City of Spokane

Community Update

August 27, 2024

Mayor Brown Around Town

Kevin Hall Sworn In As Chief of the Spokane Police Department

Join me in welcoming Kevin Hall as the new Chief of the Spokane Police Department! Chief Hall was sworn in yesterday at the Tribal Gathering Place next to City Hall. He comes to Spokane from Tucson, Arizona where he served with the Tucson Police Department for more than 30 years. Chief Hall has been lauded for his innovative approaches to community-based violent crime reduction, alternative staffing and response models, traffic safety planning, as well as ethical and equitable budgeting. Welcome to Spokane, Chief Hall! 


Click here to learn more about Chief Kevin Hall. 

Construction Update

Construction Update

The City of Spokane shares info on the northbound Greene/Market St. closure and updates on pedestrian projects throughout Spokane.

Weekly Obstruction Notice

Your City at Work

City Details Labor Day Closures

Here are the Labor Day (Sept. 2) closures and cancellations:

  • Garbage, recycling, and yard waste services will be a day late all week.
  • City facilities including City Hall and the Waste to Energy Facility will be closed.
  • On-street paid parking meters and kiosks will not require payments but remember even when parking is free on holidays, all parking rules, including time limits, still apply.
  • Spokane Municipal Court and Community Justice Services will be closed.
  • All Spokane Public Library branches will be closed.
  • My Spokane 311 employees will not be available for in person, phone, or online inquiries.
  • Development Service Center employees will not be available.
  • The City’s six aquatic centers will be closed.
  • Spokane City Council meetings will resume on Monday, Sept. 9.
Labor Day Holiday Info

City of Spokane Partners with CHAS Health to Expand Street Medicine Outreach

A new partnership between the City of Spokane and CHAS Health will help expand street medicine outreach to the local unhoused community. Street medicine teams provide mobile treatment to people experiencing homelessness in order to avoid visits to emergency rooms and prevent further crises. The $1 million appropriation from the Washington State Legislature will help expand CHAS Health's existing street medicine operation. Click here to learn more.

Pig Out In the Park

Pig Out In the Park returns tomorrow! The six-day festival at Riverfront Park has delicious food and live entertainment! For a full list of food vendors and the music schedule visit the Pig Out In the Park website.

UHelp Program Needs Assistance

In 2013, City of Spokane began a program to support households who qualify with one-time emergency financial assistance to help pay for their City utility bills, which includes charges for water, wastewater, stormwater, and garbage collection. The UHelp program is funded through donations with a dollar-for-dollar match provided by a designated Public Works fund of up to $50,000 each year. To continue to serve the need moving forward, more donations are needed.


You can donate online, by phone, or by mail. Click here to learn more about the UHelp program.

What Should We Do With the Willow?

Spokane Parks and Recreation is looking for input on next steps after Finch Arboretum’s giant willow tree finally succumbed to old age and gravity. Take the survey!

Water Wise Spokane Tip - Follow Odd/Even Watering Schedule

Water Wise Tip: Follow Odd/Even Watering Schedule

Spokane Fire Department's Lieutenant Verduin shares a water wise tip! Watering every other day is key to conserving our precious resources! Learn more at WaterWiseSpokane.org.

Public Comments Accepted for CHHS Report

The City’s Community, Housing and Human Services (CHHS) Department is accepting public comments on the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) through Saturday, Sept 7. The CHHS Board will also hold a public hearing on the CAPER on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 4 p.m. in the Council Briefing Center in the lower level of Spokane City Hall. Written comments may be emailed or provided via phone


Mayor Jim Chase Portrait Unveiling

Council President Betsy Wilkerson will host a commemorative celebration of former Spokane Mayor Jim Chase's portrait unveiling! Join the celebration tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. in the Chase Gallery at Spokane City Hall. See you there!

Swales: A Natural Solution to Stormwater Management

Have you seen SWALE YEAH! yard signs around the city? What are they about?


Many people aren’t aware they are traveling right by a piece of property that is working hard to do good things. Swales are low, shallow channels designed to manage water runoff, filter pollutants and increase groundwater recharge. They are an essential feature in sustainable landscaping and urban planning, offering a natural and effective solution to stormwater management. Click here to learn more.

Know the Number

Navigating City services can be confusing, but knowing the right number to call can make a significant difference in getting the help you need quickly and efficiently. Whether you need immediate public safety assistance or help paying your water bill, the City of Spokane and regional partners are ready to assist you. Visit the City's website for more information.

Help Plan the Future of Spokane Falls Boulevard

We want your feedback about future priorities for Spokane Falls Blvd. What are your thoughts on pedestrian safety, parking, bicycle lanes, and traffic flow? Take this short survey to help us plan.

Community Needs Survey

The Consolidated Plan is a five-year strategic plan that governs the administration of federal funding appropriated for housing and community development activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons. The City of Spokane will receive approximately $22 million in federal funding from 2025-2029. Take this survey to help us capture the needs of our community and how to prioritize funding.

Funding Available for Four Grants

The City of Spokane has issued four notices of funding seeking applications for Engagement Navigators, Youth Sports, Neighborhood Business Districts, and Childcare Center Capital grants. These grants are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Visit my.SpokaneCity.org/ARPAfunding for more information.

Three Feet Apart for Solid Waste Carts

Three Feet Apart for Solid Waste Carts

The City of Spokane reminds residents that a minimum of three feet is needed between waste, recycling, and yard waste carts and to have them curbside by 6 a.m. These simple actions make residential solid waste services more efficient!

Bicycle Survey Part of Designation Process

The City reapplied for Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists. As part of the review process, the League wants your input on bicycling in Spokane. If you’ve ever biked here, please take a minute to complete a survey before Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Need Mental Health Help?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8


Contact Or Walk-In: Frontier Behavioral Health (509) 838-4651 ext 012082. 

Contact or Walk-In: Inland Northwest Behavioral Health (509) 992-1888


CHAS Health: (509) 444-8200


Excelsior Wellness Center: (509) 559-3100

Request Online Appointment

Help for children, adults and families is available via telehealth.


Teen Text and Chat Line: 844-814-TEEN (8336)

Free confidential safe place service available to any teen or young adult.


Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 9-8-8 then Press 1 or Text 838255


Need Resources? 

Call Washington 211 at 2-1-1 or (877) 211-9274 to speak to a local agent

Text your Zip Code to 898211 or email ew211@incontactmail.com

Apply for basic food assistance over the phone!

Access to resources online at: wa211.org

Sign-up for their Newsletter!

Need Access to Food?

Contact SNAP at (509) 319-3050 or SRTC@snapwa.org

Domestic Violence and

Child Abuse Prevention Resources


Prevention at Home Video Series


Trauma Recovery Services

Lutheran Community Services: (509) 747-8224

Intensive Behavioral Health, Victim Advocacy and Foster Care, are available.

Are you prepared in case of an emergency?

Check out the City’s Emergency Management page!

Spokane Rewards. Spokane Solves. Spokane Gives

The City of Spokane is a great place to combine community support with expertise. There are more than 30 boards, commissions, and committees made up of volunteers who help shape our community. If you have one day a year, or one day a week, there is an opportunity for you. Pick your passion and get involved!


Join the Climate, Resilience and Sustainability Board!

Join the Climate, Resilience and Sustainability Board and help Spokane meet its sustainability and climate goals! The purpose of the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board is to provide advice and recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and community on the actions necessary to achieve the community’s sustainability and climate goals consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Sustainability Action Plan, environmental stewardship policies of the City as adopted by the City Council, and within the requirements and parameters set forth in state law. Click here to apply!

Summer Fun: Free Fitness Classes at the Library

Discover a new way to move, unwind, and have fun – completely free at your local library! No experience is needed. Click here for more info.


On The Bright Side

The 2024 Fall Activity Guide is here! This is your one-stop shop for recreational opportunities in the Spokane area with hundreds of activities for all interests, ages, and abilities. Available online, at your local library, grocery store, or City Hall.

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