What’s Happening with GFCs?

In March 2023, Spokane City Council adopted new GFCs. Rates representing an inflationary increase over the rates adopted in 2002 are currently in place through March 4, 2024. After that, the adopted GFCs would rise.

In the meantime, the City is working through an additional outreach and education effort to update rates that would go into effect in 2024.

What is included in the Education & Outreach Effort?

Mayor Woodward has appointed an Advisory Committee with a variety of stakeholders to review GFCs and discuss impacts and solutions.

Additionally, the City Council passed a resolution requiring outreach to additional specific groups, including the Sustainability Action Subcommittee, the Equity Subcommittee and the Housing Action Subcommittee.

GFC Advisory Committee discussion items include:

• Overview of the GFC ordinance and how GFCs are calculated.
• How to pay for growth-related infrastructure? Through GFCs on growth, rates paid by all, or some combination.
• Should we incentivize some kinds of development, like affordable housing?
• Should we review other GFC calculation methodologies? 
• 1 or 2 zones for water GFC charges?
• Growth projections
• Phase-in options. etc.

Status Update

• Mayor's GFC Advisory Committee had its first meeting Thursday, May 11. Click here to view the recorded virtual meeting.
• Next GFC Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 25.
• City staff continue collecting feedback from stakeholders and the community.

GFC Advisory Committee Meeting - May 11, 2023

What is a General Facilities Charge?

A General Facilities Charge is a connection fee paid by the property owner seeking to connect to the utility system. The charge includes the physical connection to the system and the equitable share of the cost of the system. GFC fees ensure future customers pay for the capacity that existing customers have already provided for them.

General Facilities Charges are a one-time fee imposed as a condition for a new utility connection. The fee represents a proportionate share of the capital investment made to provide system capacity for the utility service. Additionally, the fee can be used to fund capital projects or related debt services. General Facilities Charge fees may not be used to fund operation and maintenance costs.

Fast Facts about City GFCs

• GFCs have not been updated in 20 years
• GFCs are not keeping up with current costs
• An inflationary index is now included in the GFC updated ordinance

Spokane Municipal Code: 13.04.2044

Spokane Municipal Code: 13.03.0734

Governing state law: RCW 35.92.025. 

Give Us Your Feedback

Email us at gfcs@spokanecity.org with your thoughts and ideas about the status and future of General Facilities Charges. For more information, visit the GFC webpage.