|
City of Spokane
Community Update
June 25, 2024
| |
|
Message from the Mayor
The City of Spokane is close to identifying the next person to lead our police department. After weeks of public input and interviews with our selection committee, four finalists have been selected to visit Spokane and give their pitch on why they should our next chief. On Thursday, they will participate in a public forum to answer questions about what they would bring to the job. Find details about how you can participate below.
| |
|
Sister Cities Celebration
It was a great weekend celebrating Expo's 50th anniversary with Spokane's five Sister Cities and one Friendship City!
| |
City Exploring Carbon Sequestration
The City of Spokane is exploring carbon sequestration on the Waste to Energy facility thanks to an appropriation from the state legislature. Governor Jay Inslee and Senator Joe Nguyen joined Mayor Lisa Brown on a visit to Carbon Quest to learn more about the technology, which is being developed right here in the Inland Northwest!
| |
|
Children of the Sun Trail Opens
On Friday, we celebrated the opening of the Children of the Sun Trail with the Washington State Department of Transportation! This trail honors our past and celebrates our future. Thanks to all who helped make this possible.
| |
The Lands Council Summit
From land use planning to transportation infrastructure to food waste disposal, cities play a critical role in addressing our climate crisis. Spokane is up for the task! Thank you to The Lands Council for hosting the Legislative Summit.
| |
|
Construction Update
Last week, the Thor-Freya intersection project made the big switch from 2nd Avenue to 3rd Avenue.
The following closures are in place:
- 3rd Ave. is closed between Ray St. & Thor St.
- Thor St. is reduced to one lane at 3rd Ave.
- The eastbound I-90 Exit 283B Thor/Freya off-ramp is closed.
| |
|
Latah Creek Businesses Open
It’s always hard on businesses when necessary construction impacts them. Please make the extra effort to support these businesses in Latah Creek!
| |
Expo '74 50th Celebration | |
|
Spokane Hoopfest
Spokane Hoopfest is the largest 3-on-3 outdoor basketball tournament on earth—over 6,000 teams, 3,000 volunteers, 225,000 fans, and 450 courts spanning 45 city blocks! Beyond basketball, it is an outdoor festival with shopping, food, and interactive entertainment. Make sure to check out this year’s Hoopfest Ball for a tribute to the 50th Celebration of Expo '74—and shop at the Hoopfest Store for Hoopfest x Expo ’74 merchandise! More info here.
| |
ICCU Summer Carnival
Celebrate the spirit of Independence Day at the ICCU Summer Carnival at Riverfront Park. Enjoy fun games, exciting rides, and delicious carnival treats like corn dogs and elephant ears. Celebrate Independence Day with us during a thrilling five-day event featuring classic rides, carnival favorites, and games. The ICCU Summer Carnival is July 3 - 7; click here for more information.
| |
STA Offers Free Weekend Bus Rides for Expo's Anniversary
Celebrate the groovy festivities of Expo 50 Spokane with our partners Spokane Transit.
- Free fare on all routes during weekends, until July 4.
- 50¢ fare for the Downtown/North Bank Shuttle, weekdays, until July 5.
Visit STA's website for more information.
| |
|
Avista Water Power Walking Tour
As we celebrate Expo '74's 50th anniversary, Avista Utilities invites you to discover the company's rich history through an immersive, self-guided virtual water power walking tour of seven destinations along the Spokane River. Click here for more info.
| |
Expo '74 Historic Timeline Outdoor Exhibit
Step into a life-size journey through history at the Expo '74 Historic Timeline Outdoor Exhibit. This open-air exhibit invites history buffs, environmental advocates, and curious minds to explore the pivotal moments that shaped EXPO '74 and its legacy in environmental consciousness. Beautifully presented on an expansive outdoor timeline, each stop represents a leap in the time capsule. Click here to learn more.
| |
Echoes of Expo
“Echoes of Expo” is an audio storytelling experience in Riverfront Park, revealing Spokane’s evolution through the lens of Expo ’74. Merging personal stories, historical insights, and immersive soundscapes, this 7-episode series explores the World Fair’s lasting impact on urban renewal, environmental awakening, the complexities of progress, and community dynamics in Spokane.
Discover each episode at the Wayfinding Signs in Riverfront Park. Click here to learn more.
| |
|
Spokane Police Chief Finalists Forum
The four finalists for the next Chief of the Spokane Police Department will participate in a public forum on Thursday, June 27, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Central Library. Meet the finalists, learn about their experience, and hear what they will bring to the job if selected! Click here to learn more.
| |
Protect Your Home From Wildfire Embers
In a wildfire, wind-driven flying embers pose a greater threat to your home than direct flames. The Spokane Fire Department provides tips on how to protect your home from embers.
| |
City Starts Climate Planning Process
The City plans to address challenges posed by climate change by updating its Comprehensive Plan, which guides Spokane's development. The update, mandated by the Washington State Growth Management Act and due in 2026, presents an opportunity to integrate climate considerations into every aspect of our City's future. Throughout 2024 and 2025, we will be working through a process to understand Spokane's unique climate impacts and hazards, gather data and community feedback, and conduct analysis on our climate risk and community vulnerabilities. Visit the City website for more information or sign up for climate planning updates.
| |
Garage Theft Prevention Tips
The Spokane Police Department has recently responded to several garage thefts where hundreds of dollars worth of items were taken far too easily. Watch this video – don’t be a victim.
| |
June Is Secure Your Load Month
Covering and securing your load is an important safety issue and is enforceable by law. It's also a great way to keep our streets clean and our streams trash-free!
The City of Spokane and Spokane County transfer stations will charge residents who bring in unsecured loads of trash. For more information on disposal locations, hours, and fees, click here.
| |
Water Wise Wednesday Tip: Sprinkler Fun, But Smarter
Play in the sprinklers with a purpose! Learn more at WaterWiseSpokane.org.
| |
|
Council Recap
Council President Betsy Wilkerson recaps the Monday, June 24 Spokane City Council meeting.
| |
Hoopfest Safety PSA
Hoopfest is coming up soon, bringing thousands of people to Spokane. Troopers, sheriff's deputies, and police will be conducting traffic enforcement to ensure everyone arrives and departs safely. Anyone caught driving impaired during Hoopfest will encounter the Washington State Patrol's Mobile DUI Unit in downtown Spokane. Please make smart decisions and stay safe!
|  | |
2024 Multicultural Center Grant
The 2024 Multicultural Center grant, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, is open for applications! This program provides funding for community-serving organizations to cover capital campaign expenses, aiming to expand services. Grants of up to $100,000 are available to support the implementation of a capital campaign resulting in the organization securing a physical location for its operations. Key tasks identified for this funding include strategic planning, feasibility study, campaign implementation, and training/support for staff in relation to a capital campaign. The application deadline is Friday, June 28, for more info visit my.spokanecity.org/ARPAfunding.
|  | |
Pacific Avenue Greenway Alignment Survey, Open Houses Available
A survey is available through Sunday, June 30 for the City Planning Department’s Pacific Avenue Greenway Alignment Study. The study has identified three alignment options for the greenway, from which a preferred alternative will be chosen. Take the survey to help us choose the best option. This phase of the project is in the East Central Neighborhood, specifically within the South University District, but the entire project including Phase I, which is planned and funded, is meant to connect cyclists and pedestrians moving between downtown and the University District up to Perry Street. For more information, visit the project website, sign up to receive updates, or send an email to the project team.
| |
CHHS Seeks Project Proposals
The City’s Spokane Community, Housing, and Human Services (CHHS) Department seeks proposals for:
- Affordable Housing Projects - $9.1 million, Due Friday, June 28
- Housing Related Services - $4.5 million, Due Wednesday, July 17
Information on all of the requests for proposals is available online. For assistance in accessing the application and related forms, send CHHS an email.
| |
Fair Housing Plan Out for Comment
The Community, Housing, and Human Services (CHHS) Department and the CHHS Board are seeking public comments on the City of Spokane’s 2024 Fair Housing Plan. Prepared by Northwest Fair Housing Alliance, the purpose of the plan is to assist the City with its obligation to affirmatively further fair housing and engage in fair housing planning. Comments will be accepted through Wednesday, July 3. View the plan online. Interested parties are invited to comment via email, phone, or in person at the public hearing on Wednesday, July 3 at 4 p.m.
| |
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!
| |
|
Veterans' Advisory Board Looking For Applications
The Spokane County Veterans’ Advisory Board (VAB) is looking for applicants! Board members serve two-year terms and service on the board is voluntary. All members of the VAB must be current residents of Spokane County and must be honorable discharged veterans of the U.S. military. VAB currently has six vacancies. If you are interested in volunteering visit the Spokane County website.
| |
|
Spring Dreams: Browne’s Addition Summer Concert Series
The 27th annual Browne’s Addition Summer Concert Series is back! The free concerts are held on Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. at Coeur d’Alene Park, 2195 W. Second Ave. Click here for more information.
| |
|
On the Bright Side
Submit your original music to our local streaming platform, Lilac City Records, and get $200 if your music is selected! Submitting your music is free, and you get to keep your copyright. Yep, your musical masterpiece remains all yours. With a non-exclusive license agreement, you can still explore other opportunities while getting your tracks out to a new audience.
Lilac City Records can accept up to 43 new EPs or albums this year! Visit the Spokane Public Library's website for more information.
| | | | |
