City of Spokane

Community Update

Oct. 24, 2023

Walking With Woodward

Wildhorse Park’s new playground is open! The new playground is aimed at ages 3-12 years old, with a saucer swing, rope climbers, tree house, and swaying cat tails. Click here to learn more.

Walking With Woodward: New Playground Equipment at Wildhorse Park

Construction Zone

Construction Update

  • One lane in each direction is open through Sunday, Oct. 29.
  • Please continue to utilize Washington and Division streets to relieve pressure off of Monroe St. when possible.
  • Traffic patterns will change again as the project nears completion in mid-November.
  • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates. 

Work WITH Us during construction season:


  • Allow for More Time and Patience
  • Slow Down and Stay Alert
  • Follow Designated Detours and Obey Speed Limits


Weekly Obstruction Notice

Your City at Work

Warming Resources To Be Activated Due To Predicted Freezing Temperatures

As temperatures dip this week, the community is reminded to access various community resources to stay warm. Beginning Wednesday, and likely for the following few days, people can access the regional shelter system and City Library locations. For more information on warming resources, transpiration and daytime resources visit our website.

Engagement Opportunities for Centers and Corridors Study Await

The City’s Planning Department wants your feedback on the centers and corridors where you live, work and play. Please take a short Community Survey that is open through Sunday, Nov. 12. Read the latest blog post about the study. Open houses are set for Thursday, Oct. 26, 4:30 - 7 p.m. at Central Library and virtually on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 6 - 7 p.m.

Fall Compost Fair

The annual Fall Leaf Festival and Compost Fair is Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Finch Arboretum. Spokane County residents can learn about composting fall leaves from Master Composters/Recyclers in the beautiful setting of the arboretum. Learn more on our website.

What to expect with the rental property registry, inspections

City Code Enforcement will begin coordinating and conducting rental registry-based inspections in early 2024. Read a blog post for an update on the project that is being developed as a result of an ordinance passed by the City Council this year intended to address rental housing issues. 

 U.S. Department of Commerce Designates Spokane Area A Tech Hub

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration designated 31 tech hubs across America, including the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub led by Gonzaga University. The tech hub aims to develop new domestic supply chains to meet the immediate demand for high-rate production of advanced composite aerostructures in defense and commercial markets. Read more on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s website

Council Recap 10-23-23

Council Recap

Council Member Michael Cathcart recaps the Monday, Oct. 23, Spokane City Council meeting.

Hillyard Survey Open through October

What is your wish for Hillyard? Do you want to see more jobs and businesses? Are you interested in more ways to get around by walking, biking, or transit? Are there enough housing options? What about parks and community-building events? Take a survey that is part of the Hillyard Subarea Plan process and open during the month of October. The City, Northeast Public Development Authority and consultants have embarked on the plan initiative aimed to support revitalization, attract redevelopment/investment, and improve quality of life in Hillyard, the legacy industrial district and vicinity.

Old wood stove? Replace It!

If you have a wood heating stove or insert that is 20 years old or older, now is a great time to upgrade! Instant discounts of $1,000 - $2,500 are available to pre-qualified Spokane County homeowners when upgrading their old wood stove to a new wood, pellet, or gas stove or a ductless heat pump. For program details and to apply, visit the Spokane Clean Air website.

Planning Director on GovLove Podcast

City Planning Services Director Spencer Gardner was interviewed for the GovLove podcast of the Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) professional organization about the Building Opportunity and Choices for All interim ordinance that has drawn national attention as a tool to address the housing crisis. Click here to listen!

Commerce Offers Funding Opportunity For Diversion Services

The Washington State Department of Commerce seeks applications from organizations interested in providing diversion services to people at risk of homelessness or recently homeless in their communities. Services must be low-barrier, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. Funding will not exceed $1.275 million, and Commerce expects to fund between 8-10 contracts. Applications are due Monday, Nov. 27. For information on the Washington State Homelessness Diversion Program, visit the website. For questions, email the Department of Commerce.

Your Vote Matters

Spokane County local voters' pamphlets and ballots were mailed last week for the November 7th General Election! For more information visit the Spokane County Elections website

City of Spokane Jobs

The City of Spokane is hiring! Check out the featured job of the week:


For a full list of job openings with the City of Spokane click here.

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: (800) 273-8255


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!

Join ‘Adopt A Neighbor, ’ Make Winter Brighter for Seniors, Individuals with Disabilities!

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.

Autumn Adventures: Spo-Candy Crawl

There are SPOOKY scenes happening all over downtown. On Saturday, Oct. 28 locate each scene and decipher a riddle to earn a bag full of fall goodies from the Looff Carrousel. Use your Spo-Candy Worksheet (download or pick one up in person at the Looff Carrousel or the Visit Spokane Information building) to find ten scenes. Each scene contains a clue to help complete the worksheet riddle. Once you know the answer to the riddle, trade in your completed worksheet at the Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park. Goodie bags limited to first 600 participants. Click here for more info.

On the Bright Side

Congratulations to Gabby Ryan, a member of the City’s Office of Neighborhood Services team, who was inducted as an Honorary Commander for Fairchild Air Force Base's 92nd Operations Support Squadron! Gabby will serve as a community liaison to the squadron, connecting its members to the greater Spokane community over the next three years. This work is done to ensure that all those who serve on base will feel a deepened connection and sense of belonging to the Spokane community. 

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