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City of Spokane
Community Update
September 16, 2025
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Spokane Arts Awards
Over the weekend, Mayor Lisa Brown attended the 47th annual Spokane Arts Awards Gala! Mayor Brown was thrilled to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ken Spiering. He’s the creative genius behind Riverfront Park’s iconic Big Red Wagon. Congratulations, Ken!
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Mayor Signs Childcare Center Ordinance
The Spokane City Council has passed Mayor Lisa Brown's childcare center ordinance. This ordinance affects the siting of childcare facilities, allowing them to open in both residential and commercial zones. It also waives the costly conditional use permit required to open a childcare facility.
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The Boulevard Race
The Boulevard Race is back this Sunday! Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible community event that benefits the Community Cancer Fund and Inland Northwest cancer patients and their families. Visit boulevardrace.com for more information.
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Know the Number
September is National Preparedness Month! Stay prepared for an emergency by knowing which number to call. Use the "Know the Number" graphic to familiarize yourself and others with who to call based on your emergency.
- 911 – Emergency Services
- 988 – Mental Health Crisis
- 509-456-2233 – Crime Check
- 311 – City Services
- 211 – Social Services
Download the "Know the Number" graphic and share it with your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors!
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Funding Available for Tourism and Cultural Investment Grants
The City of Spokane has issued a notice of funding availability, seeking applications for Spokane Tourism and Cultural Investment (TACI) grants. These grants are available to organizations that enhance Spokane’s tourism and cultural scene. Applications are due by Friday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m.
An optional workshop providing technical assistance will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. It will be available both virtually and in person at the Central Library. Click here to RSVP.
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Hillyard Creative District Launch
Celebrate Hillyard's official Washington State designation as Spokane's first Creative District! Join us Thursday, Sept. 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. along the Market St. corridor; enjoy live music, pop-up art galleries, interactive activities, and local businesses hosting incredible creative talent. Click here to learn more!
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Festa Italiana
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Italy at Festa Italiana, hosted by the Spokane-Cagli Sister City Society. Enjoy everything from pasta and pastries to Italian folk dancing and interactive activities for all ages. Whether you have Italian roots or just love good food and fun, come raise a toast and celebrate Spokane’s sister-city connection with Cagli, Italy. Festa Italiana is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, 12 to 5 p.m. in downtown Spokane on Wall St. and Main Ave.
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Council to Consider Meeting Day Change
The Spokane City Council is considering changing its Monday legislative sessions. The potential change from Mondays is prompted by numerous cancellations due to federal holidays, stakeholders seeking more time for engagement, and constituents' requests. City of Spokane residents can share their feedback via a survey through Sunday, Sept. 21.
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Riverfront Accepting Vendor Applications
Riverfront is gearing up for an incredible season, and they want YOU to be part of it. Don’t miss your chance to bring your energy, creativity, and holiday spirit to these signature Riverfront events. Riverfront is looking for vendors for three upcoming events: WSECU Fall Fest, Numerica Tree Lighting Celebration, and Riverfront Holiday Village. Apply today!
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Water Wise Tip: Drip Irrigation
Save water and keep your plants healthy with drip irrigation! This efficient system delivers water directly to the roots, reducing evaporation, preventing diseases, and cutting down on weeds. Visit WaterWiseSpokane.org for more tips.
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BhaRaTham: Bhava-Raga-Thalam
The South Asia Cultural Association of Spokane presents BhaRaTham: Bhava-Raga-Thalam. An exploration of the nuances of classical music and dance from South India with live orchestra led by Natyacharya Jayanthi Raman. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Spokane Community College's Lair Student Center. Visit the SACA website for more information.
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Council Recap
Council President Betsy Wilkerson recaps the Monday, Sept. 15, Spokane City Council meeting.
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Corbin Art Center. The Corbin Art Center: Age of Elegance Re-imagined
See the historic D.C. Corbin House decorated in fine home furnishings by local businesses and interior designers! Enjoy guided tours by historians and options to purchase furniture on display from The Tin Roof, Ennis Fine Furniture, and Burbank Interiors. Your $10 admission grants access for the duration of the event and includes access to the Corbin Kids Art Show in the upstairs of the D.C. Corbin House. Proceeds go toward the historic preservation of the Corbin Art Center. The Corbin Art Center: Age of Elegance Re-imagined event is September 6 – 20, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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SRTC Public Comment Opportunity Open
The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a major program that outlines regionally significant transportation investments. The 2026-2029 TIP is now available for public review and comment! All public comments will be considered when making edits and will be included in an appendix.
Interested in learning more? You can also attend the TIP Public Meeting online or in person on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about TIP projects, ask questions, and make comments. To read the document and learn more, visit the Spokane Regional Transportation Council's website.
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South Perry Street Fair Returns
The South Perry Street Fair is a beloved tradition here in Spokane, and when it was at risk of disappearing, dedicated volunteers stepped up to keep it alive. The City of Spokane is proud to have played a part in saving it by providing a Tourism and Cultural Investment grant to ensure this neighborhood celebration continues. The South Perry Street Fair is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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Dam Safety Tips
Did you know the City of Spokane owns and operates Upriver Dam on the Spokane River? It’s part of Water and Hydroelectric operations and generates enough energy to power approximately 4,400 homes all year. Water near dams can be dangerous for boaters and swimmers. Stay safe with these tips!
- Obey warning signs
- Watch for bridges, cables, and power lines
- Wear a life jacket and safety whistle
- Be alert for debris and submerged objects
- Don't fish, swim, or anchor near dams
- Never cross the boater safety cable above a dam
Learn more about Upriver Dam and take a virtual tour!
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Federal Clean Energy Tax Credits Are Ending
Federal clean energy tax credits are still available, but not for long. Don’t miss out on savings for solar, heat pumps, EVs, and more. Check your eligibility and updated deadlines here.
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Utility Bill Credit Available for Qualified Spokane Residents
Are you a low-income senior or disabled property owner who is eligible for Spokane County’s property tax exemption? You may also qualify for the City of Spokane’s monthly utility bill credit program. This initiative is part of Spokane’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable community members and help reduce the cost of essential services. Apply today.
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Strengthening Spokane Together
Spokane Parks & Recreation and Spokane Public Schools are joining a range of community partners to present a shared vision for the future of our City’s parks, schools, and neighborhoods called Together Spokane.
This effort aligns our two separate November 2025 ballot initiatives to maximize taxpayer investments and make targeted upgrades in every park and every school, in every neighborhood.
A series of regional town halls will be held over the next month, focusing on neighborhood upgrades each part of the city would receive through Together Spokane.
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Northeast: Tuesday, Sept.16, 6 - 7 p.m., Rogers High School Auditorium
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Central: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 6 – 7 p.m., North Central High School Auditorium
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Northwest: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6 – 7 p.m., Shadle Park High School Auditorium
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South: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 6 – 7 p.m., Ferris High School Auditorium
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We Are Hiring!
The City of Spokane is hiring! Check out our featured jobs of the week:
For a full list of job openings with the City of Spokane, click here.
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City of Spokane Attends Job Fairs
Are you looking for a rewarding career with the City of Spokane? The Civil Service Department will have a booth at the following job fairs to connect with talented individuals like you. Come learn about current full-time positions and ask questions about how Civil Service works.
Upcoming Job Fairs
For more information and pending career fair dates, visit our website.
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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!
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Need Access to Food?
Contact SNAP at (509) 319-3050 or SRTC@snapwa.org
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Are you prepared in case of an emergency?
Check out the City’s Emergency Management page!
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Register for Alert Spokane
September is National Preparedness Month! Make sure you are prepared for an emergency by registering for Alert Spokane. You can sign up to receive alerts for multiple addresses and get them via phone call, email, or text message. To register, visit alertspokane.org.
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Washington Poison Center Helpline
Call the Washington Poison Center Helpline at 800-222-1222 if a person has been exposed to dangerous or potentially dangerous substances.
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Behavioral Health Services
- Individual, Group & Family Involved Therapy
- Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe)
- Family Outreach Crisis Intervention Services (FOCIS)
- Problematic Sexualized Behaviors
Victim Advocacy and Education
- Sexual Assault 24-hour Support Line
- Crime Victim Support Line
- Sexual Assault & Medical Advocacy
- Legal Advocacy
- Safety Planning
- Support Groups
- Community Education
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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!
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Spokane Riverkeeper Upcoming Cleanups
The Spokane Riverkeeper is hosting river cleanups throughout the month of September! These river cleanups are hands-on opportunities for volunteers to pick up litter, keep the river healthy for people and wildlife, and make a visible difference in our community. Sign up now!
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Autumn Adventures: Hillyard Farmer's Market School & Beyond Street Fair
The ZONE is hosting the School & Beyond Street Fair at the last Hillyard Farmer's Market of the season! Join the big party on Monday, Sept. 22, 3 - 6 p.m. at the Northeast Community Center. There will be free pumpkins for kids, food, music, a kids' fun zone, and more. Click here for more information.
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On The Bright Side
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Access free books, movies, music, things, events, printing, computers, meeting rooms, and much more. When you think about what you need and who you want to be, there is no limit to what you can accomplish with your library card. Sign up now!
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