City of Spokane

Community Update

Jan. 2, 2024

Lisa Brown's First Day As Spokane Mayor

Happy first day to Mayor Lisa Brown! Last week, she was sworn in as Spokane's 46th mayor. Watch Mayor Brown's full swearing-in ceremony here.

Snow Zone

Snow Season Is Here

Snow response is a collaboration between the City and the community. Working together, we can make winter conditions better for everyone. Here is what you can expect:

  • Snow season operations are November 15-March 15
  • Weather conditions are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Priorities are arterials, hills, hospitals and school routes
  • Materials are located throughout the City for efficiency
  • Full-City plow during heavier snowfalls takes about 3 days
  • Snow gates are used to reduce snow berms when possible
  • Crews work to keep snow away from sidewalks when possible


Bookmark the City's snow response page and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook for information when it snows.

Join ‘Adopt A Neighbor'

Long Term Care of Eastern Washington is launching a volunteer snow removal assistance program called "Adopt A Neighbor" for seniors in need and those with disabilities. The initiative seeks groups such as clubs, organizations, businesses, churches, community centers and schools in Spokane County. Individuals interested in participating will be paired with a group. To sign up, contact Adopt A Neighbor by email or phone. Click here to learn more.

Your City at Work

Curbside Garbage And Recycling A Day Late

Solid Waste Services are a day late this week due to the New Year’s Day holiday. Residents with regular Friday service will have service on Saturday. Residents who miss garbage day can report their missed solid waste collection online. For more information visit our website.

City Curbside Solid Waste Collection Moves to 6 a.m.

City of Spokane residents are asked to have garbage and recycling ready at the curb by 6 a.m. on their designated collection day. Food and yard waste carts will also need to follow this schedule when services resume in March. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries adopted rules for outdoor employees. The earlier start time allows for flexibility when routes need to begin earlier because of operational adjustments for changing weather conditions like extreme heat and wildfire smoke impacting employee safety throughout the year. For more information visit our website.

Spokane City Council Seeks Applications To Fill Vacancy

The recent election of Council Member Betsy Wilkerson to City Council President has created a vacancy on Spokane City Council, representing District 2, Position 2. Applications for this vacancy are due Friday, Jan. 5 no later than 5 p.m. 

Short-Term Rental Monitoring Starts This Month

The City will start short-term rental (less than 30 days) monitoring this month. Hosts operating without a permit received a letter that they’ve been identified as having a non-compliant short-term rental. Spokane City Council passed amendments to the short-term rental regulations on July 10, 2023. The regulations then went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023. Read our blog for more information. PLEASE NOTE: This program is separate than the one on long-term rentals at the City. 

City Offers Curbside Tree Recycling

Christmas tree pickup started today! The free service will run through Friday, Jan. 12. No artificial or flocked trees are accepted through this service. More info on our website.

Recycle Right this Holiday Season

Is your home brimming with boxes, torn wrapping paper, discarded ribbons, and bows? Here’s a reminder of what can be recycled in your blue cart and what needs to go in the brown trash cart. Here’s a guide!

Take a 360 degree tour of the Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility

A 360-Degree Tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant

Have you ever been curious about what goes on at the Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility in the City of Spokane? Now’s your chance to explore the 360-degree video view of our community's oldest and largest water recycling facility. Processing approximately 34 million gallons of wastewater daily, the plant plays a crucial role in returning cleaned water to the Spokane River. Since its establishment in 1958, the facility has undergone numerous upgrades to keep pace with advancing technology, evolving water quality standards, and enhanced odor control for neighboring residents. The City consistently produces high-quality effluent, earning recognition through awards for operational and maintenance excellence as well as continuing to make innovative advancements.


Check it out today! Be sure to scroll around so you get the full experience.

Wildland Fuel Mitigation

Fuel Reduction Work Happening Around Spokane

The Spokane Fire Department will be doing non-commercial thinning projects throughout Spokane County to help reduce fuel loads, increase forest health, and make Spokane more resilient to wildfire. Please leave flagging and ribbons alone.


For questions, contact SFD’s Wildland Resource Planner, Nick Jeffries


SFD has also teamed up with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for homeowner/landowner Home Ignition Zones HIZ assessments. Sign up here.

CHHS Welcomes Comments On Amendment To Allocation Plan

The City’s Community, Housing, and Human Services Department (CHHS) welcomes public comment on an amendment proposal for the HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) allocation plan. CHHS is requesting the amendment to decrease the amount of funding allocated to the development of affordable rental housing, increase the amount of funding allocated to supportive services, and add funding for tenant-based rental assistance to the allocation plan. Per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the purpose of HOME-ARP funding is to provide homelessness assistance and supportive services. A public hearing on the proposal will be Wednesday, Jan. 3, 4 - 6 p.m. in the City Council Briefing Center. The public may comment at the hearing or send comments and request virtual meeting options by phone or email. Public comments will be collected between Wednesday, Jan. 3, and Thursday, Jan. 18, and be presented along with the proposal to the CHHS Board for final consideration on Wednesday, Feb. 7. 

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!

Be a Hero, Volunteer for the Count

Registration Open for Point-in-Time Count

Volunteer registration is open for the 2024 Point-in-Time Count, an annual census to collect data on the needs of people experiencing homelessness in Spokane County. The count runs from Tuesday, Jan. 23, to Saturday, Jan. 27, and three-hour shifts are available in the mornings and afternoons. 

Winter Wonders: Coaches Corner

The skilled coaches from Spokane Figure Skating Club will be at the Numerica Skate Ribbon on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. offering valuable tips and guidance to emerging skaters. Regular skate admission is required. Visit our website for more info.

On the Bright Side

Take a break from the gloomy weather at the Gaiser Conservatory in Manito Park where you’ll find a poinsettia paradise and a 100+ year old blooming Christmas cactus! Hours are 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily, closed on Wednesdays.

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