In Woodward's Words

City replacing aging police vehicles

Affordable Housing Proposals Approved By City Council

The City’s Community Housing and Human Services Board received approval on Monday night from the City Council to provide $10 million in funding for 11 projects that would be leveraged by three different sources to help address the housing crisis for low- to moderate-income individuals in Spokane.

The funding will support the construction of new affordable housing units, rehabilitation of existing affordable housing units, and supportive services to maintain housing stability. Details on our website.

Today is Election Day!

Happy Election Day! Make sure to turn in your ballot at a drop box before 8 p.m. today, Aug. 2. For a full list of drop box locations visit the Spokane County Elections website. 

Burn Restrictions in Place

The Spokane Fire Marshal has implemented burn restriction which will help protect our air quality and reduce the risk of fires during the dry, warm summer months. During the burn restriction, backyard fire pits and campfires are not permitted.

Questions, visit our website or call the Prevention Division at 509.625.7000.

Zoning Changes Help Families

Interim zoning ordinance creates new housing opportunities and choices for everyone. For more information visit our website.

110th Hillyard Festival

Let the good times roll Aug. 5 – 7 during the 110th Hillyard Festival in the historic northeast Spokane neighborhood. The event includes a parade, vendors, fireworks, car show, beer garden and BINGO. For festival information click here.

Council Recap

Spokane City Council Member Betsy Wilkerson recaps the Monday, Aug. 1, City Council meeting. There will be no briefing session or legislative meeting next Monday, Aug. 8.

Thor-Freya Construction Swap

Construction crews working on the Thor-Freya Reconstruction project have made the swap from working on Thor Street to Freya Street. Freya Street is now closed from Sprague to Hartson Avenue and two-way traffic is diverted to Thor Street.

District Two Traffic Calming Workshops

Join us at an upcoming traffic calming workshop! Learn about the new Traffic Calming program and share your ideas on how our neighborhoods can be safer, better connected and more livable for everyone. To find your neighborhood's workshop visit our website.

Mayor's Office Now on Social Media

Follow the City of Spokane’s Mayor’s office on Facebook and Twitter to say up to date on news from the Mayor’s Office!

Be Water Wise!

Remember to water smart during hot days. Visit the Spokane Water Wise page for tips!

Summer Concerts

Music at the Gazebo

The 25th annual Browne’s Addition Music at the Gazebo free summer concert series resumes in August on Thursdays, 6 – 8 p.m. in Coeur d’Alene Park. The lineup: Villa Blues ‘N Jazz, Aug. 4; Free Whiskey, Aug. 11 (Celtic folk rock); Soul Proprietor, Aug. 18 (blues, classic rock); and Brassworks, Aug. 25 (brass quintet). 

Music Under the Oaks

The final Music Under the Oaks summer concert presented by the Bemiss Neighborhood Council will be bluegrass band The Mountain Dew Boys on Friday, Aug. 5, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Hays Park, 1812 E. Providence. Come hear the sweet sounds of summer for free!

Coronavirus Information

COVID-19 Vaccines

• COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
• Everyone 6 months and older are now eligible to get a free COVID-19 vaccination.
• Everyone 5 years and older is eligible for boosters.
• Learn about the different vaccines available.

COVID-19 Testing Sites

Drive-up and walk-up COVID-19 testing sites are open to the community. These testing sites offer free testing and are open to anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or has recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Need Mental Health Help?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8

Contact 24/7: Frontier Crisis Line (877) 266-1818

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: (800) 273-8255

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!

Utility Assistance

There are Resident Assistance programs for emergency help to pay for City utility bills, which include charges for water, wastewater, stormwater and garbage collection. Interest-free payment plans are also available for residential and commercial customers.

Rent Assistance

City of Spokane residents will soon be able to apply for $5.59 million in new Emergency Rent Assistance Program funds awarded by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

The application process for the funds will be announced in the near future on the City’s website once funding is received for disbursement.

Spokane Rewards. Spokane Solves. Spokane Gives

The City of Spokane is a great place to combine community support with expertise. There are over 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!

Graffiti Busters

Volunteers are needed to help abate graffiti in downtown Spokane on Friday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting paint on and bring water. 

Paint equipment will be supplied to volunteers. Sign up here.

Summer Fun: First Friday at The Hive

Come check out The Hive during First Friday Art Walk. During the first hour Jesse Peck and Lesley Crane, in Studio B, will be doing print-making demos. Tours of the building will also be available. For more First Friday activities visit the Downtown Spokane Partnership website. 

On the Bright Side

There’s still time to sign up for SPD’s Police Activity League! PAL is about bridging the gap between local police and youth ages 8-14.

Locations this week; Tuesday – A.M. Cannon Park, Wednesday – Friendship Park, and Thursday – Liberty Park, all from 12 – 3 p.m.  

A registration form is required and can be found on our website.