Spokane Will Increase Utility Rates in 2027

The city council proposed rising costs for waste and utilities to fund carbon credit requirements.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Utilities

Isometric editorial illustration of industrial waste pipes and filtration stacks, representing municipal utility infrastructure and environmental policy compliance. — The Spokane City Council has proposed utility and waste collection rate increases starting in 2027 to cover state-mandated carbon credit compliance costs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support increasing monthly utility bills to pay for city environmental projects?

Spokane residents and businesses will face higher garbage and utility bills starting in 2027. The proposed increases are driven by the need to offset greenhouse gas emissions from the city waste-to-energy facility under state law.

Why it matters

The city faces rising costs due to inflation, labor negotiations, and fuel price volatility while needing to comply with environmental regulations. Lawmakers intend to use a portion of these funds to invest in emission reduction projects.

Residential garbage bills will rise by $2.75 per month, while commercial rates increase by $9.00 monthly. These changes support a projected $12 million carbon credit expenditure required by 2030.

The players

Spokane City Council

This is the legislative body responsible for governing the city of Spokane and setting municipal utility rates.

The details

Under House Bill 2416, Spokane will receive free carbon credits for four years before transitioning to a model where the city must cover 40% of its own emission costs. These rate hikes will appear as distinct line items on customer statements to account for both waste management and general utility costs.

Residential and commercial garbage bill increases begin in 2027.
The city council will vote on the proposed rate increases on October 14, 2026.

Market Landscape

This move follows broader industry trends where municipalities are shifting the financial burden of environmental compliance directly to end-user utility rates. It positions Spokane among cities balancing essential waste services against rising mandates for carbon neutrality.

Customers will see a clear monthly increase in their garbage and utility statements beginning in 2027. Households and businesses should plan for these higher costs as the city adapts to new state-mandated emission credit requirements.

The takeaway

Rising utility costs often reflect the complex financial obligations of maintaining municipal environmental compliance. Residents are encouraged to review the proposed budget shifts ahead of the upcoming city council vote.