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City of Spokane
Community Update
December 10, 2024
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Message from the Mayor
Yesterday marked a pivotal moment for the City of Spokane as we take a step toward a stronger, more resilient future. Through hard work, dedication and a shared commitment at every level of the City team, we have passed a balanced, two-year budget that puts us on track to close our $50 million deficit.
This budget reflects our values – returning to fiscal responsibility while prioritizing safety and support for all. With this budget, we will relaunch the Neighborhood Resource Officer program, reinstate the Fire Academy, invest in our justice system, and more than double our funding for inclement weather sheltering.
I want to express my deep gratitude to our City staff and finance team, who have all made sacrifices, while ensuring essential services remained intact. I also want to acknowledge the City Council for their collaboration and shared commitment to finding solutions that prioritize our constituents.
This budget is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together and focus on the greater good of our community.
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BrrrZAAR 2024 is Saturday!
This Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., all three floors of River Park Square are going to be filled with more than 70 local vendors, makers, and artists of all kinds. Come shop thousands of swoon-worthy gifts including jewelry, leather goods, clothing, home goods, original artwork, skincare, candles, mugs, tea, and more! Visit Terrain's website for more information.
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Christmas Tree Elegance
The 42nd annual Christmas Tree Elegance is happening now! The annual Spokane Symphony Associates fundraiser features 15 trees decked out in various themes and full of prizes. Raffle tickets are $1.
Date & Time: Dec. 3 - 15, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Historic Davenport Hotel & River Park Square
More info on the Spokane Symphony website.
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Manito Holiday Lights Walk-Thru
The Manito Holiday Lights are back and better than ever! This year's celebration will be in the Duncan Garden and walk-thru only. Grab a hot beverage or snack from one of the vendors and explore twinkling, festive lights in one of our city’s most historic parks!
Event: Dec. 14 - 22, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Walk-Thru Only (wheelchair accessible)
FREE
More info on the Friends of Manito website.
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Holiday Window Display Contest
Celebrate Spokane’s unique, historic downtown with the second annual Holiday Window Display Contest, presented by Visit Spokane and Downtown Spokane Partnership! Awards will be given to downtown businesses for the best holiday window displays, and you can help decide the winners. Fifteen businesses across downtown are competing for your vote, so join in and help choose the best of the best. Public voting runs through Sunday, Dec. 22. Click here for more info.
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Get Ready for Winter with Local Mascots
Our friends Otto, KC, and Boomer from the Spokane Indians and Spokane Chiefs are helping us get prepared for winter! Make sure your snow shovels, ice melt, sand, and snow blower are on deck; if you don't want to shovel, consider signing up for a snow removal company. Move your RV or trailer off the street, and park on the odd-numbered side. Learn more on our website.
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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 snowy season. 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.
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Local Agencies Launch New Data Dashboard to Increase Understanding of Homelessness System
The City of Spokane, City of Spokane Valley, Spokane County, and the Spokane Regional Health District have partnered together to launch a new data dashboard to help the community better understand homelessness and programs that exist to provide support to those who are unhoused. The dashboard offers insight into the number of people experiencing homelessness across Spokane County, how many people have exited shelter programs, how long people have stayed in programs, and more.
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Buy Battery Smart for the Holidays!
Be safe, and buy smart this holiday season! Look for tested and certified devices and accessories. Learn more at BatterySmartSpokane.com!
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How Are You Impacted By Climate Hazards?
The City of Spokane wants to hear from you! A survey has been launched asking about your lived experience with climate hazards and weather events. Early respondents will be eligible to receive a gift card. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Marshallese. Click here to learn more.
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Winter Activity Guide
Get active this winter, Spokane! The winter activity guide is available online, at your local library, grocery store, or City Hall. Look inside for hundreds of opportunities for all interests, ages, and abilities! Download the guide on our website.
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Business Licensing and Property Registration Open House
The Washington State Department of Revenue and City of Spokane are hosting an open house, specifically focused on the long-term property registration program. The primary goal of this open house will be providing customer service and assistance in efforts to comply with business licensing, property registration, and inspection regulations in the new program. Visit our website for more information.
Where: Washington State Department of Revenue, 1330 N. Washington St., Suite 5600
When: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.– 4:30 p.m.
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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.
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Council Recap
Council President Betsy Wilkerson recaps the Monday, Dec. 9, Spokane City Council meeting.
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Home Repair Assistance Programs Available as Winter Weather Approaches
As colder weather moves in, the City of Spokane and SNAP want to remind the public of three home repair assistance programs. The Essential Home Repair, Single Family Home Rehabilitation, and Utility Pipe Rehabilitation programs are intended to help low-income homeowners with both minor and large repair projects. For more information visit the City's website.
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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.
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Help Restore the Looff Carrousel Band Organ!
We're calling all music lovers and carrousel enthusiasts! Your support can bring back the enchanting sound of the 1909 Looff Carrousel Band Organ. By converting it to Midi-files, we'll revive the sweet voice of the #36 Ruth and Sons band organ, completing its restoration. Imagine generations once again enjoying lilting tunes, toe-tapping polkas, and powerful Sousa marches, all with the sound of a 60-piece band! Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park by donating today.
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STA 2025 Service Revisions Survey
STA is seeking your input on proposed service changes for 2025. Your feedback will help refine these adjustments to better serve our community. The 2025 Service Revisions Survey is open until Sunday, Dec. 15, at spokanetransit.com/2025revisions.
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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.
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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!
Volunteer for the Point-in-Time Count
The Point-In-Time (PIT) Count is a nationwide event that seeks to identify and better serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Data collected during the PIT Count helps us understand community needs, inform policy, and direct resources to address homelessness most effectively and compassionately. The count is conducted by volunteers who survey people experiencing homelessness throughout Spokane County. The PIT Count will take place Jan. 21 – 29, 2025. Sign up to be a volunteer!
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Autumn Adventures: Free Carrousel Rides Presented by ICCU
Enjoy a free ride on the historic Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park! Stop by the Idaho Central Credit Union booth, located in front of the Looff Carrousel building, to pick up your free ticket. Click here for more information.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 13
Time: 12 - 4 p.m.
Location: Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park
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On The Bright Side
Officer Michael Baldwin was recognized for his outstanding investigative and organizational skills as a Field Training Officer and a member of the Major Crimes Collision Investigative Team. He plays a crucial role in training young officers and has received praise from the Domestic Violence Unit for his recent case work.
As a reward for his detailed investigations, Officer Baldwin was invited to shadow Major Crimes Detectives, a rare opportunity. His ability to handle complex cases, manage difficult calls, and mentor colleagues underscores his value to the Spokane Police Department and the City of Spokane.
Congratulations on receiving your Medal of Merit, Officer Baldwin!
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