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City of Spokane
Community Update
June 4, 2024
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Message from the Mayor
It is no surprise that our community is dealing with the horrific impacts of fentanyl and other opioids. It is taking the lives of our loved ones and neighbors and requires swift action. That is why I have declared an emergency to implement an integrated response to address the opioid crisis in the City of Spokane. For more information on the emergency declaration visit the City of Spokane's website.
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Spokane International Airport Celebration
The Spokane International Airport's new concourse is coming together! Concourse C will add three new gates, six new ticketing counters, and a suite of new passenger-focused amenities. Congratulations Spokane International Airport!
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Spokane's First Electric Car-Sharing Program
Today ZEV Co-op, Urbanova, Gonzaga University, and Avista Utilities launched Spokane's first electric car-sharing program!
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Mayor Brown Visits Second Harvest
Last week, Mayor Lisa Brown and her team met with Second Harvest Inland Northwest to discuss food insecurity in Spokane and tour their facility.
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Construction Zone
The City of Spokane started two projects this week! The Washington/Stevens Bridge and Joint Deck Repair project and a Street Department grind and overlay project on Havana Street between Broadway Ave. and Sprague Ave.
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Post St. Bridge Reopens Wednesday Afternoon
Beginning late Wednesday afternoon, the Post St. Bridge will open for pedestrians and bicyclists, and there will be one lane for northbound traffic from Spokane Falls Blvd. Check out the video to see how it all came together!
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Expo '74 50th Celebration | |
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Manito Park Art Festival & Expo 50 Community Stage
Join the Friends of Manito for the 4th Annual Manito Park Art Festival on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The art festival will feature children's activities, art for sale from over 70 local vendors, the Expo 50 Community Stage, food, and a beer and wine garden in partnership with Edible Inland Northwest Magazine. Click here for more information.
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Echoes of Expo
“Echoes of Expo” is an audio storytelling experience in Riverfront Park, revealing Spokane’s evolution through the lens of Expo ’74. Merging personal stories, historical insights, and immersive soundscapes, this 7-episode series explores the World Fair’s lasting impact on urban renewal, environmental awakening, the complexities of progress, and community dynamics in Spokane.
Discover each episode at the Wayfinding Signs in Riverfront Park. Click here to learn more.
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Expo '74 Historic Timeline Outdoor Exhibit
Step into a life-size journey through history at the Expo '74 Historic Timeline Outdoor Exhibit. This open-air exhibit invites history buffs, environmental advocates, and curious minds to explore the pivotal moments that shaped Expo '74 and its legacy in environmental consciousness. Beautifully presented on an expansive outdoor timeline, each stop represents a leap in the time capsule. Click here to learn more.
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Expo ’74 50th Anniversary Historic Walking Tours
Step back in time on a captivating two-hour walking tour of Riverfront Park. Discover the historical significance of Expo ’74 and its pivotal role in transforming Spokane Falls into the cherished Riverfront Park, forever altering the city’s landscape. These tours are guided by renowned local historian Chet Caskey, offering a deep dive into the city’s transformative history. Click here for more information.
Date: Saturdays, June 8, 15, & 22
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Visit Spokane Visitor Information Center located on the south end of Riverfront Park.
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50th Anniversary of Expo '74 Poster Contest
"Make a World of Difference! Care for our water, land, and air." This is the theme of our Expo 50th anniversary-inspired poster contest open to all Spokane County students in grades K-5. Each participant will receive a coupon for a free slice of pizza donated by Pizza Pipeline. Finalists in each grade category will be chosen for special recognition and prizes. Entries are due by Friday, June 7. Click here for more info.
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STA Offers Free Weekend Bus Rides for Expo's Anniversary
Celebrate the groovy festivities of Expo 50 Spokane with our partners Spokane Transit.
- Free fare on all routes during weekends, until July 4.
- 50¢ fare for the Downtown/North Bank Shuttle, weekdays, until July 5.
Visit STA's website for more information.
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Mayor Brown Proposes Move to Biennial Budget
Mayor Lisa Brown announced her proposal to transition the City of Spokane to a biennial budget process starting in January 2025. The proposal, which is permissible under Washington State’s Municipal Biennial Budget Act, would order the Finance Department to budget over a two-year period instead of one. Visit our website for more information.
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Public Safety Survey
The City of Spokane values your feedback regarding public safety leadership and community priorities. Please take our survey and encourage friends, family, and neighbors to do the same. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Marshallese.
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Council Approves Two-Year Scooter Contract with Lime
During Monday’s Legislative Session, the City Council voted to approve a two-year contract with Lime. The contract will re-introduce e-scooters and e-bikes on Spokane streets in about a week. Lime was the recommended vendor out of three applications by a team representing the Mayor’s Office, City Council, Public Works, Planning, and Economic Development after a request for proposals was issued this spring. The previous contract with Lime ended last year. Click here to learn more.
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Applications Open For Spokane Tourism and Cultural Investment Grants
Spokane’s Tourism and Cultural Investment grants will be available in allocations of $5,000 to $10,000 for organizations working to bolster Spokane’s tourism and cultural environment. Recipients will be selected by the Tourism and Cultural Investment Committee, formerly known as the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, which has been dormant for the last two years. Click here for more information.
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Neighborhood News You Can Use
News you can use with the Office of Neighborhood Services! Visit spokaneneighborhoods.org to find out what neighborhood you live in and how to join your neighborhood council.
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$4.5M Available for Housing-Related Services Projects
The City of Spokane's Community, Housing, and Human Services (CHHS) Department is seeking proposals for well-defined housing-related services projects supporting qualifying populations associated with affordable housing facilities. An estimated $4.5 million in local and federal funds is available for housing-related services projects through the HOME-ARP program and 1590 Affordable Housing Program. The housing-related services request for proposals, application, budget spreadsheets, and more are online. Applications are due on Wednesday, July 17, by 5 p.m. For assistance in accessing the application and related forms, email CHHS.
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Water Wise Tip: Water in the Morning
Watering before 10 a.m. is better for your landscape and your budget! For more tips and resources go to WaterWiseSpokane.org.
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Council Recap
Council Member Paul Dillon recaps the Monday, June 3 Spokane City Council meeting.
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Proposals Sought for Affordable Housing Funds
The Community, Housing, and Human Services Department is seeking proposals for affordable housing projects that are highly viable, cost-effective, project-ready, and that leverage additional funding from public and private sources. An estimated $9,094,000 in federal and local funds will be available for affordable housing development through the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and the 1590 Affordable Housing Program. The City of Spokane is interested in receiving proposals for projects that preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing for low-income households defined as those households earning less than 60% AMI. For more information click here.
Completed applications are due on Friday, June 28, 2024, by 5 p.m. For assistance in accessing the application and related forms send us an email.
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2024 Multicultural Center Grant Application Opens Tomorrow
The 2024 Multicultural Center grant, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, is open for applications! This program provides funding for community-serving organizations to cover capital campaign expenses, aiming to expand services. Grants of up to $100,000 are available to support the implementation of a capital campaign resulting in the organization securing a physical location for its operations. Key tasks identified for this funding include strategic planning, feasibility study, campaign implementation, and training/support for staff in relation to a capital campaign. The application deadline is Friday, June 28, for more info visit my.spokanecity.org/ARPAfunding.
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Technical Assistance Business Outreach Event June 13
The Washington Minority Business Development Agency Business Center is hosting a technical assistance business outreach event to share important 2024 reporting, certification or supplier preparation, an intro to Access to Capital, and other business supportive resources. The outreach event is on Thursday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in-person in Yakima or virtually online. Click here to register! For more info email or call the City of Tacoma.
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South Logan Project Comment Period Continues
Comments on the proposed code changes associated with the South Logan Transit-Oriented Development Project, specifically related to the South Logan TOD Subarea as well as Center and Corridor, height, and residential open space code sections, will be accepted through June 17 via email. However, written comments will still be accepted up to the City Council public hearing tentatively scheduled for late July. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the City will revise the proposed text amendments as deemed appropriate based on the received feedback. Public comments will be shared with Plan Commission and Spokane City Council.
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Pacific Avenue Greenway Alignment Survey, Open Houses Available
A survey is available through Sunday, June 30 for the City Planning Department’s Pacific Avenue Greenway Alignment Study. The study has identified three alignment options for the greenway, from which a preferred alternative will be chosen. Take the survey to help us choose the best option. This phase of the project is in the East Central Neighborhood, specifically within the South University District, but the entire project including Phase I, which is planned and funded, is meant to connect cyclists and pedestrians moving between downtown and the University District up to Perry Street. For more information, visit the project website, sign up to receive updates, or send an email to the project team.
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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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Hoopfest Looking for Volunteer Court Monitors
Hoopfest is looking for court monitors for the largest 3on3 basketball tournament on the planet. All levels of basketball experience are invited to participate, Hoopfest will provide all the tools and training needed for the weekend. Hoopfest 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30. Click here to register to be a court monitor.
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Spring Dreams: Spokane Pride
The Spokane Pride Parade and Festival is on Saturday, June 10. The parade will start at noon followed by the festival at 1 p.m. in Riverfront Park. There will be bands, drag, programming for all ages, a history exhibition, a beer garden ane more. Discover all the events and happenings on the Spokane Pride website.
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On the Bright Side
Over the weekend, Spokane Fire Department Station 4 was dispatched to Riverfront Park after a citizen reported that their dog had gone over a fence and was stuck down a steep embankment next to the Spokane River. Firefighters set up a rope system and lowered a firefighter to the water's edge. The dog, Hazy, was rescued without incident and happily reunited with her owners.
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