Here is a quick look at what SBA has been working on this week.
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SBA appeared on KXLY/4 News in support of the City Council’s proposed Street Racing Ordinance.
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Earlier this week, SBA voted unanimously to support a proposed City ordinance cracking down on street racing, reckless acceleration, drifting and related conduct. Excessive speed and reckless driving are threatening streets and neighborhoods across Spokane, including downtown.
SBA thanks Councilmembers Paul Dillon and Michael Cathcart for proposing this sensible and much needed ordinance. It is well crafted and pairs meaningful fines with practical enforcement tools, including the use of video evidence and enforcement by mail. SBA also appreciates the Council’s ongoing work with the City's legal team to ensure the ordinance is fully aligned with Washington law.
Most importantly, by creating real consequences for dangerous driving, it will help prevent injuries and save lives.
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Jerry Dicker and I published a joint guest opinion in yesterday's Spokesman Review, “City Hall needs a reminder: Spokane’s businesses are not the enemy.” Our point was simple: Spokane cannot tax, regulate and restrict its way into prosperity.
Policies such as the parking tax, emergency drive-through moratorium, complicated apartment cooling mandates, and City Hall’s backing of STA’s proposed three lane reduction on Division Street all add friction at a time when downtown vacancy, public safety and the business climate remain serious concerns.
Before every major decision, City Hall should ask a simple question: does this make Spokane a better place to live, invest, work and build?
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Finally, SBA opposes STA’s recent decision to ask voters for another 20 years of its “temporary” 2/10ths sales tax.
STA delivered the projects voters approved in 2016. But instead of honoring the promised 2028 sunset, STA has pre-committed taxpayers to a new generation of projects built around extending the tax, even as its unrestricted reserves have grown from approximately $40 million to $274 million since the tax began.
This tax renewal is not needed to protect core transit service. It would fund a new generation of projects voters never approved, including the Division Street Bus Rapid Transit proposal and its elimination of three lanes for automobiles.
Extending the tax would approach $1 billion, even as Spokane faces urgent funding needs, including public safety, treatment and recovery, and downtown revitalization.
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All SBA members are invited to attend, enjoy lunch, and engage in thoughtful discussion on the topics that matter most to local businesses and neighborhoods. Members are encouraged to invite prospective businesses that would benefit from being part of the SBA community.
➡️ 25 W Nora Ave (Inside SHA/Parking Available)
➡️ Noon – 1:00 pm
➡️ Come Enjoy Lunch and Let’s Talk North Spokane
➡️ All SBA Members Welcome
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Betsy Wilkerson
City Council President
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We are pleased to welcome Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson as our guest speaker. Her experience and leadership offer valuable perspective on the issues shaping Spokane, including those directly impacting North Spokane businesses, neighborhoods, and future growth.
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Welcome
John Nowels
Spokane County Sheriff
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Sheriff John Nowels has been with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office for more than 26 years. Throughout his career, Sheriff Nowels has served in a variety of law enforcement leadership roles and brings decades of local experience to issues impacting public safety, community trust, and quality of life throughout Spokane County. His perspective is especially valuable as local businesses continue to navigate the intersection of public safety, neighborhood stability, and economic vitality.
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Member Meetings Are Held On The
Fourth Wednesday of Every Month
1420 E Sprague Ave, Spokane
Community Room (enter in the back)
12 PM - 1 PM
Lunch provided
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MAKING SPOKANE EASIER TO BUILD AND DEVELOP
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If you have concerns, ideas or suggestions, get in touch. I want to hear from you.
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