(The Center Square) – Despite a $3.8 million projection in May, Spokane officials reviewed data Thursday that show the city’s general fund deficit heading into 2026 is now at $13.4 million and rising.

If left unaddressed, the revenue shortfall could snowball to more than $50 million by 2031. The Spokane City Council and Mayor Lisa Brown balanced a $25 million hole heading into 2025. Similarly, that general fund deficit was projected to reach about $50 million by 2027 had they not acted.