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City of Spokane
Community Update
June 24, 2025
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A Park A Day, Keeps The Doctor Away
I was inspired by the 2025 Greater Spokane Parks Challenge to visit every park in the City of Spokane! Follow my park journey on the Mayor's Office social media accounts.
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From the Mayor's Desk
Have you signed up for Mayor Brown's monthly newsletter yet? Subscribe here to stay up to date on what's happening in the mayor's office.
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H.O.M.E. Starts Here Plan
Spokane has seen a sharp rise in housing costs and a growing homelessness crisis in recent years. For too long, the response to this complex and intertwined challenge was fragmented. Without a comprehensive plan, piecemeal efforts addressed symptoms, never root causes. That is changing with the H.O.M.E. Starts Here plan. Learn more about the plan in my column in The Inlander.
| | Community and Economic Development Updates | | In 2024, the Code Enforcement team, as part of the Homeless Outreach Team, managed 4,361 complaints regarding unlawful camping. In response to these complaints, the crew completed 2,811 total abatements and removed 690,620 lbs. of solid waste. The team has kept a strong relationship with the Spokane Riverkeeper, and in 2024, they partnered on 20 projects removing over 49,000 lbs. of garbage, scrap materials, and discarded items from areas directly adjacent to our waterways. | | | |
Touch-a-Truck!
Visit a garbage truck, water vac truck, ambulance, and more at the Touch-a-Truck event at Hillyard Library on Friday, June 27, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. This family event is for kids of all ages, 8 and under with an adult. Learn more about the City of Spokane's Fleet in the latest episode of Spokane Public Library's Let's Explore Spokane series.
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Sister City Bench Dedication
Over the weekend, Riverfront Spokane unveiled a new Jilin City Sister City Bench, created by local artist Mallory Battista, in the Sister Cities Connection Garden! Crafted with steel, stained glass, and symbolic detail, the bench honors the connection between Spokane and Jilin City.
Photos by: Spokane Night Scenes
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Stay Safe Hoopfest Weekend
Hoopfest is this weekend and with it comes thousands of people driving to Spokane to be a part of the landmark event. Troopers, sheriff's deputies, and police officers will be conducting traffic enforcement to get everyone to and from Spokane safely. Those who make the bad decision to drive impaired during Hoopfest will meet with WSP’s Mobile DUI Unit on the streets of downtown Spokane; it’s a one-stop shop on your way to jail. Be smart and be safe!
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Seasonal 20 mph Signs In Place
School's out for summer! Seasonal 20 mph signs have been installed at the following parks: A.M. Cannon, Chief Garry, Comstock, Hays, Lincoln, and Mission Parks. Please slow down!
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Spokane Is Reading Announced 2025 Community-Wide Read
Spokane Is Reading announced author Tananarive Due and her novel, The Reformatory, for this year’s community-wide reading event! Spokane Is Reading will host two appearances with Tananarive Due on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. An afternoon appearance is at the Spokane Valley Library (22 North Herald Road) at 1 p.m, and an evening appearance at Central Library (906 W. Main Avenue) at 7 p.m. Both events are open to the public with free admission. For more information, visit Spokane Public Library's website.
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Spokane Bike Swap
The 13th annual Spokane Bike Swap raised $24,000! Spokane Bike Swap is now accepting grant applications for programs that have a meaningful impact on our community and region. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 18. The anticipated award range for 2025 is $500 to $5,000. For more information, visit the Spokane Bike Swap website.
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Water Wise Tip: Sprinkler Fun
Hey parents! If your kids are eager to splash around in the sprinkler, why not take the fun to a dry spot? Not only will they have a blast, but your lawn will get a refreshing drink, too. It's a win-win for family fun and water conservation! Go to WaterWiseSpokane.org for more tips.
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Spokane Carshare Program Expanding
ZEV co-op is expanding its affordable EV
carshare program in Spokane, and they need
your input! Let them know where you'd like to see their next two locations. Your voice helps build a cleaner, more connected community. Take the survey!
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Find Your Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
Ready to explore your neighborhood's hidden gems? GLOW Children Early Learning Center has created scavenger hunts for 12 Spokane neighborhoods. Visit glowchildren.org to pick your neighborhood, print/save your map, and start your adventure!
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Council Recap
Council Member Kitty Klitzke recaps the Monday, June 23, Spokane City Council meeting.
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Aquifer Protection Area Renewal and Expansion Ballot Measure 1
In the upcoming August Primary Election, voters will decide whether to renew and expand the Aquifer Protection Area and authorize the imposition of fees, supporting aquifer protection and regional water quality efforts. The Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer is the region’s primary source of clean and safe drinking water and renewing and expanding this program helps to ensure a sustainable water supply for the future. The ballot measure seeks to renew and expand to include the City of Spokane for funding through 2045. Learn more on the Spokane County website.
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Secure Your Load
When do you need to secure items in your truck or trailer? Every time you hit the road. Unsecured loads cause over 300 crashes in Washington every year and cause up to 40% of roadside litter — let’s change that. Visit the Washington Department of Ecology website for tips on securing loads.
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City Shares Dam Safety Tips
Did you know the City of Spokane owns and operates Upriver Dam on the Spokane River? It’s part of Water and Hydroelectric operations and generates enough energy to power approximately 4,400 homes all year. Water near dams can be dangerous for boaters and swimmers. Stay safe with these tips!
- Obey warning signs
- Watch for bridges, cables, and power lines
- Wear a life jacket and safety whistle
- Be alert for debris and submerged objects
- Don't fish, swim, or anchor near dams
- Never cross the boater safety cable above a dam
Learn more about Upriver Dam and take a virtual tour!
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IDD Field Day
West Central Community Center is hosting a Field Day for the IDD community! Field Day is scheduled for Friday, June 27, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at A.M. Cannon Park. Event highlights include a water balloon toss, scavenger hunt, ring toss, corn hole, FREE food, and more! For more information email WCCC.
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Seeking Artists to Design Crosswalks
The City of Spokane and Spokane Arts are looking for artists to design crosswalks that will be cast in thermoplastics for long-lasting safety and beauty! Spokane Arts is accepting applications through Tuesday, July 1, for two crosswalks; Comstock Ct. and Lincoln Dr. and 509 E. 33rd Ave.
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School-Cycle Suppy Drive
The City of Spokane is proud to participate in the School-Cycle Supply Drive! Now through the end of July, you can donate gently used school supplies at any Spokane Public Library branch to support Spokane students, families, and organizations in need. Accepted items include reusable pens, pencils, crayons, markers, rulers, binders, notebooks, and more. All donated supplies will be cleaned, sorted, and repackaged before being redistributed to local schools, organizations, and individuals. Let’s turn yesterday’s supplies into tomorrow’s opportunities!
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Utility Bill Credit Available for Qualified Spokane Residents
Are you a low-income senior or disabled property owner who is eligible for Spokane County’s property tax exemption? You may also qualify for City of Spokane’s monthly utility bill credit program. This initiative is part of Spokane’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable community members and help reduce the cost of essential services. Apply today.
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Strengthening Spokane Together
Spokane Public Schools and Spokane Parks and Recreation launched an innovative partnership to modernize existing infrastructure and address the growing need for youth activities, adult recreation, and community programs. More than 200 Citywide projects have been identified, including at least one in every Spokane neighborhood; check it out at togetherspokane.org!
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We Are Hiring!
The City of Spokane is hiring! Check out our featured job of the week:
For a full list of job openings with the City of Spokane, click here.
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Become A Firefighter
Visit our new firefighter recruitment website to learn more about what it takes to be a firefighter for the City of Spokane Fire Department. joinspokanefire.org
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Spokane Rewards. Spokane Solves. Spokane Gives
Give back to the Spokane community by joining a volunteer board, commission, or committee! The following boards and commissions are currently accepting applications to fill current or upcoming vacancies.
- Arts Commission - 4 vacancies
- Design Review Board - 4 vacancies
- Plan Commission - 1 vacancy
- Spokane Human Rights Commission - 4 vacancies
- Ombuds Commission - 1 vacancy
Visit our website for more information and to apply.
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Summer Fun: Riverfront Summer Carnival Presented by ICCU
Celebrate the spirit of Independence Day with five days of non-stop fun at the Riverfront Summer Carnival presented by ICCU! Enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with exciting rides, classic carnival games, and mouthwatering treats like corn dogs, cotton candy, and elephant ears. Bring the whole family to experience the magic of summer with all your carnival favorites, from thrilling rides to nostalgic games that spark joy at every turn.
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On The Bright Side
Yasuhara Middle School students spent their last day of school painting the final touches on a series of community murals at the City’s Water Department next door! The murals depict the water cycle and features a vibrant sun along with the school’s mascot, and a phoenix. Check out this video!
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