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City of Spokane
Community Update
August 20, 2024
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Mayor Lisa Brown Signed Two Ordinances
Mayor Lisa Brown signed two ordinances last week! With these ordinance signings, Spokane is:
- Eliminating parking minimums.
- Promoting the redevelopment of underutilized commercial property for affordable housing.
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Spokane Zephyr FC Home Opener
Saturday was Women’s Soccer Day in Spokane! It was a great day cheering on the Spokane Zephyr FC at their inaugural match.
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Construction Update
Here's the latest Construction Update from the City of Spokane.
- Washington St. and Stevens St. has curb lane closures between Spokane Falls Blvd. and 3rd Ave.
- Illinois Ave. between Perry St. and Regal St. has lane closures with flaggers on-site
- 3rd Ave. is closed between Thor St. and Rebecca St. This means drivers traveling north on Freya St. can no longer turn right on 3rd Ave. to access the I-90 on-ramp.
- Maple St. Bridge will have lane restrictions on Friday during non-commute hours.
- Riverside Ave. between Hemlock St. and Cedar St. has lane closures.
- Ash St. between Dean Ave. and Broadway Ave. remains closed.
Click here for more information.
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City of Spokane Hiring City Administrator and HR Director
The City of Spokane is looking for a new City Administrator and Human Resources Director. If you are interested in joining our team click here to learn more and apply.
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Final Week for Pools!
There's just a few days left of the regular aquatics season! With some of our college-aged staff moving on to their next chapter in life, we had some holes in the schedule for this final week, which necessitated a few open swim closures.
These closures are as follows:
- Wednesday, Aug 21, 1 – 4 p.m. – Liberty
- Thursday, Aug. 22, 1 – 4 p.m. – Comstock
- Friday, Aug. 23, 1 – 4 p.m. – Witter and Hillyard
Witter Aquatic Center will remain open for post-season lap swim and swim lessons. Visit our website for more information.
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Doggie Dip
Bring your four-legged friend to the last splash of the season to have fun and raise funds for SpokAnimal! Dog owners can bring $10 to the pool the day of the event (drop-ins welcome!). Dogs must be well-mannered, healthy, and attended to by an owner who has proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Only dogs in the pool during Doggie Dip. Click here for all the details.
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Comstock: Sunday, Aug. 25, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
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Shadle: Monday, Aug. 26, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
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Liberty: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
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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!
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The Friends of Manito Plant Sale
The Friends of Manito Fall Plant Sale is Saturday, Aug. 24 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Manito Park just east of Gaiser Conservatory. For a full list of plants click here.
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SpokaneScape 101
Join Water Wise Spokane tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 21 for their free SpokaneScape 101 class! A crash course in native landscaping, the 101 class covers everything you need to know about curating your very own SpokaneScape all the way from landscape design and plant choices to efficient irrigation and installation. Register for the free class at WaterWiseSpokane.org.
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Year-To-Date Record For Multi-Family Units Issued
The City of Spokane set a year-to-date record for multi-family units issued with 615 through the end of July, surpassing the previous mark of 509 in 2023. The $94.34 million valuation of multi-family projects year-to-date is another record, outpacing $73.08 million in 2023. July was the highest month ever for total housing units issued with 506. Watch the monthly building permit report. Weekly building permit statistics are posted online.
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Water Wise Tip: Give Thirsty Lawns Just Enough
Did you know that overwatering can be just as damaging to plant health as overwatering? Watering on an odd/even schedule benefits our river, community, and plants! Learn more at WaterWiseSpokane.org.
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Council Recap
Council Member Kitty Klitzke recaps the Monday, Aug. 19, Spokane City Council meeting.
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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 on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. in the Chase Gallery at Spokane City Hall. See you there!
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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.
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Battery Smart Spokane
Lithium-ion batteries are found in laptops, cell phones, power tools, children’s toys, and e-cigarettes. These batteries have the potential to overheat, catch fire, and cause explosions. Visit BatterySmartSpokane.com for tips on how to buy, charge, store, and dispose of lithium-ion batteries.
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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.
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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.
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International Overdose Awareness Day Activities Scheduled
International Overdose Awareness Day is Saturday, Aug. 31. The Spokane Regional Opioid Task Force has organized multiple events leading up to International Overdose Awareness Day. On Friday, Aug. 23, participants can design a paper lantern from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:
- Yokes Fresh Market, 210 E. North Foothills Drive
- Yokes Fresh Market, 9329 E. Montgomery Avenue
- Riverfront Park, near the Looff Carrousel
On Saturday, Aug. 31, the lanterns will be lit at 8 p.m. at Huntington Park. Contact Tyler Vermillion if you have any questions.
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CHHS to Hold Consolidated Plan Meetings
The Community, Housing and Human Services Department (CHHS) will hold four public meetings seeking community input for the development of the 2025-2029 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Consolidated Plan. The plan identifies housing and community development needs and sets priorities for the allocation of federal funding over the next five years.
- Wednesday, Aug. 21, 6-7:30 p.m., at Northeast Community Center, community development focus
- Thursday, Aug. 22, 6-7 p.m., virtual, community development focus
- Monday, Aug. 26, 6-7:30 p.m., West Central Community Center, affordable housing focus
- Tuesday, Aug. 27, 6-7 p.m., virtual, affordable housing focus
Visit the Consolidated Plan page to RSVP and access the virtual meeting links. If you can’t participate in a meeting, consider filling out the online survey that’s open until Friday, Sept. 20.
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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.
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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!
Current and Upcoming City of Spokane Board and Commission Opportunities
Give back to the Spokane community by joining a volunteer board, commission, or committee! The following boards and commissions are accepting applications to fill current or upcoming vacancies.
- Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board
- Ethics Commission
- Plan Commission
- Spokane Transporation Commission
- Spokane Human Rights Commission
Please submit completed applications to the Mayor's Office by emailing them or turning them in at the MySpokane Customer Service counter at City Hall; 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201.
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Summer Fun: Tacos y Tequila
The fourth annual Tacos y Tequila Festival is this weekend! The two-day festival organized by Nuestras Raices Centro Comunitario (NRCC) celebrates Hispanic culture and history! Enjoy live music from various regions of Latin America, delicious food featuring flavors of Latin America from local food vendors, and delicious tequilas and mescals.
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Dates: Aug. 24 & 25
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Time: 1 - 10 p.m.
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Location: Central Library and Spokane Falls Blvd. between Lincoln St. and Monroe St.
Click here for more information.
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On The Bright Side
Congratulations to the winners of the Employee of the Quarter award! This quarter we had a tie – both Aaron Watts of Engineering Services and Colin Quinn-Hurst of Planning & Economic Development are our winners. Aaron is our Construction Relations Manager and has been innovative in creating efficiencies and accessibility that has contributed greatly to teamwork and “at the ready” information. Colin is a senior planner who is behind much of the improvements you’ve seen in our bicycle and micromobility planning, does a lot of unseen and proactive work, and is one of the nicest human beings you’ll ever meet.
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