City of Spokane

Community Update

June 18, 2024

Mayor Brown Around Town!

Heat, Health and Safety Ordinance

Mayor Lisa Brown signed Council Member Kitty Klitzke and Council President Betsy Wilkerson's 'Heat, Health and Safety' ordinance. This ordinance, passed unanimously by Spokane City Council, aims to ensure people have access to air conditioning, ultimately saving lives.

World Refugee Day Celebration

Mayor Lisa Brown declared Saturday, June 15, as World Refugee Day in Spokane. She attended the World Refugee Day Celebration at Garry Middle School. It was a great day honoring new citizens and community organizations serving refugees.

Construction Update 6-15-24

Construction Update

On Wednesday, the Street Department is starting a grind and overlay project on Cozza Dr. between Division St. and Standard St. The City of Spokane also reminds residents that Post St. is northbound only starting at Spokane Falls Blvd. and headed north over the Post St. Bridge.

Weekly Obstruction Notice

Seasonal 20 mph Signs

‪School’s out for summer! Seasonal 20 mph signs have been installed at the following parks:‬

  • ‪A.M. Cannon‬ Park‬/Pool
  • ‪Chief Gary‬ Park
  • ‪Comstock‬ Park/Pool
  • ‪Hays‬ Park
  • ‪Lincoln‬ Park
  • ‪Mission‬ Park‬/Pool


Please slow down!

Expo '74 50th Celebration

Spokane's Got Talent '74 Edition

Get ready to boogie down memory lane as Spokane brings back the spirit of the 70s with “Spokane's Got Talent '74 Edition.” The show will feature 26 acts and Phillip Phillips, the winner of the 11th season of American Idol. Spokane's Got Talent is this Thursday, June 20, at 6 p.m., at the U.S. Pavilion, tickets are free. Click here for more info.

Expo '74 - 50th Anniversary Community Stage & Vendor Village

Join in on the Expo 50 Spokane Celebration this Saturday, June 22, at Riverfront's Lilac Bowl for another weekend of Expo Community Stage & Vendor Village activities from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.! Click here for more information.

BAZAAR

Enjoy Spokane's largest, all-local art market with nearly 130 booths of local artists and makers selling amazing art and handcrafted goods. If thousands of swoon-worthy items weren't enough, there will be music, food, family-friendly activities, and more! Bazaar is Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Main St. between Lincoln St. and Wall St. Click here for more information.

Spokane’s Sister Cities and Friendship City Celebrate Expo’s 50th Anniversary

All five of the City of Spokane's Sister Cities and Friendship City will join together on Sunday, June 23, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. for a meaningful, entertaining community day to celebrate Expo’s 50th anniversary. Click here for more info.

Silent Disco

Step back in time and groove to the rhythm of the 70s at our Silent Disco, a tribute to Spokane's iconic Expo '74 World's Fair! Each guest will receive a pair of wireless headphones, tuning into channels playing all your favorite hits from the disco modern era. Join us in celebrating the spirit of Expo '74 as we transform Wall St. between Spokane Falls Blvd. and Main Ave. on Saturday, June 22, from 6 - 10 a.m. Grab your platform shoes, gather your friends, and let's boogie down in silent disco style! Click here for more info.

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.


Each location features an interpretive sign with a QR code. The sign provides a map of the entire tour. Scan the code to access fascinating historical facts about the site and illuminate our ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable future for our community by harnessing the power of the Spokane River. The easy-to-access locations are in and around downtown Spokane's Riverfront Park. Click here for more info.

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.

Your City at Work

Celebrate Juneteenth in Spokane

Join us in celebrating Juneteenth in Spokane! Upcoming events include:

  • Juneteenth Community Celebration - Wednesday, June 19, 11 a.m., Grant Park
  • Spokane Indians King Carl Night - Wednesday, June 19, 6:35 p.m., Avista Stadium

Visit the City website for more details.

Spokane Regional Emergency Communications, Spokane Fire Department, & American Medical Response Launch Nurse Navigation Program

Residents of Spokane who call 911 now have access to expanded medical services through the new Nurse Navigation Program. The program gets you to the right level of care, which may or may not include transportation to a hospital emergency department. 911 calls with non-emergency injuries or illnesses may be transferred to a Nurse Navigator who can assess your symptoms and refer you to the most appropriate medical care. This care could include a referral to a local clinic or urgent care. Click here to learn more.

Public Safety Survey

The City of Spokane values your feedback regarding public safety leadership and community priorities. Please take our survey and encourage friends, family, and neighbors to do the same. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Marshallese.

Commercial Permits For New Buildings On The Rise

Building permit highlights through the end of May include:

  • Year-to-date commercial permits for new buildings are up 174 percent compared to last year.
  • Year-to-date total construction permits issued was 2,235, a 17 percent increase over the prior four-year average.
  • Year-to-date multi-family housing units permitted was 156, a 41 percent decrease from the prior four-year average.
  • Year-to-date single-family residences permitted was 156, a 43 percent increase from the prior four-year average.
  • Largest project issued by construction valuation in May was the Community Health Association of Spokane (CHAS) Iron Bridge Office Campus buildout at $11.1 million

See the presentation to Spokane City Council on all the highlights. 

SpokaneScape 101 Class

We're holding another SpokaneScape 101 class on Wednesday, June 19 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the WSU Extension! Join us and get excited about Water Wise gardening. This class features:

  • Native landscaping ideas
  • Design advice
  • Irrigation tips
  • A tour of the Water Wise demo garden
  • And more!

Secure your FREE spot today!

Water Wise Wednesday Tip: Aerate Your Lawn

Water Wise Wednesday Tip: Aerate Your Lawn

Why should you aerate your lawn once a year? It reduces thatch, weeds, and relieves compacted soil to make your lawn healthier! Learn more at WaterWiseSpokane.org.

Riverfront Moves

Join us as we kick off the start of this season’s Riverfront Moves Fitness Series! The first class is Summer Solstice Yoga with The Union on Thursday, June 20, at 7 p.m. at Tribal Gathering Place! Check out the complete Riverfront Moves Fitness Series schedule on our website.

2024 Multicultural Center Grant

The 2024 Multicultural Center grant, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, is open for applications! This program provides funding for community-serving organizations to cover capital campaign expenses, aiming to expand services. Grants of up to $100,000 are available to support the implementation of a capital campaign resulting in the organization securing a physical location for its operations. Key tasks identified for this funding include strategic planning, feasibility study, campaign implementation, and training/support for staff in relation to a capital campaign. The application deadline is Friday, June 28, for more info visit my.spokanecity.org/ARPAfunding.

Hoopfest Safety PSA

Hoopfest Safety PSA

Hoopfest is coming up soon, bringing thousands of people to Spokane. Troopers, sheriff's deputies, and police will be conducting traffic enforcement to ensure everyone arrives and departs safely. Anyone caught driving impaired during Hoopfest will encounter the Washington State Patrol's Mobile DUI Unit in downtown Spokane. Please make smart decisions and stay safe!

June Is Secure Your Load Month

Covering and securing your load is an important safety issue and is enforceable by law. It's also a great way to keep Spokane County roads clean and our streams trash-free!


The City of Spokane and Spokane County transfer stations will charge residents who bring in unsecured loads of trash. For more information on disposal locations, hours, and fees, click here.

Pacific Avenue Greenway Alignment Survey, Open Houses Available

A survey is available through Sunday, June 30 for the City Planning Department’s Pacific Avenue Greenway Alignment Study. The study has identified three alignment options for the greenway, from which a preferred alternative will be chosen. Take the survey to help us choose the best option. This phase of the project is in the East Central Neighborhood, specifically within the South University District, but the entire project including Phase I, which is planned and funded, is meant to connect cyclists and pedestrians moving between downtown and the University District up to Perry Street. For more information, visit the project website, sign up to receive updates, or send an email to the project team.

CHHS Seeks Project Proposals

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

  • Affordable Housing Projects - $9.1 million, Due Friday, June 28
  • 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 email, phone, or in person at the public hearing on Wednesday, July 3 at 4 p.m.

Become A Foster Parent

Children and youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ are overrepresented in our foster care system. In Spokane, we seek compassionate and supportive caregivers to provide safe and affirming homes for these young individuals. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can ensure every child and youth feels valued and secure.


Become a foster parent today!


Follow Future Foster Parents of Washington on Facebook.


Contact Gabriela Mendez via phone or email to learn more.

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!

Hoopfest Looking for Volunteer Court Monitors

Hoopfest is looking for court monitors for the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament on the planet. All levels of basketball experience are invited to participate, Hoopfest will provide all the tools and training needed for the weekend. Hoopfest 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30. Click here to register to be a court monitor.

Spring Dreams: SkyFest 2024

Fairchild Skyfest 2024 promises a fun-filled weekend with heart-pounding air performances and family-friendly activities. Skyfest is on Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23; admission is FREE! Gates are open to inbound traffic from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., aerial acts perform from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the event ends at 4 p.m. Click here for more information.

On the Bright Side

All six City of Spokane Aquatic Centers are now open for the season! For more information and aquatic center hours visit our website.

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