Spokane City Council Will Vote on Asbestos Funding
The city will vote October 21 on a plan to fund asbestos surveys for residents affected by the Old Trails Fire.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Asthma
Live Poll
Should local governments fund private asbestos testing for homeowners after a wildfire?
The Spokane City Council will vote on October 21, 2026, on a resolution to provide funding for asbestos surveys for property owners impacted by the Old Trails Fire. This program aims to assist residents whose homeowners insurance policies do not cover the necessary testing.
Why it matters
The measure is intended to help survivors navigate recovery efforts that have been hindered by widespread contractor shortages and laboratory backlogs. By covering these costs, the city hopes to speed up the cleanup process for affected homeowners.
The city plans to provide reimbursement of up to $1,600 for residents who have already paid for uninsured asbestos surveys. These funds are drawn from Wildfire Housing Assistance grants provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The players
Spokane City Council
This is the legislative body responsible for governing the city of Spokane, Washington, and managing municipal recovery efforts.
Washington State Department of Commerce
This state agency oversees economic development and administers the Wildfire Housing Assistance Funds used for the recovery project.
The details
Property owners can apply for the surveys through an official city process, while building department staff are now stationed in fire-affected neighborhoods to provide localized permitting support. The city is also evaluating potential waivers or reductions for building fees on properties damaged by the fire.
Timeline
The city council vote is scheduled for October 21, 2026.
A community resource event will take place October 28, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Health Landscape
This effort follows the deployment of the Washington State Department of Commerce's Wildfire Housing Assistance Funds to mitigate long-term health risks following environmental disasters. It highlights how municipal governments are evolving to address the specific logistical bottlenecks of post-fire cleanup.
Residents whose homeowners insurance does not cover asbestos testing may now be eligible for city-backed reimbursement. Eligible property owners should monitor the outcome of the October 21 vote to understand how to begin their application process.
The takeaway
Property owners should prepare documentation of their uninsured survey costs to facilitate a faster reimbursement process if the funding is approved. The city is working to reduce administrative burdens by bringing building department staff directly into affected areas.
What happens next
The city council vote will occur on October 21, 2026, followed by a community resource event at 6411 N. Alberta on October 28, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local respiratory hazards and related initiatives in Spokane Asthma.
Live Poll
Should local governments fund private asbestos testing for homeowners after a wildfire?
