In Woodward's Words

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs released its latest Crime in Washington report for 2022. The data from 231 state, county, municipal, and tribal agencies reveals challenges.

Construction Zone

TJ Meenach Bridge Closure

The TJ Meenach Bridge will be closed beginning Monday morning, July 31 and remain closed through Friday, Aug. 4 in northwest Spokane. Detour routes will be in place redirecting traffic accessing Whistalks Way via Maple/Ash St. and Government Way. You can watch a timelapse of the southbound and northbound detour routes on our website.

Work WITH Us during construction season:

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

Do Your Part for Drought Response

Spokane River is now flowing at less than 1,000 cubic feet per second, triggering Level 2 in the Drought Response Ordinance. Do your part to save water and protect our aquifer!

• No outdoor watering between the hours of 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Limit watering to no more than 2 days per week, 2 hours per day.
• No using water to clean hardscapes such as sidewalks, driveways, decks and patios.

Click here to learn more.

Asphalt Art Program Launches

The City of Spokane and Spokane Arts announce the launch of the three-year pilot Asphalt Art Program that was approved last fall by the Spokane City Council to create visual interest and slow down vehicular traffic. Artist applications are being accepted through July 31.

Cooling Center Donations Needed

If community organizations or individuals would like to donate resources to be used during heat waves for individuals in need in Spokane, consider donating bottled water, Gatorade/Powerade, other caffeine-free hydration drinks and sunscreen. Gatorade/Powerade powder that is mixed with water goes farther than pre-mixed hydration drinks. Please email the Emergency Management Department to arrange donations. 

Rafting Rubbish Off River’s Shoreline

Spokane Code Enforcement teams up with Spokane Riverkeeper to remove thousands of pounds of garbage from illegal campsites.

The next Spokane Riverkeeper Public Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 19. Register here!

Council Recap

Council Member Karen Stratton recaps the Monday, July 24, Spokane City Council meeting.

Spokane City Council Seeks Applications To Fill Vacancy

The recent appointment of Council Member Lori Kinnear to fill the vacant City Council President position has created a vacancy on the Spokane City Council, representing District 2, Position 1. Applications for this vacancy are due Friday, Aug. 4 no later than 5 p.m. 

Water Wise Spokane Tip - Smart Irrigation Controller

Smart irrigation controllers use local weather data to schedule your sprinklers for you. And the City of Spokane even has rebates! Learn more at WaterWiseSpokane.org!

Election Day Is Aug. 1

Election Day is one week away! Be sure to turn in your ballots by Tuesday, Aug. 1. Find a ballot box at your local library!

• Central Library
• Hillyard Library
• Indian Trail Library
• Liberty Park Library
• Shadle Park Library
• South Hill Library
• The Hive

For a full list of drop box locations visit the Spokane County Elections website.

Comments on CDBG Program Sought

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities principally for low- and moderate-income persons. The City’s Community Housing and Human Services (CHHS) Department is accepting public comments on the 2024 CDBG plan via phone, email, or at the public hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 4 p.m. in the City Council Briefing Center in the lower level of City Hall .Contact CHHS for virtual meeting options.

City of Spokane Jobs

The City of Spokane is hiring! The following classifications were posted this week:

• Senior Systems Administrator
• Community Justice Specialist
• Custodial Foreperson

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

Become A Foster Parent

There are approximately 740 children and youth experiencing foster care in Spokane County. 

Help us keep children and youth in this beautiful community.

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!

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!

⚠️Emergency Blood Shortage⚠️

Calling all eligible blood donors: Vitalant needs your help! The blood supply is down 25% since May, sharply reducing what’s available for patients in need. Accidents, emergencies, treatments for cancer and other chronic diseases can’t take a holiday break. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed in the coming days and weeks to help end the blood emergency and ensure patients have what they need when they need it. Click here to make an appointment to donate blood.

Summer Fun: Free Carrousel Rides Sponsored by TDS Fiber

TDS Fiber will be handing out Looff Carrousel tickets, candy, and other assorted freebies. TDS Fiber will also be partnering with Wonderland Family Fun Center, who will have a putting game to offer winners free Mini Golf passes to be used at a later date.

Date: Thursday, July 27

Time: 4-8 p.m.

Location: Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park

Sponsored by: TDS Fiber

On the Bright Side

Manito Park's Duncan Garden is in full bloom with over 30,000 annuals. Did you know the staff at Manito picks a different color scheme for the garden each year? You can see the full list of plants used by looking at the map at the northeast corner of the garden.