(The Center Square) – The Spokane City Council intends to fill a vacancy on the dais by July 28.
Councilmember Lili Navarrete announced her resignation on Monday, effective June 30, after her peers picked her to fill another vacant position in January 2024. Two candidates are running for her spot in the upcoming general election, but the council still needs an interim appointee.
According to a news release, an application period for the interim position opened Friday and will close on June 20. The Council Rules and Procedures give Council President Betsy Wilkerson discretion on how fast to move the process, but the release says the city council hopes to vote by July 28.
“Do you still want the job?” Councilmember Paul Dillon asked Navarette in January 2024 after waiting four hours for the others to confirm her appointment.
Navarette took Wilkerson’s position on the council representing District 2 after voters elected her president in November 2023. Navarette competed against 16 other candidates for the spot and said addressing homelessness, mental health gaps and trusting police was atop her priorities.
She didn’t provide much explanation in the announcement this week, but in March, Navarrete said she planned to skip the election in November to focus on her health. The departure leaves her peers with an empty chair, just like Navarrete filled, but for only about four months this time.
The council plans to interview applicants on July 10 before holding a public hearing on July 14 to gather feedback from residents. Questions on the application include why the candidate is interested, what they believe the council’s role is, if they have experience managing budgets, availability to attend meetings and events, and the most pressing issue facing the city.
Applicants must have lived in the district for at least a year when the officials vote on July 28.
The interim appointee will serve until the election is certified and the winning candidate takes over.
“As much as I have enjoyed my role, it is time for me to move on to new challenges and opportunities,” Navarrete wrote in her announcement. “Thank you once again for everything.”
