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Spokane Mayor Chooses Advisor, Deputy Director to Replace Resigning Human Service Leaders

Rebecca White/SPR

Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward has chosen an outside advisor to assist her in addressing homelessness. This is a response to the resignations of several leaders in the city's Neighborhood, Housing and Human Services Department.

According to a news release Tuesday, Woodward has chosen Chris Patterson as a senior advisor on homeless issues. Patterson founded a mental health treatment service for youth and has worked under former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.

He also grew up in Spokane in foster care.

Woodward also temporarily promoted Kirstin Davis as Deputy Director of the department. Davis was previously the department’s communication manager.

The previous director of the department, Cupid Alexander announced his resignation last week. Emails between him, and current city manager Johnnie Perkins allege a pattern of dysfunction and mistreatment, as well as racism.

Woodward has said she also is hiring an outside investigator to look into the allegations.

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