Good afternoon local leaders – I’ve spent considerable time with citizen leaders over the last few weeks – even more so than usual! In February, I traveled to DC where I met with the offices of Rep. Baumgartner and Senator Cantwell and even got to meet directly with Senator Murray about key County and community priorities. I also visited with residents and business leaders at three Neighborhood Councils within District 2. From the federal level to the neighborhood level, I’m struck by the common goals that those elected by their peers share and reminded that working collaboratively with each other enhances outcomes for all of us in Spokane County. Please read below to learn more about my advocacy in DC and here at home! - Amber Educating & Advocating in Washington, DC I just got back from Washington, DC where I engaged in a variety of activities that benefit Spokane. At the National Association of Counties meeting, I first focused on health policy issues. I’m very concerned about how the roll out of changes to Medicaid and SNAP food benefits will impact Spokane residents. I also educated myself on the latest housing and homelessness policy conversations. There are two housing bills that could allow more flexibility for Spokane County to support the growth of more housing, especially affordable housing – I’ll be watching and keeping you updated! Association of County and City Health Officials to better understand the national policy picture and make visits to Congressional offices. The silver lining is that, despite proposals to reduce funding, Congress did adopt a FY26 Budget that stabilizes funding for homelessness and public health. This is great news for WA State and the Spokane Regional Health District, which receives 30% of its funds from Federal sources. But the Trump Administration continues to issue executive orders to change how these dollars are prioritized and require cities and counties to jump through hoops to access funds; so, we still have a lot of work to do to ensure funding now and in 2027. Congressional Visits & Results While in DC, I met with the offices of Rep. Baumgartner and Senator Cantwell about promising affordable housing bills and to share our Spokane Regional Health District federal priorities. I got to meet personally with Senator Murray about public health and thank her for her $3M investment in our Spokane County PATH sobering and recovery center. I also met with her staff to discuss investing in a transportation project that would help close the Argonne gap in our Centennial Trai - hoping to get her support! Community Outreach & Engagement In February, I attended the Rockwood, Minnehaha, and East Central Neighborhood Councils, toured Joya Child and Family Development, and supported a letter to State legislators encouraging continued funding for Early Support for Infant and Toddlers. I also presented awards at the Commute Smart Northwest annual banquet (Congrats, Gonzaga University, for earning the Pinnacle award!),and followed priority projects and funding at the State legislature. In March, I'll be attending the Nevada Heights and Southgate Neighborhood Councils - hope to see you there! Follow me on Instagram! Upcoming Events WSDOT Connects Listening Session with Nuestra Raices Wednesday, 5:30-7pm This session is part of the WSDOT Connects Placemaking & Community Engagement Series for the I-90 Connection to the North Spokane Corridor. It is an opportunity to share your thoughts on community design features, wayfinding kiosks, architectural elements, and other improvements along the corridor. Microsoft Teams Meeting Link North Spokane Corridor WA Department of Transportation Community Engagement Thursday, 5 pm Public and active transportation users are invited to take part in a series of community conversations surrounding the North Spokane Corridor’s connection project. Engagement series will take place the third Thursday of each month, through April. Email Ryan Overton for more details Join virtually Frances Scott Elementary | 3737 E 5th Ave County Planning Commission Meeting 3/12 meeting postponed until 3/26 Thursday, 9 am Workshop: GMA Comprehensive Plan Elements: Cultural Resources Workshop: Spokane County 2026 Development Regulations Join by Zoom Commissioner's Meeting Room | 1026 W Broadway Ave, Lower Level