In Woodward's Words

The City of Spokane is collaborating on a large nightly shelter for adults.

Homeless Shelter Update

A broad-based independent committee is recommending to the City Council that The Guardians Foundation be the day-to-day operator of the proposed new shelter. Mayor Nadine Woodward approved moving forward with the recommendation to the Council. The cost to operate the shelter and other details will be determined through a contract negotiation process. For more information visit our website. 

Upriver Park is Open! 

The new Upriver Park is a mix of City-owned Park land, vacated street ROW, and Avista property. Three acres have been dedicated to river access for water-based recreation, while also contributing to an ecologically healthy shoreline. The newly completed Upriver Park features an improved section of Centennial Trail, views of the river and more amenities. Avista Utilities has generously paid for design and construction of the park, and will maintain the property.

Taking Leadership Skills Back To the Neighborhoods

The Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy, a partnership between the City’s Office of Neighborhood Services and Gonzaga University, trains neighborhood leaders about City government structure, contacts at the City about neighborhood topics, managing conflicts, how to run meetings, principles of diversity, equity and inclusion and other subjects. Read more online.

Council Recap

Spokane City Council Member Betsy Wilkerson recaps the Monday, June 6, Spokane City Council meeting.

Construction Zone

The Riverside Grind and Overlay (Division to Wall) project starts Monday, June 13.

• Riverside Avenue will be closed from Division to Bernard Street.
• The intersection of Riverside Avenue and Bernard Street will be closed.

Please follow all traffic control signs and detours.

Water Wise Spokane Live Q&A

Get your questions ready! Water Wise Spokane and Spokane Garden Coach are answering your DIY and SpokaneScapes questions with a Instagram Live Q&A on Wednesday, June 8 at noon. Follow @waterwisespokane on Instagram to watch the Q&A!

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 after details such as a sub-recipient provider to distribute the funds to the community are finalized.

More than 2,470 households in the City have benefitted from the program that started June 1, 2021.

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!

Fish Lake Trail Cleanup

Join the West Hills Neighborhood in cleaning up the Fish Lake Trail on Saturday, June 11, 9 30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Some people will pick up litter around the trailhead and along about the first mile of the trail. Other people will remove weeds from the landscaped areas around the trailhead. Bring gloves, a weeding tool, and a water bottle.

There will be a representative from the Audubon Society to tell us about birds in the area. Sign up now! 

Spokane Human Rights Commission

The Spokane Human Rights Commission is accepting applications for the Youth Representative position, which will serve a one year term starting July 1, 2022. If you are under the age of 17 and interested in civil and human rights issues in Spokane, we encourage you to apply to bring your voice and perspective to the group.

The Human Rights Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Council regarding issues related to human rights and unjust discrimination and the implementation of programs consistent with the needs of all residents of the City of Spokane. Commission members will have opportunities to actively participate in community events, facilitate public forums, and conduct public outreach to drive awareness, education, and advocacy around human rights issues affecting our community. The Commission meets the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Those interested in being considered may submit a completed application to the Mayor’s Office at mayor@spokanecity.org.

Spring Dreams: Manito Park Art Festival

The Manito Park Art Festival returns on Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on the lawn just east of Duncan Garden off of Tekoa Street. Enjoy shopping for art from local vendors, children's activities and music from Kyle Richard.

On the Bright Side

The summer activity guide is out! Available online, at your local library, grocery store, or City Hall. Look inside for hundreds opportunities for all interests, ages, and abilities!