1. Spokane City Council held a press conference over two months ago to announce a set of initiatives. This is an update of progres Downtown Livability Initiative Update

2. Original Initiative Action Steps

3. Nuisance Issues At Council Meeting on September 30, 2013, Council passed the following items related to nuisance issues: A graffiti removal ordinance that made failure to remove graffiti after 10 days a class 4 civil infraction with revenue from the infractions going toward SPD’s graffiti abatement program. An ordinance that makes having vehicle prowling tools a simple misdemeanor (90 days in jail and up to $1000 fine). An ordinance that mirrors state law, making interference of operations in health care facilities a gross misdemeanor with a first time fine of up to $250 and a possible jail sentence of up to 24 hours (with fines and sentences escalating to $1000 and 30 days respectively for third time offense). An ordinance that makes it a simple misdemeanor to abuse the 911 Emergency systems. Updated unlawful transit conduct that includes more offenses.

4. STA and Park STA Smoking Area Riverfront Park Revitalization STA originally closed smoking area in August of 2012. Construction of new smoking area started in November of this year. Councilman Allen and Stuckart meet with the committee monthly and next spring a final master plan will be rolled out to the community

5. 2014 BudgetHuman service funding FY 2014 FY2014 budget adds 25 uniformed police officer positions to the Spokane Police Department, reversing previous staff cuts. In the 2014 budget we added $40,000 for downtown youth outreach

6. Downtown LightingDowntown Dead Zones The City is working with Avista to LED lighting in the downtown area. This light uses less electricity, but it can also increase safety by creating larger spectrum of color visibility and greater overall illumination. Ridpath development moving forward. Project timeline has Apartments opening for tenants in summer (posted June 2014 in ads). Convention Center Hotel currently under way.

7. Criminal Justice ReformDSP Panhandling Outreach Council is supportive of Community Court efforts and alternatives to incarceration. Council will be looking to implement City wide criminal justice commission recommendations upon final release of report. Council allocated $7,000 in funds to DSP for outreach campaign regarding panhandling, encouraging people to not give money to panhandlers and instead support organizations/services that help these individuals.

8. VOA Resolution Council allocated $40,000 for outreach and has had contact with federal legislators. VOA recently received more funding!