FAQs
Why create a Task Force?
Spokane faces an unprecedented drug and mental health crisis that is overwhelming our community’s safety and health resources. A contributing factor is that people who need behavioral health and substance abuse services often don’t have access to much needed resources.
This crisis impacts everyone who lives, works and visits Spokane. Only a community led effort with support from elected officials can address these challenges to make Spokane Safe and Healthy.
Our approach to public health, safety and justice needs to change. The Task Force is bringing people together to look at what’s working, what’s not and create practical recommendations shaped by expertise, lived experience and community voices.
We are committed to working together to make Spokane a safer and healthier community.
Who is funding the work of the Task Force?
Current funders are Greater Spokane Inc., Waters Meet Foundation, Downtown Spokane Partnership, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Avista Foundation.
How is this Task Force different from similar efforts?
We are building on and aligning with the important work already underway—not duplicating it.
This is a community led effort. The Task Force has representation from diverse perspectives including behavioral health, housing, criminal justice, service providers, advocates and those with lived experience.
All meetings are recorded and available to view for public comment on the Task Force website: www.safeandhealthyspokane.org
We are guided by the expertise of Judge Steven Leifman, who created Miami-Dade’s nationally recognized diversion program—now a model for communities across the country. The process is being facilitated by Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. (MIG), who are experts at facilitating multi stakeholder processes and have experience working in the Spokane community.
How often will the Task Force meet?
The Task Force will meet monthly for nine months starting Oct 2, 2025.
How were the Task Members selected?
Leaders from Greater Spokane Inc., Waters Meet Foundation, Downtown Spokane Partnership, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Avista reached out to non-profit organizations, local government, local elected officials and agencies involved in these issues for suggestions to serve on the Task Force. All the names were reviewed and 40 invitations were sent out. Thirty seven individuals agreed to join the Task Force.
We are confident that the diverse experience and expertise of Task Force members will help us to develop actionable recommendations that improve coordination, funding and outcomes throughout or across Spokane County. We are engaging key leaders and stakeholders, including:
Behavioral and public health experts
Community, business, and housing representatives
Individuals with lived experience
Tribal leaders and health providers
Judicial and law enforcement officials
Funders, nonprofits, and advocacy groups
Emergency medical, hospital, and public finance representatives
Workforce and labor leaders
What will the Task Force produce?
The Task Force will draft actionable recommendations designed to make Spokane safer and healthier and deliver to all local jurisdictions including Spokane County, City of Spokane and City of Spokane Valley in late Spring of 2026.
This effort is about developing systemwide recommendations to strengthen public health, safety, and justice across Spokane County.