
citizenportal.ai
December 18, 2025 at 7:38 PM
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Anacortes City Council has just greenlit a groundbreaking lease with Puget Sound Energy, promising the city a significant revenue boost while safeguarding park use at Mount Eerie!

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#AnacortesSkagitCounty #WA #AnacortesParks #TelecommunicationsInnovation #GovernmentTransparency
Anacortes OKs ground lease with Puget Sound Energy for Mount Eerie telecom site
Council authorized a ground lease with Puget Sound Energy for the Mount Eerie summit, approving a five‑year term (plus a five‑year extension), a guaranteed minimum payment of $72,000/year and a one‑time $100,000 payment to the city (payable in four installments). The agreement includes transparency and sublease oversight provisions to protect park use.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 9:29 PM
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The Anacortes Planning Commission has given a green light to a transformative development plan aimed at revitalizing the waterfront and boosting the local economy, but what does this mean for residents and the environment?

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#AnacortesSkagitCounty #WA #PublicAccess
Anacortes planning commission backs Port’s West Basin framework and shoreline permit, with conditions
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended City Council approve the Port of Anacortes’ West Basin framework development plan and shoreline substantial development permit, with modifications requiring the final framework and exhibits be recorded and a recommended 15‑year expiration; commissioners pressed the Port on the dog park, building heights, traffic and stormwater.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 9:27 PM
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Anacortes has just adopted a transformative 20-year comprehensive plan that includes exciting new climate initiatives and housing strategies!

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#AnacortesSkagitCounty #WA #CommunityEngagement #ClimateAction #AnacortesComprehensivePlan #HousingProjection #CitizenPortal
Anacortes adopts 2025 comprehensive plan and companion development regulations
Council adopted Ordinance 5,013 (2025 comprehensive plan) and Ordinance 5,014 (development regulation amendments) after a multi‑year process; staff said the update adds a climate element, housing projections and state‑required changes for accessory dwelling units.
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December 17, 2025 at 9:26 PM
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Anacortes City Council has approved a $136K contract for new advanced tasers, promising enhanced safety and better evidence management for the police department.

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#AnacortesSkagitCounty #WA #TechnologyIntegration #AnacortesPolice #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Anacortes approves purchase of Axon Taser 10s for police department
Council authorized a five‑year contract (26‑027‑APTD‑001) with Axon Enterprise for APD Model 10 devices totaling $136,435.20; staff said legacy X26 devices are no longer supported and the Model 10 offers longer range, more probe options and integration with evidence systems.
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December 17, 2025 at 9:25 PM
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Spokane just passed a groundbreaking co-living ordinance that expands room rental options in various housing types, paving the way for increased affordability and homeownership!

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#SpokaneSpokaneCounty #WA #CommunityDevelopment #ColivingOptions #SpokaneHousing
Spokane adopts co‑living ordinance to implement state law and expand room‑rental options
Council adopted Ordinance C36810 to implement RCW 36.780.535 on co‑living, allowing room rentals in a broader set of housing types than the state minimum; supporters said the rule will expand affordable housing options, and the ordinance passed 7‑0.
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December 17, 2025 at 9:16 AM
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Spokane's City Council has taken a bold step to protect its waste-to-energy facility, but a local business owner warns that failure to secure crucial legislation could mean an $8 million annual burden or even closure!

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#SpokaneSpokaneCounty #WA #LegislativeAdvocacy
Spokane adopts 2026 legislative agenda as residents push to protect waste‑to‑energy plant
Council adopted the city’s 2026 legislative agenda after public testimony urging stronger state advocacy to protect Spokane’s waste‑to‑energy facility; a local resident warned failure could force $8 million in new charges or closure, and the agenda passed 5‑2.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 9:15 AM
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Residents took the podium in Spokane's open forum, celebrating community resources while raising urgent concerns over a proposed kratom ban that could devastate local recovery efforts.

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#SpokaneSpokaneCounty #WA #CommunitySupport #HealthReform #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Open forum: residents praise navigation center, warn a kratom ban would hurt small businesses and recovery supports
During open forum residents praised the navigation center and Prop 1+ outcomes, and Spencer Coffin warned a proposed blanket kratom ban would “obliterate” a family‑run shop that serves people in recovery; Elizabeth Goldsmith offered farewell thanks to an outgoing councilmember.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 9:15 AM
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Spokane's council just voted to suspend rules and expedite the Safe Streets for All funding package, igniting a heated debate over process versus progress!

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#SpokaneSpokaneCounty #WA #CommunityPlanning #PublicSafety #SpokaneSafeStreets #CitizenPortal #TransportationInnovation
Council approves rule suspension to amend Safe Streets resolution after debate over process
Council suspended rules and approved an amendment to Resolution 2025‑0114 to clarify district projects (Maple Ash pilot), a Francis crossing location, and a Quick Build program review. Debate centered on whether rule suspension was appropriate to speed procurement and save bidding costs; the motion passed with opposition.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 5:38 AM
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Anacortes City Council just greenlit a new marine unit that will boost public safety and education, thanks to a partnership with Skagit County for vessel-registration fees!

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#AnacortesSkagitCounty #WA #AccidentPrevention #CommunityEducation #AnacortesMarine #PublicSafety
Anacortes approves interlocal with Skagit County to fund marine unit; city to receive about 30% of county vessel fees
Council authorized an interlocal agreement with Skagit County that will allocate roughly 30% of county vessel-registration fees to Anacortes Police Department’s marine program (estimated ~$15,000) and noted an expected additional Washington State Parks/Coast Guard grant (~$15,000) for 2026.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 5:34 AM
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Councilmember Dhillon has pushed back the decision on the eviction-diversion ordinance to January, aiming to gather more stakeholder feedback and ensure better communication of resources for tenants and landlords.

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#SpokaneSpokaneCounty #WA #SpokaneEvictionDiversion
Council defers final consideration of eviction‑diversion ordinance to Jan. 12 to allow stakeholder input
Council voted unanimously to defer final consideration of Ordinance C36808 (eviction diversion) to Jan. 12 so staff can address implementation details and consultation with tenants and landlords, including notification timing tied to lease signing and notices to vacate.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 5:28 AM
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Anacortes is gearing up for 2026 with bold legislative priorities, from a new community event center to urgent funding for local highways and wastewater upgrades!

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#AnacortesSkagitCounty #WA #CommunityDevelopment #AnacortesCommunity #PublicHealth #InfrastructureFunding
Anacortes narrows 2026 legislative priorities: event center, SR‑20 funding and nutrient-permit concerns among top items
Staff presented draft 2026 legislative priorities and council discussed pursuing capital funds for a joint community event center with the Port, pressing state funding for Commercial Avenue/State Route 20, and seeking affordability and funding for nutrient-general-permit compliance for the wastewater plant; the item was discussion-only and will return to council.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 5:23 AM
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Council members clashed over using general fund dollars for shelter services amid budget strains, while a new grants management software could save the city $48,000—what's the outcome?

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#SpokaneSpokaneCounty #WA #GrantsManagement #SpokaneShelter #BudgetAccountability
Council approves adding shelter and grants items to Dec. 15 agenda; debate over using general fund dollars
Council suspended rules to add shelter contract amendments (changing funding source noted in agenda materials) and a grants management software contract that saves about $48,000 in implementation costs. Debate centered on the use of general‑fund dollars for inclement weather shelter contracts; motions passed with opposition.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 5:17 AM
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Anacortes City Council just approved a new marine safety program funded by vessel-registration fees, aiming to enhance education and accident prevention in local waters!

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#AnacortesSkagitCounty #WA #AccidentPrevention #PublicSafety #AnacortesMarineSafety #EducationOutreach
Council authorizes interlocal agreement to fund Anacortes marine unit with vessel-registration fees
Council authorized an interlocal agreement with Skagit County to receive a roughly 30% share of county vessel-registration fees and additional pass-through grants to support a city marine program for outreach, education and accident prevention; staff said annual insurance is about $2,222 and estimated fee revenue near $15,000.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 5:02 AM
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Thurston County commissioners find themselves at a crossroads as public feedback on a new comment structure reveals mixed feelings and a petition from concerned residents.

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#ThurstonCounty #WA #GovernmentTransparency #CommunityAccessibility #CitizenPortal
Commissioners debate public‑comment pilot after mixed public feedback; no change adopted
After six months of a revised public‑comment pilot (agenda‑item comments early, general comment at end), commissioners reported mixed constituent feedback and a 92‑signature petition opposing the change; the board held lengthy discussion and directed the chair and another commissioner to propose modest language tweaks and return with recommendations rather than voting on an immediate reversal.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 4:41 AM
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Mountlake Terrace is set to enhance its environmental protections with stricter rules for critical areas and floodplain management—will these changes impact your neighborhood?

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#MountlakeTerraceSnohomishCounty #WA #UrbanPlanning #FloodplainManagement #EnvironmentalProtection
Mountlake Terrace staff propose tighter critical-area protections, revised tree-replacement ratios and floodplain rules ahead of public hearings
Staff presented a draft critical areas ordinance and floodplain-management amendments that would expand wetland and stream buffers, require hearing‑examiner review for wetland/stream alterations, raise tree-replacement standards, and adopt model floodplain provisions including a one-foot elevation requirement for new residential lowest floors.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 4:36 AM
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Thurston County is gearing up to allocate nearly $4.9 million for affordable housing projects focused on families in need—are you ready to see how this will reshape our community?

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#ThurstonCounty #WA #CommunityDevelopment #HousingAccessibility #ThurstonCountyAffordableHousing
Regional Housing Council adopts 2026 RFP priorities, sets funding expectations
The council approved 2026 RFP priorities and scoring that prioritize projects serving households at or below 50% AMI and projects outside Olympia; staff said roughly $4.9 million should be available for awards after set-asides and pipeline obligations.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 4:29 AM
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The Regional Housing Council has adopted its legislative priorities, spotlighting crucial funding for housing programs while navigating complex discussions on the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act.

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#ThurstonCounty #WA #ThurstonCountyHousing #CommunityEducation #CitizenPortal
Regional Housing Council adopts legislative priorities, marks RLTA an 'area of interest'
Council adopted its legislative priorities for the coming session, retaining top funding priorities and designating changes to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA) as an area of interest rather than a formal position; members struck language that could be read as authorizing members to represent the RHC to legislators in advance of formal positions.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 4:13 AM
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Anacortes is gearing up for a pivotal legislative session with bold plans for a community event center, enhanced behavioral health support, and crucial funding for road maintenance—find out how these priorities could reshape the city's future!

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#AnacortesSkagitCounty #WA
Council refines 2026 legislative priorities; event center, Commercial Avenue funding and nutrient permit concerns highlighted
Council discussed draft 2026 legislative priorities including support for a community event center, behavioral-health capacity funding, preserving state shared revenue, state highway maintenance funding for Commercial Avenue (State Route 20), and concerns about a Department of Ecology nutrient general permit; staff will refine language and return next meeting.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 4:09 AM
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Spokane is ramping up its winter shelter response with a $137,000 funding boost and a new operator to keep vulnerable residents safe this season!

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#SpokaneSpokaneCounty #WA #SpokaneHumanServices #CommunitySupport #WinterReadiness #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
CHHS board seeks $137,000 from general fund to cover inclement-weather contracts; new shelter operator picked for Morning Star site
City staff requested $137,000 from general funds to extend inclement-weather contracts through December surge planning and reported that an RFP reopening selected Jules Helping Hands as additional shelter operator with beds to open at Morning Star on Jan. 1.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 4:08 AM
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Spokane is set to transform its development code with a year-long modernization project aimed at making regulations more user-friendly and aligned with community goals!

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#SpokaneSpokaneCounty #WA #CommunityEngagement #UrbanPlanning #SpokaneDevelopment #RegulatoryReform
City hires Clarion and Kimley Horn to modernize Spokane's development code, plans yearlong schedule
Consultants Clarion Associates and Kimley Horn introduced a one-year code modernization project to update Title 17, improve usability and align regulations with the comprehensive plan; the team will start with administration and procedures then draft zoning and development standards, with public engagement and multiple updates to council.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 4:05 AM
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The College Place City Council just approved a $1.01 million boost for a vital infrastructure project that will enhance water delivery and support local development!

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#CollegePlaceWallaWallaCounty #WA #CulturalMonitoring #FederalFunding #CollegePlaceInfrastructure #CitizenPortal
Council approves $1.01 million amendment for Reservoir 4 and transmission main work
Council authorized a $1,010,000 amendment to JUB Engineers' contract—bringing the contract to $2,021,900—to fund final design and construction-phase services for Reservoir 4 and the transmission main, which is being delivered in three subprojects and includes cultural monitoring and 160 field observation days.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 4:02 AM
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Homeless Connect is set to return on January 28, promising essential services and support for nearly 2,000 guests, but concerns about funding and transportation remain.

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#SpokaneSpokaneCounty #WA #CommunitySupport #HousingInitiatives #SpokaneHomelessness #TransportationAccess
Homeless Connect draws providers and nearly 2,000 guests; council discusses transportation, fundraising and service alignment
Staff previewed Homeless Connect Jan. 28 and noted last year's event drew nearly 2,000 guests, prompting discussion about convention-center costs, bus-pass distribution and adding eviction-prevention resources at the event to serve low-income residents who attend but are not currently homeless.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 4:01 AM
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Anacortes City Council has secured a groundbreaking lease with Puget Sound Energy for the iconic Mount Eerie summit, promising a minimum annual income of $72,000 plus a one-time $100,000 payment!

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#AnacortesSkagitCounty #WA #AnacortesTelecommunications #LocalRevenue
Anacortes approves new ground lease with Puget Sound Energy for Mount Eerie site; city to receive minimum $72,000 and one-time payment
Council authorized a ground lease with Puget Sound Energy for the Mount Eerie summit site, negotiating a minimum annual payment of $72,000 and a one-time $100,000 payment to the city; staff emphasized new transparency provisions for subleases and engineering documentation.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 3:33 AM