Spokane's 'Safe and Healthy' Committees Aim for Change

New advisory groups to tackle behavioral health, public safety, emergency response, and justice issues

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Spokane's Safe and Healthy Spokane Task Force is moving from assessment to action, launching four advisory committees to address key community concerns. Local leaders and residents with lived experience will craft recommendations for city and county officials, with ongoing public updates and opportunities for involvement.

Why it matters

The new committees represent an effort by Spokane to take a comprehensive, community-driven approach to improving public health and safety. By including diverse perspectives, the city hopes to develop sustainable solutions that address the root causes of issues like behavioral health crises and justice system disparities.

The details

The four new advisory committees will focus on behavioral health, public safety, emergency response, and justice issues. The groups will include local leaders as well as residents with firsthand experience, who will work together to develop recommendations for city and county officials. The process will feature ongoing public updates and opportunities for community input.

  • The Safe and Healthy Spokane Task Force is launching the new advisory committees in February 2026.

The players

Safe and Healthy Spokane Task Force

A local government initiative tasked with improving public health and safety in Spokane.

Bart Logue

The Spokane Police Ombudsman, who was recently cleared of conflict-of-interest allegations by the city's Ethics Commission.

Bob Ferguson

The Governor of Washington, who has requested $11 million in state funding to support a new Spokane Veterans Home.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The four new advisory committees will begin meeting in the coming weeks to develop their recommendations for city and county officials.

The takeaway

Spokane's new 'Safe and Healthy' initiative represents a community-driven approach to addressing complex public health and safety issues. By including diverse perspectives and focusing on root causes, the city hopes to develop sustainable solutions that improve the lives of all Spokane residents.