Mayor Lisa Brown has publicly expressed her disappointment with the Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) Board's recent decision to exclude the City of Spokane from its regional public safety answering point model. This decision interrupts productive discussions aimed at enhancing communication services that serve the community effectively. In her statement, Mayor Brown pointed out that SREC has repeatedly set unreasonable deadlines and fostered an artificial sense of urgency, which has complicated the city's review process. Despite the City of Spokane offering collaborative solutions, such as identifying a neutral facilitator to reach a resolution, SREC has shown a lack of willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. Brown underlined that community safety is her foremost concern, and she aims to uphold the standards of service for Spokane residents.

She emphasized the need for transparency in SREC's governance and financial decisions, particularly regarding user fees that must be clarified. The mayor's commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for taxpayers and residents remains unwavering amidst these challenges. This situation highlights the complexities of regional governance and the importance of cooperative efforts in public safety communications.