City of Spokane

Community Update

Dec 5, 2023

In Woodward's Words

December 7 is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, a day we remember and honor service members and civilians killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

In Woodward's Words: Remembering and honoring

Snow Zone

Help Clear Storm Drains To Keep Commutes Flowing

Help Clear Storm Drains To Keep Commutes Flowing

Take a few minutes to create a path for water runoff to make it to the storm drains around you. It will help prevent floods!

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 Twitter and Facebook for information when it snows.

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 phoneClick here to learn more.

Your City at Work

School Zone Safety

School Zone Safety

The Spokane Police Department and Spokane Public Schools want to remind you to slow down and be alert around schools when children are present. SPD and SPS routinely see poor and dangerous driving near schools. Don’t wait until an officer hands you a ticket to be reminded to obey the rules of the road.

Holiday Shopping Vehicle Prowling

Holiday Shopping Vehicle Prowling

Happy December! It’s the month when winter officially arrives, Santa arrives, and Christmas grinches – otherwise known as thieves – abound. Watch this video to see how you can avoid being a victim.

Register Rental Properties Before Dec. 31

The City of Spokane’s new online rental registry is open. All rental properties must be registered either by landlords, property managers or agents of the owner by Sunday, Dec. 31. Registration is an online process where applications will be submitted directly to the City using our existing online application system, Accela Citizen Access (spokanepermits.org). Spokane City Council passed the Regulation of Residential Rental Housing ordinance in March 2023; read our blog for more information. 

Riverfront All-Access Annual Pass

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to gift the joy of experience with the Riverfront All-Access Annual Pass! Take advantage of this exclusive pass, available for a limited time, providing you with a golden opportunity to enjoy unlimited access to attractions, exclusive discounts, complimentary buddy passes, and more! Click here to buy your pass.


Youth (ages 3-12): $78.95

Adult (ages 13+): $90.95

Division Street Bus Rapid Transit Virtual Open House

Spokane Transit is hosting a virtual open house tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. to provide an overview of the Division Street Bus Rapid Transit project’s current progress and outline key milestones ahead. Click here to join!

Spokane City Council Meeting Recap

Council Recap

Council President Betsy Wilkerson recaps the Monday, Dec. 4, Spokane City Council meeting.

Spokane City Council Seeks Applications To Fill Vacancy

The recent election of Council Member Betsy Wilkerson to City Council President has created a vacancy on Spokane City Council, representing District 2, Position 2. Applications for this vacancy are due Friday, Jan. 5 no later than 5 p.m. 

New Housing Regulations Go Into Effect Jan. 1

On Nov. 20 Spokane City Council adopted text amendments to the Spokane Municipal Code as proposed by the Building Opportunity for Housing project. Drafted from community feedback and to meet state housing requirements, the code changes allow for and make more feasible Middle Housing development, providing for greater housing diversity and increasing opportunities for homeownership. The code changes go into effect Jan. 1, 2024. Read our blog for more information or to schedule an appointment with the Middle Housing Support Team for assistance navigating the development process.

Applications open for Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy

Applications for the 2024 Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy, a partnership between the City and Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership, are being accepted through Friday, Jan. 5. The free program is designed to equip new and emerging neighborhood leaders with knowledge, skills, and resources to work effectively with the City and contribute to the vibrancy of neighborhoods. More information is available on Gonzaga's website.

North Spokane Corridor Art Themes Survey

Washington State Department of Transportation's brief survey aims to capture community preferences for art themes at Trent and Sprague Avenues along the North Spokane Corridor (NSC). In future engagement, artists will work directly with neighborhoods to translate those themes into the art that will adorn the NSC corridor. Click here to take the survey.

Become A Foster Parent

Ready to make a difference Spokane County?


The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) is actively seeking foster parents who can provide a loving and stable home for sibling groups. DCYF understands the importance of keeping brothers and sisters together. Whether you're an experienced parent or new to foster care, if you can open your heart and home to sibling groups, DCYF wants to hear from you. Are you ready to make a difference? Contact DCYF today! 


Become a foster parent today!


Contact Gabriela Mendez at 509.407.7829 or Gabriela.Mendez@dcyf.wa.gov.


Follow Future Foster Parents of Washington on Facebook.

City of Spokane Jobs

The City of Spokane is hiring! Check out our 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: 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!

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!

Be A Part Of Planning For Spokane!

If helping plan Spokane’s future and being active in community affairs appeals to you, consider applying for a vacancy on the City’s Plan Commission that meets twice a month. The commission provides advice and makes recommendations on broad planning goals and policies and other matters as requested by the City Council. Applications are due Friday, Dec. 15. 

Registration Open for Point-in-Time Count

Volunteer registration is open for the 2024 Point-in-Time Count, an annual census to collect data on the needs of people experiencing homelessness in Spokane County. The count runs from Tuesday, Jan. 23, to Saturday, Jan. 27, and three-hour shifts are available in the mornings and afternoons. 

Autumn Adventures: Manito Holiday Lights

The Manito Holiday Lights are back! Explore twinkling, festive lights in one of our city’s most historic parks.


  • Drive-Thru - Dec. 9-10, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
  • Walk-Thru - Dec. 11-19: 6:30-9:30 p.m.


For the drive-thru event, please enter along 25th Ave. and turn north at Tekoa St. or Manito Blvd. Visit the Friends of Manito website for more information.


Photos by James Richman Photography

On the Bright Side

Firefighter Michael Donahoe poses with his new friend whom he recently rescued from a house fire. The Spokane Fire Department understands the importance of every life, including our four-legged companions.

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