Greater Spokane Progress

Support BIPOC led issue organizing, and engage GSP members in our main areas of focus based on issues and needs identified by BIPOC leaders: We focused on housing justice and engaged members in passing two City of Spokane tenant protection ordinances to enforce new habitability standards and codes that were non-existent or previously unenforced. We supported BIPOC led organizing efforts to achieve community demands for police accountability & independent oversight. We advocated for fully funding and staffing the City of Spokane Office of Civil Rights, Equity & Inclusion (OCREI) and provided input on the hiring process for the OCREI Director. GSP worked with members of our OCREI Workgroup and other organizational members to develop a community 2024 budget proposal and sign on letter for the City of Spokane.

Connect and highlight the work of our diverse member organizations through quarterly member meetings and gatherings, and member communications and social media to engage GSP members and promote members and issues in the community: We held our first in person member gathering since the start of the pandemic for leaders to connect; we organized member meetings on Zoom to share information with each other; and managed member communications and shared information about members and issues on social media. GSP organized meetings with City Council Members to hear updates on their priorities and share information; and held an annual member meeting in September with our State Legislators so members could share their priorities for the 2024 legislative session.

Operationalize racial equity: GSP's Racial Equity Committee organized a Racial Equity Workshop Series for GSP members & partners. We led a Why Race Matters Workshop for the Spokane City Council that was attended by a City Council Member, City Council staff, and members of the Council?s Equity Subcommittee.