In the News

Community Coalition Announces Safe and Healthy Spokane Task Force Initiative

September 30, 2025

(Spokane, WA) – Today, leadership from Downtown Spokane Partnership, Greater Spokane Incorporated, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Waters Meet Foundation (formally Empire Health Foundation) announced formation of the Safe and Healthy Spokane Task Force. This Task Force represents a true public/private partnership bringing a diverse set of perspectives and expertise to bear on critical safety and health issues in our community.

Spokane faces an unprecedented drug and mental health crisis that is overwhelming our community’s safety and health 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.

The Task Force’s goal is to develop a regional vision and an actionable and prioritized plan that addresses the interconnected challenges of mental health, criminal justice, emergency response, and public safety. Areas of focus will include expanding intervention programs, modernizing facilities, coordinating investments, and recommending policy and funding solutions—all with a commitment to accountability, transparency, inclusivity, measurable outcomes, and broad community engagement.

The 33 members of the Task Force represent:

• Behavioral health and public health experts

• Community and business representatives

• Housing

• Individuals with lived experience with the justice system, behavioral health challenges, and homelessness

• Judicial system representatives (Judges, Prosecutors, Public Defenders)

• Law enforcement officials (Sheriff’s Office, Police Departments, Law & Justice/Jail Operations)

• Nonprofit, philanthropic, service provider and advocacy leaders

• Public finance

• Workforce and labor representatives

• Emergency medical response (Fire Departments, EMS, Health Care System/Hospitals)

Starting in October, the Task Force will meet monthly, review existing infrastructure that supports better health and safety in our region, and hear testimony from the public, local stakeholders, and national experts, including Judge Steven Leifman, a recognized leader in criminal justice and behavioral health reform. Based on this input, it will recommend a comprehensive action plan including prioritized recommendations for future strategies and investments across the county. The action plan will be submitted to Spokane County Commissioners, Spokane City Council, Spokane Valley City Council and other local jurisdictions by late Spring 2026 for consideration and implementation.

The first Task Force meeting will be October 2nd. All meetings will be recorded and available for viewing and public comment on the Task Force website.

For Task Force information and updates visit www.safeandhealthyspokane.org

“Across our diverse perspectives, we’ve discovered common ground: a deep commitment to a healthier, safer Spokane for all. The Task Force brings together voices of wisdom and lived experience to help shape that future, and now is the moment to act. There’s no better time than now to work together for the future of Spokane,” stated Emilie Cameron, President & CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership.

“This Task Force represents our community uniting to create a regional vision that tackles the interconnected challenges of mental health, criminal justice, emergency response, and public safety. By strengthening coordination across systems, identifying gaps and building upon the work already underway, we can build a safer, healthier Spokane for everyone,” said Zeke Smith, CEO Waters Meet Foundation.

“The challenges we are facing in Spokane are not unique to our region, however the solutions require our leaders and systems to come together. There are great people and organizations working hard every day. The Task Force creates the opportunity to build a table that brings this diverse expertise and leadership together. The urgency for even deeper public-private collaboration and outcomes has never been higher,” said Alisha Benson, CEO Greater Spokane Inc.

The Task Force is being funded through a public-private partnership led by Downtown Spokane Partnership, Greater Spokane Inc., Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Waters Meet Foundation.

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