Spokane City Council Returns to the Table on A/C Mandate
After sustained and successful advocacy by WMFHA members and coalition partners, Spokane City Council delayed the "first reading" of the A/C ordinance to allow for further amendments, holding the meeting this week rather than last. The first reading marks the latest step in an ongoing conversation about how best to protect residents during periods of extreme heat. The ordinance must be "read" twice before council can pass it.
WMFHA testified before City Council supporting efforts to ensure vulnerable residents have access to safe and healthy housing and calling for more work to be done to get the policy right. It is critical that new policies are practical to implement and do not create unintended consequences that make housing less affordable or discourage future investment in Spokane’s housing stock.
Since the ordinance was first introduced, WMFHA has pushed City leaders while working closely with coalition partners, nonprofit housing providers, and local stakeholders to identify areas of concern and advocate for meaningful improvements. Thanks to that engagement, the proposal was delayed and has evolved significantly from its original form.
While we appreciate the Council’s willingness to listen to stakeholders and refine the ordinance, important issues remain unresolved.
In particular, WMFHA continues to advocate for amendments that provide greater clarity around portable cooling equipment and establish clear expectations for ownership, maintenance, and long-term accountability. Any policy intended to expand access to cooling should create durable improvements for residents while avoiding unnecessary disputes and administrative burdens for housing providers.
We also remain concerned about the broader impacts of the ordinance on housing affordability. Housing providers (including nonprofit organizations and affordable housing operators) already face significant financial pressures. New mandates and compliance costs ultimately affect the ability to maintain existing housing, preserve affordability, and invest in new housing opportunities.
As discussions continue, WMFHA will remain focused on solutions that:
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Protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat events.
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Preserve and expand Spokane’s affordable housing supply.
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Provide clear and practical standards for housing providers and tenants.
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Encourage collaboration among the City, housing providers, nonprofits, and community partners.
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Support long-term investments in weatherization, energy efficiency, and cooling infrastructure.
Housing affordability and resident safety are not competing priorities. Spokane can achieve both.
WMFHA appreciates the engagement of our members and coalition partners throughout this process. We will continue working with City leaders to ensure the final ordinance reflects practical, effective solutions that serve residents while supporting a healthy and sustainable housing market.
We will keep members informed as negotiations continue ahead of final Council action.