City of Spokane

Community Update

August 5, 2025

Mayor Brown Around Town

City of Spokane Launches 'Know Your Rights' Webpage

The City of Spokane has launched a "Know Your Rights” webpage for local immigrant and refugee communities. This new website is just one way we are working to ensure that everyone, no matter where they come from, has access to the support they need to feel safe. 

Republic of the Marshall Islands Consul General Visits the City of Spokane

Mayor Lisa Brown had the pleasure of meeting with the Republic of the Marshall Islands Consul General, Eldon Alik. They discussed potential ways for the City of Spokane to support the Marshallese community. In Spokane, we all belong!

Community and Economic Development Updates

Code Enforcement Inspection Districts and Focused Compliance Efforts

Code Enforcement staff is implementing new inspection districts, as well as operational changes to better-focus existing resources. Read all about it on our website.

Your City at Work

Today is Election Day. Turn In Your Ballot!

Happy Election Day! Ballot drop boxes close promptly at 8 p.m.; for a full list of ballot drop box locations, visit the Spokane County Elections website.

Safety Tips From The Water Rescue Team

It is going to be a warm weekend in Spokane! Grab your personal flotation device before heading to area waterways. It's one of the most effective pieces of safety gear in water, and it only works if you wear it. 

Twilight Thursdays in Sprague Union District

Savor the last of summer in the Sprague Union District as local shops, cafes, and restaurants extend their hours for some after-hours charm. Visitors are invited to shop, stroll, and enjoy summer with exclusive deals and special in-store experiences. Check out pop-up tastings and one-night-only collections from 5 - 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Aug. 7, 14, and 21. For more information, visit the Sprauge Union District website.

August Neighborhood News You Can Use!

August's news you can use with the Office of Neighborhood Services features the East Central Neighborhood! Visit spokaneneighborhoods.org to find out what neighborhood you live in and how to join your neighborhood council.

Educators' Day at Art Salvage

All educators welcome! Classroom teachers, art teachers, and homeschool parents are encouraged to stop by Educators' Day at Art Salvage, 610 E. North Foothills Dr., on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Teachers can walk through the material giveaway area (right outside Art Salvage) and select free creative materials, including paper, fabrics and textiles, mixed media supplies, interior design samples, craft items, art tools and more. 

DOH Launches Tool to Help Washingtonians Find Free Naloxone

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has launched an online tool to help residents quickly locate free naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, including those caused by fentanyl. Click here to access the Naloxone Finder.

Smart Irrigation Controllers

Water Wise Tip: Smart Irrigation Controllers

Get a smart irrigation controller and take control of your yard! A smart controller knows when it's prime time to water, and when to wait, without you having to tell it. No more overthinking and no more over-watering! Go to WaterWiseSpokane.org for more tips.

Aquifer Protection Area Renewal and Expansion Ballot Measure 1

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.

Take the Community Climate Policy Survey

The City of Spokane wants to hear from you! A survey has been launched to help identify future goals and policies for local action to mitigate, adapt to, and address climate hazards. Survey respondents may be eligible for a gift card raffle. Click here to take the survey.

Spokane River Flows Meet Level 2 Drought Response

Spokane River levels are low and our aquifer depends on it for half of its recharging water source. Let’s do what we can to reduce water waste!

  • No outdoor watering between the hours of 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Limit watering to no more than 2 days per week.
  • No more than a total of 2 hours of watering per day.
  • No using water to clean hardscapes such as: sidewalks, driveways, decks and patios.

For more information, visit our website.

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!

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 the 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.

Strengthening Spokane Together

The Parks levy, on ballots this November, would repair or replace every park playground over the next 20 years. That means all 85+ playgrounds would receive either the necessary repairs or a full replacement to improve functionality and accessibility. Repairs/replacements would be based on condition rating, and would fulfill one of the top requested improvements by the community. See examples from recent playground renovations here. 


Together Spokane is a collaboration of Spokane Parks & Recreation with Spokane Public Schools, offering the community two separate but aligned ballot measures this fall to improve every park and every school in every neighborhood. If both initiatives pass, an additional 30 projects would be completed. Read more about the Parks levy and the Together Spokane initiatives.

We Are Hiring!

The City of Spokane is hiring! Check out our featured jobs of the week:


For a full list of job openings with the City of Spokane, click here.

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

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!

Register for Alert Spokane

If you are concerned about receiving emergency information, such as evacuation notices, be sure to register for Alert Spokane. You can sign up to receive alerts for multiple addresses and get them via phone call, email, or text message. To register, visit alertspokane.org.

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.

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. 

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!

Redband Rally Morning Cleanup

Join Spokane Riverkeeper and the Spokane Indians Baseball Club’s Redband Rally for a day of action, stewardship, and community along the Spokane River! Whether you have an hour or the whole day, your help makes a difference.

  • Date & Time: Wednesday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Meeting Location: Redband Park, 216 N. Cedar St.

For more information, visit the Spokane Riverkeeper website.

Summer Fun: Movies at the Pavilion

Kick back under the stars at the Gesa Pavilion for Movies at the Pavilion presented by Kaiser Permanente! Enjoy a mix of timeless classics, summer favorites, and recent blockbusters in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Bring your own snacks and drinks, and don’t forget a picnic blanket, low-profile lawn chair, or simply enjoy the cool grass. Movies begin at 8:30 p.m.! The schedule includes:

  • Wednesday, Aug. 6: The Lion King
  • Saturday, Aug 9: The Minecraft Movie
  • Wednesday, Aug. 20: E.T.

On The Bright Side

Yesterday, Spokane Fire Department firefighters rescued a dog and its owner off the bank of the Spokane River in Riverfront Park. The Technical Rescue Team, successfully assisted the man and his dog back to safety. After an examination, both were found to have only minor scratches and a few bee stings. They were released without needing further medical attention.

X  •  Facebook  •  YouTube  •  Vimeo  •  Instagram  •  Bluesky

Terms of Use  •  Your Privacy  •  My Spokane 311  •  Contact Information

We are here to help! Simply dial 311 or if outside City limits: 509-755-CITY(2489).