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City of Spokane
Community Update
Jan. 23, 2024
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2024 Point-in-Time Count Underway
The Point-in-Time Count is happening now. As a requirement of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the data is used to determine funding for homeless resources and for planning efforts. Volunteers include students from Whitworth University and Washington State University’s School of Nursing. The regional Continuum of Care Board, which is charged with holding the annual Point-in-Time Count of Spokane County’s homeless population, works with the City’s Community, Housing, and Human Services (CHHS) Department to organize the count. Thank you to Empire Health Foundation and Spokane Public Library for providing space for volunteer headquarters. The City of Spokane Valley and Spokane County are partners in the count.
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Help Clear Storm Drains To Keep Commutes Flowing
Help with the melt! Residents can help minimize pooling water in their neighborhoods by clearing away snow from nearby storm drains to provide an easier path for excess water.
Safe Driving Tips
Look out for standing water around storm drains and SLOW DOWN if you need to drive through them for safety!
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Keep Them Clear
The Spokane Fire Department urges you to proactively ensure the accessibility of neighborhood fire hydrants. Taking just five minutes to clear snow and ice from a fire hydrant could make a significant difference in a fire emergency. This small effort might prove to be lifesaving for you or your neighbors.
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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.
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Full-City Plow Complete
City snow response crews completed the Full-City plow on Sunday, clearing 2,200+ lane miles of streets in approximately three days.
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Homeless Connect Resource Fair Set For Thursday
The 2024 Spokane Homeless Connect resource fair will be Thursday, Jan. 25, at the Spokane Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair also serves as a surveying site for the regional Point-in-Time Count. For more information visit www.spokaneconnect.org.
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Recycle Right Tips!
City of Spokane Solid Waste Collections needs your help. Styrofoam, plastic bags, plastic sheets, holiday lights, and rubber chickens don’t belong in your blue recycle cart. Learn more at TalkTrashSpokane.com.
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Information needed for annual Housing Inventory Count
If you are aware of any programs throughout Spokane or Spokane County that provide beds and units (including vouchers) dedicated to serving people experiencing homelessness, please contact Zoe Hjelm via phone or email as soon as possible to ensure those programs are included in the 2024 Housing Inventory Count (HIC). The HIC, an annual project of the regional Continuum of Care Board, is conducted in conjunction with the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. The HIC is a bed/unit count; the PIT a population count. Both heavily determine the funding that comes into the community for homelessness resources. They also serve as vital planning tools for the community, including stakeholders, service providers, and those experiencing homelessness or housing instability. More information here.
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Students Watch Tank Take Shape
When students at Hamblen Elementary School forfeited a small corner of their campus for the construction of a new water tank, the kids had a lot of questions.
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Comments Sought on CHHS Citizens Participation Plan
The City’s Community Housing and Human Services (CHHS) Department welcomes public comment on the draft 2024 Citizens Participation Plan during a public hearing at the CHHS Board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 4 p.m., at City Hall as well as City Council meetings. The plan is a requirement by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development for all recipients of Community Development Block Grant funds. The purpose is to promote citizen participation in the Consolidated Planning process.
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Bicycle Priority Network
The City is working on a Bicycle Priority Network map to guide a fully connected network of safe, comfortable, all-ages bicycle network and we need your input on the proposed routes. Check out the project page for more information and be sure to click on “view the map” to leave your comments on the map.
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Council Recap
Council Member Paul Dillon
recaps the Monday, Jan. 22, Spokane City Council meeting.
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Library Learning Week
It is Library Learning Week! Learn a new skill, find a new hobby, work your entrepreneurial muscles, and build community. This week is all about learning something new to help you become your best self.
In addition to regularly scheduled weekly events like storytime, you also have access to the following variety of FREE events for kids, middle & high schoolers, and adults! When you come to any event during Library Learning Week, you will be entered into a drawing to win an eReader! Learn more on the library website.
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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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Remember to Register Long-Term Rental Properties
The City appreciates all landlords, property managers, and agents of property owners who have registered their long-term (30 days or more) rental properties, per the City ordinance approved last year. The online registry remains open for applications and an in-person option at City Hall is also available. The registry is focused on preserving housing stock, maintaining safe living spaces, and creating and maintaining a database to track rental units in our community. Read our blog post for more information and requirements. Email Code Enforcement with questions.
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Short-Term Rental Monitoring Started This Month
The City started 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.
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Your Vote Matters
Ballots for the Tuesday, Feb. 15 Special Election are being mailed out this week!
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Spokane Public Library Levy Presentation | |
Spokane Public Schools 2024 Bond Presentation | |
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City of Spokane Jobs
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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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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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.
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Winter Wonders: Radon Awareness Poster Contest
Washington State Department of Health is calling on students across the Northwest to get creative and raise awareness about the dangers of radon gas by participating in the 2024 Northwest Radon Poster Contest. The contest deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 28.
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On the Bright Side
A big thank you to the 200+ volunteers who are giving their time this week to gather critical information about unhoused people in our community for the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. Smiles and connection make a difference.
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