City of Spokane

Community Update

July 2, 2024

Mayor Brown Around Town!

Spokane Hoopfest

Spokane had another fabulous Hoopfest weekend! A big thank you to Spokane Hoopfest Executive Director Riley Stockton and his team, the sponsors, and volunteers for making this event happen.

Construction Zone

Weekly Obstruction Notice

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

ICCU 4th of July Celebration & EXPO 50th Closing Ceremonies

Celebrate Independence Day at Riverfront Park with the ICCU 4th of July Celebration & Expo 50th Closing Ceremonies. Enjoy a free concert by the MasterClass Big Band, a spectacular fireworks show, and a diverse range of performances on the Expo '74 Community Stage as we wrap up our 50th Anniversary Celebration. Visit the City website for the full schedule.

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.

Your City at Work

City Details Fourth of July Activities, Closures

Here are the Fourth of July closures and cancellations:

  • Garbage, recycling, and clean green pickup will be a day late after the holiday.
  • City facilities including City Hall and the Waste to Energy Facility will be closed.
  • On-street paid parking and kiosks will not require payments but remember even when parking is free on holidays, all parking rules, including time limits, still apply.
  • Spokane Municipal Court and Community Justice Services will be closed.
  • All Spokane Public Library branches will be closed.
  • My Spokane 311 employees will not be available for in person, phone, or online inquiries.
  • Development Services Center employees will not be available.
  • The City’s six aquatic centers will be closed.
  • Spokane City Council meetings will resume on Monday, July 8.
Fourth of July Holiday Schedule

Burn Restrictions In Place

Burn restrictions are now in place. Area Fire Marshals say recreational fires need to wait until our fire risk reduces. During the burn restriction, it is still okay to use manufactured portable devices (like barbeques, fireplaces, chimineas, and patio warmers) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Visit our website for more information.

Download the SREC911 App

Download Spokane Regional Emergency Communications' new mobile app and be ready to report nuisance fireworks, check an evacuation map, or register for alerts through Spokane County's DEM! You can also file online Crime Check reports, see important community resources, and get answers to frequently answered questions. Click here to learn more.

SPD Partners with Thrive International Soccer Camp

SPD Partners with Thrive International Soccer Camp

The Spokane Police Department had a great time partnering with Thrive International at the Thrive Nation Soccer Camp, where 26 different nations were represented. Thrive International provides resettlement for refugees, asylees, and immigrants within our community.

Enter the Water Wise Challenge

The 2024 Water Wise Challenge is still open for Challenger Registration. Participants compete against their own water meters, looking to reduce use in July and August compared to the same months in 2023! Reduce your consumption by 10% or more and WIN! We're already wondering who this year's winner will be...Enter today!

Water Wise Spokane Tip - Wash Your Car on the Lawn

Water Wise Tip: Wash Your Car on the Lawn

Why wash your car on the lawn instead of the driveway or street? Your grass gets a drink, and the soil filters out pollutants! Learn more at SpokaneStormwater.org.

Fireworks PSA

Fireworks PSA

The City of Spokane reminds residents that fireworks are illegal! Fireworks can turn a fun holiday into a dangerous one, they increase the risk of serious injuries and even a small spark can cause a catastrophic wildfire. Lighting fireworks is considered a Class 1 civil infraction, with penalties starting at a fine of $536. Click here for more info.

River City Rising

City Housing Initiative Featured by National Organization

The American Planning Association (APA) recognized the City of Spokane's efforts to address the housing supply crisis. In a blog post, APA featured the City’s permanent code changes to allow for more housing diversity that followed the former Building Opportunity and Choices for All interim ordinance. Click here to learn more.

Spokane Health Equity Client/Consumer Survey

Spokane Regional Health District is partnering with the World Institute on Disability and the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response to help improve disaster outcomes for people with disabilities and other marginalized populations in your community. If you are a resident of Spokane County with a disability, please consider taking this survey.

Avista Utilities Fire Safety Mode

Avista Utilities has added a new strategy to its wildfire mitigation plan. If extreme weather conditions are forecasted, like low humidity and strong winds, Avista may turn off power in specific locations to help protect public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS.


How customers can prepare:


For more information visit Avista's website.

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.

CHHS Seeks Project Proposals

The City’s Spokane Community, Housing, and Human Services (CHHS) Department seeks proposals for: 

  • Homeless Services - $3.9 million, Due Sunday, July 14
  • 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 emailphone, or in person at the public hearing on Wednesday, July 3 at 4 p.m.

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!


Current and Upcoming City of Spokane Board and Commission Opportunities

Give back to the Spokane community by joining a volunteer board, commission, or committee! The following boards and commissions are accepting applications to fill current or upcoming vacancies.


Please submit completed applications to the Mayor's Office by emailing them or turning them in at the MySpokane Customer Service counter at City Hall; 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201.

Spring Dreams: Movies at the Pavilion

Relax under the glow of the Pavilion lights and enjoy a selection of classics, summer hits, and the latest blockbusters during Movies at the Pavilion. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite beverages and snacks (alcohol is prohibited). For your comfort, consider packing a picnic blanket, a low-backed lawn chair, or simply enjoy the evening on the cool grass. All films are free and begin at 8:30 p.m. at the Spokane Pavilion. Click here for more info.


Movie Schedule:

  • Saturday, July 6: Barbie
  • Tuesday, July 9: Bob Marley's One Love
  • Tuesday, July 23: Wish
  • Tuesday, Aug. 20: Hook
  • Saturday, Aug. 24: Dreamin' Wild
  • Sunday, Sept. 8: Godzilla x King Kong 
Wait, We Burn Our Trash? Let's Explore Spokane!

On the Bright Side

In this episode of Let's Explore Spokane, Spokane Public Library Youth Environmental Specialist Mason discovers what happens to our trash! They work with Spokane County Public Works and the City of Spokane to learn about the history of Spokane's waste management, landfills, and how we take our trash and turn it into energy at the Waste to Energy Plant!


You can take a tour of the WTE this summer! Register today

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