City of Spokane

Community Update

Dec 26, 2023

In Woodward's Words

Happy holidays from all of us at the City of Spokane to you and your loved ones. Thank you for making Spokane your home and for trusting the 2,400 employees to deliver the services you need at a high level. May your holidays be merry and your 2024 bright.

In Woodward's Words - Happy holidays!

Happy Holidays!

City Closures Planned For the Holidays

  • Spokane City Hall will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1.
  • Solid Waste Services is a day late this week and next week.
  • The Waste-to-Energy facility will be closed on Monday, an. 1.
  • Spokane City Council is not scheduled to meet on Monday, Jan. 1.
  • On-street parking meters and kiosks will not require payment on Monday, Jan. 1; remember all parking rules, including time limits, still apply. 
  • Spokane Municipal Court and Community Justice Services will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1.
  • My Spokane 311 employees will not be available on Monday, Jan. 1.
  • All Spokane Public Library branches will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1. 


For more information visit our website.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration

Ring in the New Year with your friends and family at Riverfront Park on Sunday, Dec. 31. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. for a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration! Click here for all the details.

Recycle Right this Holiday Season

Is your home brimming with boxes, torn wrapping paper, discarded ribbons, and bows? Here’s a reminder of what can be recycled in your blue cart and what needs to go in the brown trash cart.  Here’s a guide!

City Offers Curbside Tree Recycling

The City will offer free curbside tree pickup for its customers beginning Tuesday, Jan. 2, through Friday, Jan. 12. Once the decorations are removed, residents can place their fresh-cut trees at least three feet away from the refuse and recycling carts on their regularly scheduled garbage pickup days. No artificial or flocked trees are accepted through this service. More info on our website.

Drive Safely this Holiday Season

 Law enforcement agencies across Washington State will have an increased presence on roads through Monday, Jan. 1, to help remind everyone to drive safely. Patrols will be monitoring traffic for instances of impaired driving. Last year, 740 people died on Washington roads, with more than half of those fatalities involving alcohol or drug impaired driving. More information on the Washington Traffic Safety Commission website.

Snow Zone

Snow Season Is Here

Snow response is a collaboration between the City and the community. Working together, we can make winter conditions better for everyone. Here is what you can expect:

  • Snow season operations are November 15-March 15
  • Weather conditions are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Priorities are arterials, hills, hospitals and school routes
  • Materials are located throughout the City for efficiency
  • Full-City plow during heavier snowfalls takes about 3 days
  • Snow gates are used to reduce snow berms when possible
  • Crews work to keep snow away from sidewalks when possible


Bookmark the City's snow response page and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for information when it snows.

Join ‘Adopt A Neighbor'

Long Term Care of Eastern Washington is launching a volunteer snow removal assistance program called Adopt A Neighbor for seniors in need and those with disabilities. The initiative seeks groups such as clubs, organizations, businesses, churches, community centers and schools in Spokane County. Individuals interested in participating will be paired with a group. To sign up, contact Adopt A Neighbor by email or phone. Click here to learn more.

Your City at Work

Mayoral Swearing-in Ceremony

The swearing-in ceremony for incoming Mayor Lisa Brown will be Wednesday evening, Dec. 27 at Downtown Spokane Public Library. The public can watch virtually at other library locations. Details can be found here.

CityCable5 "Top 10" Videos of the Year

Top Ten Videos of 2023

The results are in; here are the ten most watched videos of 2023! These stories about City supplied programs and services show your tax dollars at work and give you a look at how we all make Spokane a better place to live.

Register Long-Term Rental Properties Before Dec. 31

The City of Spokane’s new online registry for long-term rental properties is open. All long-term rental properties must be registered either by landlords, property managers or agents of the owner by Sunday, Dec. 31. Registration is an online process where applications will be submitted directly to the City using our existing online application system, Accela Citizen Access (spokanepermits.org). Spokane City Council passed the Regulation of Residential Rental Housing ordinance in March 2023; read our blog and website for more information. PLEASE NOTE: This program is separate than one on short-term rentals (less than 30 days) at the City. 

Visualizing the future with the help of AI

To gain insight into the public’s vision for the future, the Centers and Corridors Study open house featured an Artificial Intelligence activity. Click here to learn more and submit your own image.

Winter Activity Guide

Winter activity guides are out now! Pick up your copy at your neighborhood grocery or convenience store, community center, or public library – or view it online. Find adventures for all ages and abilities this winter and spring.

Igloo at Riverfront Open for Reservations

Reservations are open for the new heated Igloo experience located at the Numerica Skate Ribbon in Riverfront Park. Get ready to snuggle up with friends and family in a comfortable setting that accommodates up to 8 people, with a 90 minute time limit per reservation for $90. Feel free to bring your own blankets and snacks - we’ve taken care of the furniture and décor! Secure your spot now by making a reservation online.

Short-Term Rental Monitoring Starts In January

The City will start short-term rental (less than 30 days) monitoring in January. Hosts operating without a permit will receive a letter that they’ve been identified as having a non-compliant short-term rental. Spokane City Council passed amendments to the short-term rental regulations on July 10, 2023. The regulations then went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023. Read our blog for more information. PLEASE NOTE: This program is separate than the one on long-term rentals at the City.

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!

Registration Open for Point-in-Time Count

Volunteer registration is open for the 2024 Point-in-Time Count, an annual census to collect data on the needs of people experiencing homelessness in Spokane County. The count runs from Tuesday, Jan. 23, to Saturday, Jan. 27, and three-hour shifts are available in the mornings and afternoons. 

Winter Wonders: Cheap Skate Tuesdays

Cheap Skate Tuesdays are back on January 9!

Free skate rentals provided with each paid admission ($6.95 value). For a full list of Cheap Skate Tuesdays dates visit our website.

Be Your Best Self at Spokane Public Library

On the Bright Side

Be your best self at Spokane Public Library! Free music lessons, writing workshops, exercise classes, access to media studios, and more! Your journey to greatness starts here

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