The focus at the West Plains Chamber of Commerce’s April 17 membership breakfast was ironically not the West Plains — instead, attendees heard from Spokane Mayor David Condon, who briefed visitors on the nearby city’s current projects and recent achievements.
“The city of Spokane is a driving force in our region,” Chamber of Commerce executive director Toby Brommeling said. “That partnership is so important.”
Condon shared advice for West Plains elected officials and business leaders and explained upcoming city goals, including street improvements and evolving services for those experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness has been a hot topic in Spokane in recent months, with significant controversy surrounding its sit-lie ordinance, which is aimed at the city’s homeless population and prohibits people from sitting or lying down on city streets between 6 a.m. and midnight.
“The answer to homelessness is not lawlessness,” Condon said. “And we have a propensity to do just that.”
With the West Plains population swelling at an astronomical rate, it will soon be facing many of the same growth issues Spokane has in the past, Condon said.
“I think people need to own their primary residence,” Condon said, but he added that he did not feel that government-owned housing is the right path for the region, instead suggesting working with non-profits and other partners to prevent the spread of homelessness and increase economic opportunity.
The median household income in Spokane is $48,946, according to city of Spokane documents presented at the meeting. The city plans to increase affordable housing options in the coming months through united planning efforts, Condon said, and focus on conservation and river cleanup.
Condon also discussed his support of creating a Joe Albi stadium replacement downtown by the Spokane Arena, despite the fact that two-thirds of Spokane voters voted last year to build a new, smaller stadium at the current Albi location in northwest Spokane.
Spokane is the largest city in Eastern Washington and the second-largest in the state. Brommeling said he hoped the meeting showed members how smaller, surrounding cities have a significant role in its economy and overall success.
Shannen Talbot can be reached at [email protected].
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