SPOKANE, Wash. — One week before voters decide whether to renew a 0.2% sales tax for the Spokane Transit Authority, supporters of the measure are accusing opponents of misleading the public about the consequences of rejecting it.
Erik Lowe, founder of Spokane Reimagined, filed a formal complaint this week with the state Public Disclosure Commission against “Citizens for Responsible Transit,” the group leading the opposition campaign. The complaint alleges the organization has failed to properly disclose all of their political activities.
Lowe said the opposition group is presenting false information to voters about what would happen if the tax renewal fails.
“They’re reporting things that make no sense, and they’re doing it in a way that misleads voters and ensures that they’re confused when they go to the ballot box which is a disservice to everyone,” Lowe said.
The central dispute centers on whether Spokane Transit Authority services would be cut if voters reject the tax renewal. The opposition group has told voters that services will not be slashed, but tax supporters argue that significant service reductions are unavoidable without the funding.
Lowe pointed to the expansion of STA services since 2016 as evidence that the current tax funding is essential to maintaining service levels.
“Where did the money come from for the 35% increase in service hours that has taken place since 2016? It had to come from somewhere, and it came from voters who approved this a decade ago,” Lowe said.
Groups like the Spokane Business Association agreed with Citizens for Responsible Transit’s claim, and endorsed the group.
They also note that STA has more than $250 million in reserves.
SBA’s President Gavin Cooley said, “that’s the case with letting this tax expire, they’ll still have plenty of resources to continue what they’re doing right now. Not a single route will have to be cut because we didn’t pas that 0.2%.”
Supporters of the tax renewal say the opposition has been disingenuous in how they presented their argument against renewing the measure. They contend that the funding is necessary to support future projects as STA expands into new areas and adds new transit lines.
The Public Disclosure Commission complaint represents an escalation in what has become a contentious debate in Spokane’s political landscape. With the election just days away, the dispute over the accuracy of campaign messaging has become a focal point for both sides.
KXLY attempted to reach “Citizens for Responsible Transit” for comment on the allegations but did not receive a response.
The 0.2% sales tax has been a key funding mechanism for the Spokane Transit Authority, and its renewal is critical to the agency’s ability to maintain current service levels and fund expansion plans. The outcome of next week’s vote will determine whether STA can continue its current trajectory or will need to make significant operational changes.
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