SPOKANE, Wash. – Mayor Lisa Brown introduced a mid-biennium budget modification proposal on Monday, aiming to close a projected $13 million deficit while maintaining Spokane's community priorities.

The budget challenges arise from a slowing national economy, weakened consumer confidence, and sales tax not aligning with historical trends. These factors follow the city's previous closure of a $25 million deficit in 2024. Additional pressures include federal contract uncertainties, collective bargaining constraints, inflation, and rising jail costs.

Mayor Brown's proposal focuses on strengthening Spokane's financial foundation through public safety infrastructure prioritization and debt restructuring. However, the plan acknowledges that reducing personnel costs, which make up about 90 perce

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