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City of Spokane
Community Update
September 15, 2026
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City of Spokane Announces New Tools, Resources to Support Fire Recovery and Rebuilding
As Spokane continues its recovery from the recent wildfire, the City is taking the next steps to help residents and neighborhoods rebuild. Today, the City of Spokane announced a coordinated package of new resources and legislative proposals designed to provide greater transparency, streamline the rebuilding process, and put City staff directly alongside residents as they navigate recovery. Click here for all the details.
Public Damage Assessment Dashboard
The City of Spokane has compiled a public damage assessment dashboard that shows the status of every impacted structure and those generally within 500 feet of the burn area. In the coming weeks, the City will add additional functions to this tool, including the status of demolition and construction permits, and eventually, information showing which properties have been rebuilt and are ready for move-in.
Rebuilding and Recovery Legislation
The Brown Administration is bringing forward two ordinances focused on rebuilding that will identify opportunities to assist fire-affected residents move from recovery to reconstruction. Together, these ordinances propose ADUs before principal dwelling, general facility charge waivers, permit fee deferral, and "like-for-like."
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Remote Development Services Office
On Monday, Sept. 21, the City of Spokane’s Development Services Center is opening a remote office at the Shadle Park Library. The remote office will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A City Planner and Plan Reviewer will be on-site to meet with fire-impacted residents. These staff members will be available to evaluate needs and help residents navigate permitting services.
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H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund
The City of Spokane's H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund has raised $1.2 million. Thank you! Last week, Mayor Lisa Brown started signing a cart full of thank you cards for our generous donors.
So far, the H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund has provided funding for gas cards, gift cards, and the Keep Kids Moving Fund, which supplies sports equipment for youth who have lost their homes.
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City of Spokane Wildfire Information Page
The City of Spokane has a wildfire information page to help our community navigate this difficult time. Here you will find resources for evacuees, tips for returning home, frequently asked questions about city services, ways to help, cleanup efforts, and information on rebuilding as it becomes available.
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Register for ALERT Spokane
Register for ALERT Spokane to receive emergency alerts. You can sign up to receive alerts at multiple phone numbers and get a call or text, or you can get a notification via email. To register, visit SCEM.org, and the form is on the page. If you prefer to hear the message in your native language, there are many language options to choose from.
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Community Resource Website
We ask that everyone in our community visit SpokaneCommunityResources.org to connect with any of the following:
- Impacted families seeking resources
- Organizations providing support or seeking volunteers
- Community members interested in volunteering or donating
- Business leaders seeking resources
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Recycle Your Old Electronics September 16-18
Bring old electronics to select Spokane Public Library locations for an Electronics Recycle & Backup event in partnership with PCs for People. Experts will also be on hand to teach patrons how to back-up files, how to save files to the cloud or an external storage device, and how to properly wipe personal information from a device. Click here to learn more.
This event will run from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at each of these locations:
- Wednesday, Sept. 16, Shadle Park Library
- Thursday, Sept. 17, Indian Trail Library
- Friday, Sept. 18, South Hill Library
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A New Approach to Safer Streets: Emergency Streets Pilot Program
When a fatal traffic crash occurs, the impact on families, neighbors, and our community is immediate and long-lasting. The City of Spokane is launching its new Emergency Streets pilot program, which provides a rapid-response approach to traffic safety by installing temporary traffic-calming measures within 48–72 hours of a fatal crash. The goal is simple: increase awareness, reduce speeds, and make streets safer right away. To learn more, visit our website.
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Storytime at the Carrousel
Join us in Riverfront Park for Storytime at the Carrousel! Mrs. Jill, the City's Waste Reduction Educator, will be the guest reader on Friday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. for an engaging food-saving heroes storytime. This early literacy activity includes stories, songs, and preschool activities to spark young imaginations. Attendees can enjoy Carrousel rides for just $1.
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Funding Available for Tourism and Cultural Investment Grants
The City of Spokane has issued a notice of funding availability, seeking applications for Spokane Tourism and Cultural Investment (TACI) grants. These grants are available to organizations that enhance Spokane’s tourism and cultural scene. Applications are due by Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m.
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September News You Can Use
September’s “News You Can Use” with the Office of Neighborhood Services features the Chief Garry Park Neighborhood! Visit spokaneneighborhoods.org to find out what neighborhood you live in and how to visit your neighborhood council.
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Construction Zone
Construction season is underway! Motorists are urged to plan ahead, allow for extra time, and be alert for frequent traffic changes. Please slow down for everyone’s safety and make the extra effort to support businesses impacted by the necessary projects. Visit our website for construction information.
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Tree Trot 5K Fun Run Fundraiser Returns to Finch Arboretum
Join Spokane Parks and Recreation at beautiful Finch Arboretum for this 5k trail run on Saturday, Oct. 3, to support fundraising efforts for the Willow nature-based playground project. Participants receive a custom t-shirt. Pre-register for the competitive run, family friendly trail run/walk, or virtual race at www.spokanerec.org.
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Rethink Your Ride: Commute Smart in Downtown Spokane
The Commute Smart Downtown grant program helps businesses with fewer than 100 employees develop programs to reduce solo driving into downtown. Employers can access incentives like STA Connect Cards, rideshare subsidies, emergency ride home funds, and free biking and walking safety kits. The Commute Smart Downtown team provides free marketing materials to promote your Commute Smart program. Click here to learn more.
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Slow Down In School Zones
Spokane Public Schools are back in session! This is a reminder to plan ahead, slow down in school zones, and watch for pedestrians crossing the street. Let’s make sure all of our learners can get to class safely this year.
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Burn Restrictions Are In Place
Spokane-area Fire Marshals have enacted countywide Fire Danger Burn Restrictions. Although we've had cooler temperatures and some rain, the risk of wildfires remains high. With hot weather on the horizon, our community must act now to prevent human-caused fires. Click here for more information.
What's Restricted?
- Unauthorized recreational fires
- Unauthorized open burning
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Library Card Design Contest
Picture your artwork on Spokane Public Library's next library card! September is Library Card Sign Up Month, create a design and submit it to be considered. The inspiration is: what does the library mean to you? Click here to submit a design!
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September Rain and Cooler Temps Are Enough
Did you know that September is one of the worst months or over-watering? Recent rain, shorter days, and cooler temperatures is enough to sustain grass and landscaping for the remainder of the season. Go ahead and shut that sprinkler system off and save some extra money for holiday shopping. Learn more at WaterWiseSpokane.org.
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Request a Waste Reduction Presentation for Your Class
Attention teachers! Our solid waste educators offer a selection of comprehensive, waste reduction education programs that are meaningful and engaging. Activities can be tailored to specific learning goals and grade levels. Check out the programs and use the online reservation form to request your presentation.
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Water Wise Spokane Teams Up for Commercial Building Efficiency
The City of Spokane's Water Department is big on efficiency. Its Water Wise program worked with Kiemle Hagood Facility Services to assess its cooling tower in the Washington Trust Bank's Financial Center. A simple clamp-on water meter test on a water-cooled condensing unit led to savings of 5 million gallons of water and $18,000 on their water bill in a year. Learn more about water efficiency for commercial properties at WaterWiseSpokane.org and read more about this story at KiemleHagood.com.
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Spokane Parks Activity Guide
The Fall Activity Guide is here! This is your one-stop shop for recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities in the Spokane area.
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North Spokane Corridor Survey
WSDOT is gathering community input on the design and landscaping of the North South Corridor connection to I-90. Join WSDOT at
community events this summer! Can't make an event? Fill out the survey!
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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!
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Are you prepared in case of an emergency?
Check out the City’s Emergency Management page!
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Behavioral Health Services
- Individual, Group & Family Involved Therapy
- Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe)
- Family Outreach Crisis Intervention Services (FOCIS)
- Problematic Sexualized Behaviors
Victim Advocacy and Education
- Sexual Assault 24-hour Support Line
- Crime Victim Support Line
- Sexual Assault & Medical Advocacy
- Legal Advocacy
- Safety Planning
- Support Groups
- Community Education
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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.
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Maddie's Place
Maddie’s Place is a nonprofit recovery nursery for substance-exposed infants, providing wraparound support for their parents/caregivers. Call Maddie's Place at 509-315-5146.
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Know the Number
Navigating City services can be confusing for residents. Use this "Know the Number" graphic to point them in the right direction.
- 911 – Emergency Services
- 811 – Call Before You Dig
- 988 – Mental Health Crisis
- 311 – City Services
- 509-456-2233 – Crime Check
- 211 – Social Services
Share this "Know the Number" graphic with your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors!
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Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Prevention Resources
Trauma Recovery Services
Lutheran Community Services: (509) 747-8224
Intensive Behavioral Health, Victim Advocacy and Foster Care, are available.
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We Are Hiring
The City of Spokane is hiring! Check out our featured job this week:
For a full list of job openings with the City of Spokane, visit our website.
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Summer Fun: You're Invited to Spo•Cake! 🎂
Join Spo•Cake, a sweet community potluck where connection, creativity, and cake are celebrated! Spo•Cake is taking place Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2 - 4 p.m. at Overbluff Cellars. The event is open to adults 18+ who bring a cake (homemade or store-bought) to share. Whether you're a baker or just love good company, this event is your chance to enjoy delicious treats with friends new and old and share in the joy of community. Click here to register.
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On the Bright Side
Sunday was Sandy Williams Day of Service! A day to celebrate Sandy Williams, a beloved leader, friend, and mentor whose spirit will continue to inspire us.
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