Issues
Spokane Valley has always been my home. It is a great place to live, work and raise children. I want to help the Valley prosper for future generations. I am committed to working for you, improving public safety, providing roads and infrastructure, and developing policies that allow citizens to thrive. During my time on Council we have increased the police force by 10 officers, completed the Barker Road grade separation project, and strengthened City drug ordinances. I support economic development policies, like the new cross country track, and I am working to increase housing availability and affordability by reducing regulations.
Photo: Laura at Mirabeau Park Falls in the Spokane Valley.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Laura’s top priority is public safety. Our law enforcement personnel need to be fully funded, fully staffed, fully trained and fully supported.
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Great progress has been made. All vacant positions have been filled and 10 new officers hired – all within existing revenue. We hope to expand in stages to meet our growing needs. We have adopted the strongest ordinance in the state to combat the illicit massage parlor and human trafficking trade within our city. Almost 80% of those illicit parlors have been closed!
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We also moved to protect all, but especially children, from the danger of exposure to methamphetamines and fentanyl by adopting a “reckless endangerment” ordinance and charging offenders with a gross misdemeanor – the highest penalty the City can apply.
JOBS
A robust community is built by creating a business climate that attracts small businesses, commerce and tourism. Valley businesses bring jobs and outside dollars into our city and there is great potential for business growth and stability.
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Tourism also brings outside dollars into our city. A great win is the construction of the new cross-country track which will be ready Fall 2025 with NCAA and NWAC meets already booked.
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“We need to build on our business-friendly reputation to increase job opportunities, and keep people working.”
HOUSING
Housing choices, availability and ownership are needed. We continue to fight Olympia to reduce construction costs, reduce unnecessary regulations and allow use of natural gas.
We also advocate for extending the boundaries of the Growth Management Act to allow more area for growth. This should help the Valley to grow maintaining our exceptional community without excessive infill of large apartment complexes.
Laura has supported more housing choices and she is thankful to be part of the effort to bring Habitat for Humanity into the Valley. Currently two projects are in development providing stable and affordable home-ownership to many families.
“The City can encourage development and ownership of homes, townhouses, condominiums and cottages while maintaining a balance between ownership, rentals and open spaces,” Padden said.