The Spokane County Commission has made a significant move in response to Mayor Lisa Brown's conditions for the city to join the regional 911 communication system. In a recent vote, the commission decided to add the Spokane police chief to the governing board of Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC), fulfilling one of Brown's requests while rejecting another. Currently, SREC manages all 911 calls in the region but forwards police service calls within the city to local dispatchers, creating tension regarding governance. Brown argues that the current structure does not adequately represent the city, which makes up over 40% of the county's population. The commission's decision follows a lengthy negotiation process, with SREC's board advocating for a balanced representation that reflects the entire region rather than favoring any single entity.

The rejection of Brown's request for more board representation indicates that discussions remain contentious, as both sides seek a resolution that addresses public safety needs. Commissioner Al French noted that the existing structure has improved response times and efficiency, highlighting the challenges of regional governance in public safety and its implications for community safety in Spokane.