City of Spokane

Community Update

December 3, 2024

Mayor Brown Around Town

Numerica Tree Lighting Celebration

Mayor Lisa Brown kicked off the holiday season in style by lighting up the Christmas tree at Riverfront Park! We invite you to come down and enjoy the beautiful holiday lights. Wishing you all a joyful and cheerful holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

A Very Nordic Holiday

Celebrate the magic of Nordic traditions this holiday season with Spokane Public Library and the Sons of Norway as they bring Scandinavian stories, crafts, and flavors to life on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Shadle Park Library! 

Immerse yourself in Nordic culture and celebrate the season with crafts, stories, and flavors that are sure to warm your heart. This event is free and open to the public. Visit the library's website for more info.

Free Professional Holiday Photo Event

Minnehaha Neighborhood Council is hosting a Free Professional Holiday Photo Event on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 1- 3 p.m. in Minnehaha Park. Photos are first come, first served and digital images are provided by Totally Kreative Productions. Donations are appreciated. Find more info on the Neighborhood Meeting Calendar

Snow Zone

Get Ready for Winter with Spokane Indians Mascots

Get Ready for Winter with Spokane Indians Mascots

Our friends Doris and Ribby from Spokane Indians Baseball are helping us get prepared for winter. Pin the snow brochure from your November utility bill to your fridge, keep those drains clear of leaves, check on your neighbors, and know your snow route! Learn more on our website.

Join ‘Adopt A Neighbor'

Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington's Adopt A Neighbor initiative is looking for compassionate groups in Spokane County willing to assist seniors and individuals with disabilities during the leafy and snowy seasons. The initiative seeks groups such as clubs, organizations, businesses, churches, community centers, and schools. Individuals interested in participating will be paired with a group. To sign up, contact Adopt A Neighbor at action@altcew.org or via phone. Click here to learn more.

Your City at Work

Volunteer for the Point-in-Time Count

The Point-In-Time (PIT) Count is a nationwide event that seeks to identify and better serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Data collected during the PIT Count helps us understand community needs, inform policy, and direct resources to address homelessness most effectively and compassionately. The count is conducted by volunteers who survey people experiencing homelessness throughout Spokane County. The PIT Count will take place Jan. 21 – 29, 2025. Sign up to be a volunteer!

Update on DNR Thorpe Property Trust Land Transfer Request

While the final decision on the Thorpe Property’s future will be made by the Department of Natural Resources, the City is currently working with stakeholders to engage in conversations about a path forward that will benefit everyone. Learn more on our website.

Recycling in Spokane: A Closer Look

Solid Waste Education Coordinator Jill joined Solid Waste Employee of the Month Alex on a recycling truck ride-along! Here are common recycling mistakes.

  • Plastic bags and film plastics: These are not accepted curbside. Instead, recycle them at grocery stores participating in film plastic recycling programs.
  • Pizza boxes: While they’re made of cardboard, they’re often contaminated with food and oils. Place them in your green cart instead! Shredded cardboard can also be placed in backyard compost pile. If you don’t have a composting option, soiled pizza boxes should go in your garbage cart.
  • Recycling tips: Always make sure your recyclables are loose, clean, and dry – not bagged or boxed.

To read all about Jill's recycling truck ride-along visit our website.

Riverfront All-Access Annual Pass

The Riverfront All-Access Annual Pass is back! Unlock unlimited admission to attractions, exclusive discounts, free buddy passes, and more. It’s the perfect treat for yourself or a great holiday gift. Get yours today!

Adult (ages 13+): $90.95

Youth (ages 3-12): $78.95

Apply for the Working Families Tax Credit

The City of Spokane teamed up with SNAP, Nuestras Raíces, LaunchNW, and Spokane Public Schools to help spread the word about the Working Families Tax Credit. This credit is designed to put money back in the pockets of hardworking families. Apply today at workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov.

Council Recap

Council Member Michael Cathcart recaps the Monday, Dec. 2, Spokane City Council meeting.

Home Repair Assistance Programs Available as Winter Weather Approaches

As colder weather moves in, the City of Spokane and SNAP want to remind the public of three home repair assistance programs. The Essential Home Repair, Single Family Home Rehabilitation, and Utility Pipe Rehabilitation programs are intended to help low-income homeowners with both minor and large repair projects. For more information visit the City's website.

Long-term Rental Property Registry

The Long-Term Rental Registry is focused on preserving housing stock, maintaining safe living spaces, and creating and maintaining a database to track rental units in our community. For those already registered, the renewal window for 2025 is open. Any property registration submitted between now and Tuesday, Dec. 31 will be for the 2025 calendar year. For those registered, automated communications from the Accela Citizen Access system will be delivered to the email addresses listed on each registration. Click here for more information.

Help Restore the Looff Carrousel Band Organ!

We're calling all music lovers and carrousel enthusiasts! Your support can bring back the enchanting sound of the 1909 Looff Carrousel Band Organ. By converting it to Midi-files, we'll revive the sweet voice of the #36 Ruth and Sons band organ, completing its restoration. Imagine generations once again enjoying lilting tunes, toe-tapping polkas, and powerful Sousa marches, all with the sound of a 60-piece band! Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park by donating today.

STA 2025 Service Revisions Survey

STA is seeking your input on proposed service changes for 2025. Your feedback will help refine these adjustments to better serve our community. The 2025 Service Revisions Survey is open until Sunday, Dec. 15, at spokanetransit.com/2025revisions

Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy

If you desire skills to equip you with becoming a leader in your neighborhood, consider the free, five-month Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy. This partnership between the City’s Office of Neighborhood Services and Gonzaga University is a great opportunity! Applications are due Friday, Jan. 3 for the upcoming session starting in late January. For more information visit Gonzaga.edu/SNLA.

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

Are you prepared in case of an emergency?

Check out the City’s Emergency Management page!

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. 

Know the Number

Navigating City services can be confusing for residents. Use this new "Know the Number" graphic to point yourself in the right direction.

  • 911 – Emergency Services
  • 988 – Mental Health Crisis 
  • 509-456-2233 – Crime Check
  • 311 – City Services
  • 211 – Social Services

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.

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 the Library Board

The Spokane Public Library Board of Trustees seeks candidates to fill a vacancy on the board. Applications from people who believe in the mission of the public library, are inspired to learn and articulate the Library’s vision, and who are familiar with their community are encouraged. Click here to learn more.

Autumn Adventures: DJ Night on the Ice presented by Coca-Cola

Get your ‘skate’ on with music, lights, contests, and more every Friday at 6 p.m. on the Numerica Skate Ribbon with DJ A1! Riverfront Park will host a special DJ Night on the Ice on New Year's Eve. Visit the City's website for all the details.

On The Bright Side

Thanksgiving morning, Fresh Soul provided 500 people with $200 and a Thanksgiving meal. A big thank you to Michael Brown for giving back to the community and making a difference in so many lives. Officers from the south prescient stopped by to mingle with the East Central community and thank Mr. Brown.

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