Nadine Woodward was sworn in Monday as Spokane's 45th mayor.
An inaugural ceremony was held at the U.S. Pavilion in Riverfront Park.
After being introduced by her former TV news colleague, Charles Rowe, Woodward gave an inaugural address that included remarks focusing on the homeless issue that she made a centerpiece of her campaign.
“My administration will focus on providing our most vulnerable a path to self sufficiency. A hand up, not a hand out. We must meet the immediate needs of our homeless population, but even more, to guide them to the long term transitional support that empowers them to change their lives,” Woodward said.
The new mayor also referenced the recently remodeled Riverfront Park.
“We are finishing our improvements to Riverfront Park, continuing to build opportunities for recreation throughout our gorgeous city, and our small business community is on the rise. I believe if we work together we will continue to build on our economic prosperity, make our neighborhoods and downtown core safer and comfortable for everyone, and develop real solutions for the issues we face every day,” she said.
Woodward also spoke of bringing a police precinct to the downtown core, making a priority for new business to get started in Spokane, and developing a positive working relationship with the city council.
