SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane faces losing nearly $3 million in federal funding that supports childcare, housing development and food assistance programs.
President Trump’s proposed 2026 budget eliminates the Community Development Block Grant. The congressional appropriations committee reviews the budget proposal Monday.
The grant funded construction of a behavioral health center at the Northeast Community Center and ongoing walkway improvements.
“So annually we get more than 100,000 units of service. People come here for multiple reasons,” said Dave Richardson, executive director of the Northeast Community Center.
The center offers childcare, healthcare and senior services funded by the grant. Safety improvements in the daycare area were also completed using grant money.
“This goes to things like food assistance and helping people stay housed. I mean, the reality is there are people who depend on this to keep a roof over their heads,” said Erin Hut with the City of Spokane.
This year, $300,000 went to the Hillyard Neighborhood Council to upgrade Harmon Park.
“We have a playground that needs enhancements. We have a splash pad that is in terrible shape,” said Laura Johnson of the Hillyard Neighborhood Council.
The Trump administration cited concerns about misuse of funds, suggesting such initiatives would be better funded at the state level. Local officials express uncertainty about alternative funding sources.
“It would be devastating,” Hut said.
Mayor Lisa Brown has joined mayors nationwide in writing to congressional representatives, urging them to maintain the grant funding.
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