City of Spokane

Community Update

November 12, 2024

Message from the Mayor

I am incredibly grateful to the people of Spokane for coming together to support the community safety measure. Last week’s vote represents a collective commitment to our first responders, our courts, and our Ombuds Office. Proposition 1 will allow us to invest in the much-needed resources our community needs to address our public safety challenges. I look forward to working with stakeholders across our community to put these plans into action. Thank you for your trust and support.

State of Community Safety Virtual Town Hall

Join Mayor Lisa Brown and City of Spokane leadership for a virtual town hall to share updates on the findings of the CORE Plan pilot, Community Safety Proposal, and comprehensive plans to address housing, healthcare, and human services for those experiencing homelessness. The State of Community Safety Virtual Town Hall is tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 


Questions can be pre-submitted hereClick here to join the Zoom.

Your City at Work

City Outlines Snow Season Operations

City of Spokane Public Works officials today outlined snow response operations plans for this year’s winter weather. The Streets Department is staffed and will deliver on the snow response plan, providing flexibility for changing conditions with satellite materials stations located in the four corners of the City to maintain 2,100 lane miles. The community is urged to take time now and be ready for winter weather. For more information visit the City of Spokane's website.

City Announces Office of Arts and Culture

City Announces Office of Arts and Culture

Mayor Lisa Brown and Spokane Arts have announced plans to create a new Office of Arts and Culture at the City of Spokane. For more information visit the City's website.

Utility Pipe Rehab Program: Assistance for Homeowners

Are you a City of Spokane homeowner with a damaged water or sewer pipe between your house and the utility connections in the street? The City’s Utility Pipe Rehabilitation Program may provide the help you need. The program offers low-interest loans to assist qualified property owners in repairing or replacing damaged water and sewer lines, providing an affordable solution. For information on eligibility, qualifying work, eligible costs, and the process visit our website.

Numerica Skate Ribbon Opening Day

The Numerica Skate Ribbon is expected to open to the public for the ice skating season on Saturday, Nov. 16! Click here for all the details.

Planning a More Resilient Future for Spokane

The City of Spokane is embarking on a transformative journey to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. Look out for upcoming community workshops and events to speak with the Climate Planning Team, share information, and provide your thoughts on climate planning. Read our blog post for information to get involved and stay informed.

Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy

If you desire skills to equip you with becoming a leader in your neighborhood, consider the free, five-month Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy. This partnership between the City’s Office of Neighborhood Services and Gonzaga University is a great opportunity! Applications are due Friday, Jan. 3 for the upcoming session starting in late January. For more information visit Gonzaga.edu/SNLA.

Learn about Stormwater and Win!

It’s National Stormwater Awareness Week! Celebrate with us by taking the Stormwater Knowledge Quiz for a chance to win a Wiley E. Waters Rafting Trip! It’s fast and you’ll be smarter about stormwater. Hurry up…you only have until Sunday, Nov. 24 to enter!

Suspect in City Hall Threats In Custody

Spokane Police have taken a suspect into custody after threats were made toward City Hall on Monday. The threats were deemed a community safety risk by law enforcement, which prompted precautionary lock down measures. Those measures were lifted Monday evening and no one was injured in the incident.  

Spokane City Council Canceled Monday's Legislative Session

Due to a security threat, the City Council Legislative Session scheduled for Monday, Nov. 11, was canceled. All legislative business will now take place on Thursday, Nov. 14.

Apply for the Working Families Tax Credit

The Working Families Tax Credit is designed to put money back in the pockets of hardworking families. Refunds of up to $1,255 are available now. Check your eligibility and apply at workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov.

Global Entrepreneurship Month Kick-off Party

November marks Global Entrepreneurship Month, a time to celebrate innovators and connect entrepreneurs with the resources and networks they need to succeed. StartUp Spokane, a partnership between Spokane Public Library and Spokane County Library District, is committed to making Spokane the most equitable place to start, run, and grow a business. In November, they’re offering a series of events to inspire and support entrepreneurs at every stage.

Long-term Rental Property Registry

The Long-Term Rental Registry is focused on preserving housing stock, maintaining safe living spaces, and creating and maintaining a database to track rental units in our community. For those already registered, the renewal window for 2025 is open. Any property registration submitted between now and Tuesday, Dec. 31 will be for the 2025 calendar year. For those registered, automated communications from the Accela Citizen Access system will be delivered to the email addresses listed on each registration. Click here for more information.

Glide into Savings

Buy your Unlimited Ice Pass to the Numerica Skate Ribbon now and receive an early bird discount of 15%! The offer ends on Friday, Nov. 22. Click here for more information.

  • Adult Pass: $33.96
  • Youth Pass (ages 3-12): $24.61
  • Unlimited Skate Rental Add-On: $16.96

Prices listed above include the applied discount.

Asphalt Art Crosswalks

Vote for the Asphalt Art crosswalk location in your District! Vote for the Asphalt Art crosswalk location in your District:

Not sure which District you live in? Find your District by searching your address on the Neighborhood Council map. The surveys will close on Saturday, Nov. 30.

UHelp Program Needs Assistance

In 2013, the City of Spokane began a program to support households who qualify with one-time emergency financial assistance to help pay for their City utility bills, which includes charges for water, wastewater, stormwater, and garbage collection. The UHelp program is funded through donations with a dollar-for-dollar match provided by a designated Public Works fund of up to $50,000 each year. To continue to serve the need moving forward, more donations are needed.


You can donate online, by phone, or by mail. Click here to learn more about the UHelp program.

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

Are you prepared in case of an emergency?

Check out the City’s Emergency Management page!

Washington Poison Center Helpline

Call the Washington Poison Center Helpline at 800-222-1222 if a person has been exposed to dangerous or potentially dangerous substances. 

Know the Number

Navigating City services can be confusing for residents. Use this new "Know the Number" graphic to point yourself in the right direction.

  • 911 – Emergency Services
  • 988 – Mental Health Crisis 
  • 509-456-2233 – Crime Check
  • 311 – City Services
  • 211 – Social Services

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.

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!


Join ‘Adopt A Neighbor'

Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington's Adopt A Neighbor initiative is looking for compassionate groups in Spokane County willing to assist seniors and individuals with disabilities during the leafy and snowy seasons. The initiative seeks groups such as clubs, organizations, businesses, churches, community centers, and schools. Individuals interested in participating will be paired with a group. To sign up, contact Adopt A Neighbor at action@altcew.org or via phone. Click here to learn more.

Autumn Adventures: 33 Artists Market

The best kind of holiday gift is a local one! Check out this local art market featuring jewelry, original paintings and drawings, cards, prints, clothing, book arts, pottery, and much more. The 33 Artists Market is on Saturdays, Nov. 16 and 30, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. There is no booth fee or commission, meaning 100% of the proceeds go to the participating artists. Visit the 33 Artists Market website for more info.

On The Bright Side

Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall presented Officers William Dowsing and Andrew Wilson with a Life Saving Medal for their outstanding efforts on the night of July 28, 2024. At just after 2 a.m., officers responded to a report of a missing woman near Main Ave. and Monroe St., where her cell phone signal was detected. While searching the area, they heard her yelling near the river and found her on a steep embankment, about 30 feet from the Spokane River. Despite the dangerous terrain, the officers provided medical aid and treated her for possible hypothermia due to the dropping overnight temperatures.


After the rescue, Spokane Fire and AMR noted that the officers' quick actions saved the woman’s life, given the steep terrain and proximity to a dangerous drop. Officers William Dowsing and Andrew Wilson were awarded a Life Saving Medal for their heroic efforts.

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