In Woodward's Words

Regional partners collaborate to request fudning for camp

City Facilities Serving Needs During Heat Wave Spokane Public Library locations have expanded operating hours to 8 p.m. to provide indoor cooling areas for residents to seek relief from extreme temperatures expected this week. These cooling areas include drinking fountains and filling stations, restrooms, access to books, wi-fi connectivity, technology, and interactive play areas.

Spokane Parks & Recreation splash pads and pools are great places to cool down for free. Splash pads are operational from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. at 19 parks, and six pools are open Mondays – Saturdays at varied hours. Most parks also have drinking fountains to access water.

This week, Riverfront Park will have water misters on the Numerica Skate Ribbon for those out enjoying their wheels, and a water bottle filling station will be in the park. The public amenities in the park can offer indoor places to cool down while visiting.

For more information visit out website.

Spokane Proposes Plan for Movement of Large Camp

A collaboration of regional government and service partners proposed a plan to use state funding for state right-of-way encampments that includes onsite assessment, transportation, and emergency, transitional, and permanent housing to move individuals currently living in a field near the freeway into safer, healthier, and more humane spaces. Learn more on our website. 

Join In to Help Our Pollinators!

Every year, we welcome our western Monarch Butterflies that stop by Spokane on their annual migration. In 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service added the Monarch butterfly to the list of federal threatened and endangered species.

Here in the City, we are dedicated to not only conservation but also rebuilding the habitats here that help encourage pollinators to stop in Spokane! Visit our website for information on how to help our pollinators. 

Summer Outdoor Water Consultation

To sign up for the FREE sprinkler consultation, visit our website.

Council Recap

Spokane City Council Member Jonathan Bingle, recaps the Monday, July 25, Spokane City Council meeting.

Grind and Overlay

Last week, the City's Street Department completed another grind and overlay project! For a list of upcoming street maintenance pavement projects visit our website. 

Reimagining South Logan with Transit Oriented Design

The City of Spokane is working with the community to create a vision for the South Logan area and is looking for feedback and ideas. In supporting the City Line, Spokane's first bus rapid transit route, the South Logan Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Project will create a subarea plan to facilitate higher density development that leverages investments in transit with supportive uses. 

We want to hear from you! Let us know how we can shape the area to serve your needs and vision for the future by taking the South Logan TOD survey.

Coronavirus Information

COVID-19 Vaccines

• COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
• Everyone 6 months and older are now eligible to get a free COVID-19 vaccination.
• Everyone 5 years and older is eligible for boosters.
• Learn about the different vaccines available.

COVID-19 Testing Sites

Drive-up and walk-up COVID-19 testing sites are open to the community. These testing sites offer free testing and are open to anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or has recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Need Mental Health Help?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8

Contact 24/7: Frontier Crisis Line (877) 266-1818

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!

Utility Assistance

There are Resident Assistance programs for emergency help to pay for City utility bills, which include charges for water, wastewater, stormwater and garbage collection. Interest-free payment plans are also available for residential and commercial customers.

Rent Assistance

City of Spokane residents will soon be able to apply for $5.59 million in new Emergency Rent Assistance Program funds awarded by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

The application process for the funds will be announced in the near future on the City’s website once funding is received for disbursement.

Spokane Rewards. Spokane Solves. Spokane Gives

The City of Spokane is a great place to combine community support with expertise. There are over 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!

Retired Volunteer Buddy Meola Shares His Experience Volunteering With The City of Spokane

I have been volunteering for the graffiti cleanup painting events sponsored by the City.

I’m retired and can spend some of my time giving back. I think the graffiti is unsightly and detracts from the charms of Spokane.

I enjoy the fact that so many people are willing to spend some of their time to help mitigate this eyesore.

It’s also nice to see the City employees working right beside us. I also enjoy spending time with the other volunteers.

I will continue to volunteer each summer that I spend in Spokane.

Summer Fun: Free Carrousel Rides - Sponsored by TDS

Come and enjoy a free ride on the famous Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park! Stop by the TDS Fiber booth (located in front of the Carrousel building) on Friday, July 29 to pick up your free ticket. Details on our website.

Summer Fun: Golfers' Appreciation Day

Celebrate Golfers' Appreciation Day on Monday, Aug. 1! As a thank you for water conservation investments, discounted rates are available at Indian Canyon, Esmeralda, Downriver, and The Creek at Qualchan.

$36 for 18 holes ($10 savings)

$27 for 9 holes ($3 savings)

Enjoy food specials and raffles for free golf!

Tee times for this special event are open now! Book online.

On the Bright Side

Park Rangers Vandenberg and Moore were on routine patrol of Riverfront when they were alerted by park guests that several juvenile ducks were stuck in a portion of the Theme Stream. The rangers quickly developed a plan to enter the stream and safely rescue the ducks. The ducks were then reunited with their mother!