Spokane Will Vote on Asbestos Testing Funding
The city council plans to vote on October 21 to provide financial aid for asbestos surveys to eligible fire survivors.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Asthma
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The Spokane City Council is set to vote on a resolution to fund asbestos surveying for property owners affected by the Old Trails Fire. This program will offer assistance to those whose homeowners insurance does not cover the necessary health-safety testing.
Why it matters
Property owners currently face significant recovery hurdles due to contractor shortages and laboratory backlogs. Securing this funding could help expedite environmental health checks in fire-damaged neighborhoods.
The proposed program allows for up to $1,600 in reimbursements for previously paid uninsured asbestos surveys. The initiative is funded through Wildfire Housing Assistance Funds authorized by the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The players
Spokane City Council
The local governing body responsible for setting municipal health and housing policy for residents in Spokane.
Washington State Department of Commerce
The state agency that authorizes housing assistance funding and supports community development efforts.
The details
Property owners can apply through a city process if their private insurance fails to cover environmental surveying costs. City building department staff are also being stationed in affected neighborhoods to assist residents with permitting and recovery guidance. These measures aim to navigate around the current regional backlog of contractors and testing labs.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Spokane City Council vote on the funding resolution.
October 28, 2026: Community resource event at 6 p.m. at Salk Middle School.
Health Landscape
This program aligns with the current push from the Washington State Department of Commerce to stabilize housing recovery through targeted financial assistance. It specifically addresses the critical environmental health bottleneck caused by limited professional testing capacity in the region.
If you are a property owner impacted by the Old Trails Fire, this resolution may provide a path for insurance-gap coverage for asbestos surveys. Discussing this process with your physician or local environmental health office is recommended if you have concerns regarding air quality in your home.
The takeaway
The proposed funding aims to remove financial barriers that prevent homeowners from verifying the safety of their property. If you have concerns about environmental hazards in your home, consult with a certified asbestos inspector or your local building department.
What happens next
The City Council vote is scheduled for October 21, 2026, followed by a community resource event at Salk Middle School on October 28, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on managing environmental respiratory risks, visit our Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Center Square.
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Should local governments fund private asbestos testing for homeowners after a wildfire?
