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City of Spokane

Community Update

January 17, 2024

Message from the Mayor

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day in Spokane. The annual MLK Day Annual Unity Rally, March, and Resource Fair is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. For a list of MLK events happening in the Spokane area, visit the City of Spokane website.

Snow Zone

Ready for Winter!

The Street Department is prepared for snow season and encourages the community to do the same. Here is how the community can help:

  • Move your recreational vehicle, boat or trailer, and basketball hoops off the street and to a winter storage location for the snow season.
  • Make sure you have adequate snow shovels or a working snow. blower. Consider buying some salt or sand for traction.
  • Plan where to park throughout the snow season to make room for large equipment to clear the street. Residents are asked to park on the odd-numbered side of the street during snow season to leave room for plows and first responders.
  • Know what residential snow-plow route you live in to make it easier to track the progress of plows, during full-city plow operations.
  • Talk to your neighbors. Make sure you know who in your neighborhood might need help with shoveling and offer to help.

Click here for more information.

Join ‘Adopt A Neighbor'

Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington's Adopt A Neighbor initiative is looking for compassionate groups in Spokane County willing to assist seniors and individuals with disabilities during the snowy season. The initiative seeks groups such as clubs, organizations, businesses, churches, community centers, and schools. Individuals interested in participating will be paired with a group. To sign up, contact Adopt A Neighbor at action@altcew.org or via phone. Click here to learn more.

Your City at Work

City Services on MLK Jr. Day (Jan. 20)

  • Spokane City Hall will be closed.
  • Spokane Municipal Court and Community Justice Services will be closed.
  • All Spokane Public Library branches will be closed.
  • Spokane City Council is not scheduled to meet.
  • On-street parking meters and kiosks will not require payment; remember all parking rules, including time limits, still apply. 
  • Spokane 311 employees will be available for phone or online customer service inquiries.
  • Garbage and recycling pickup will proceed as usual.
  • The Waste-to-Energy facility will be open.


For more information visit our website. The MLK Day Annual Unity Rally, March, and Resource Fair is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Click here for details.

Spokane-Coeur d'Alene Awarded Aerospace Tech Hub Grant

Our region has been awarded a $48 million grant to establish an Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub! You can learn more on the U.S. Department of Commerce website.

Protect Your Home From Wildfire Embers

As we watch the devastating fires unfold in Los Angeles, it's crucial to understand that wildfires can threaten homes even when flames are MILES away. How? Through ember showers. Check out our video for tips to protect your home.

What Is Your Vision for the City of Spokane?

The City of Spokane is updating its Comprehensive Plan as required by the Growth Management Act. This update will set policies for the next 20 years and capture the community's vision for the City of Spokane through 2046. Share your vision for the City of Spokane by contributing to an online vision board.

Pacific Avenue Greenway Public Workshop

The Pacific Avenue Greenway will provide a safe route for people walking, bicycling, and rolling between downtown and the University District. Join us at this public workshop to learn more about concept designs for this next phase, Pacific Avenue between Sherman Street and Perry Street. Visit our website for more information.

  • Date & Time: Thursday, Jan. 23, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
  • Location: Uptic Studios, 402 E. Sprague Avenue

Safe Streets for Spokane Open House

Stop by the STA Plaza anytime Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 2 - 6 p.m. to chat with City planners about safety improvements. Share your suggestions for locations that need ADA ramps, improved crosswalks, sidewalk infill, and other safety measures. We look forward to hearing your ideas!

How Are You Impacted By Climate Hazards?

The City of Spokane wants to hear from you! A survey has been launched asking about your lived experience with climate hazards and weather events. Early respondents will be eligible to receive a gift card. Click here to learn more.

WSDOT Connects: People Places, and Possibilities

WSDOT is continuing the community conversation around the North Spokane Corridor and I-90 Connection. This meeting will provide an overview of the discussions and progress made so far.

  • Date & Time: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Nuestras Raices Centro Comunitario, 1214 E. Sprague Avenue
  • Can't make it in person? Join online

Apply for the Working Families Tax Credit

The City of Spokane teamed up with SNAP, Nuestras Raíces, LaunchNW, and Spokane Public Schools to help spread the word about the Working Families Tax Credit. This credit is designed to put money back in the pockets of hardworking families. Apply today at workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov.

Financial Aid Workshops

The ZONE is hosting two Financial Aid Workshops that will guide you step-by-step through the financial aid process and answer all your questions. There will be walk-throughs for FAFSA, WASFA, and scholarships! Click here to register.

  • Date & Time: Mondays, Jan. 27 & Feb. 24, 5 - 7 p.m.
  • Location: Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook Street

Understanding City of Spokane’s Pension Plan

Working for the City of Spokane has perks! Discover how our SERS pension plan sets you up for a secure and predictable retirement. Read the blog post on our website to learn more.

City of Spokane Jobs

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.

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!

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. 

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.

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!

Volunteer for the Point-in-Time Count

The Point-In-Time (PIT) Count is a nationwide event that seeks to identify and better serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Data collected during the PIT Count helps us understand community needs, inform policy, and direct resources to address homelessness most effectively and compassionately. The count is conducted by volunteers who survey people experiencing homelessness throughout Spokane County. The PIT Count will take place Jan. 21 – 29, 2025. Sign up to be a volunteer!

Spokane Homeless Connect Returns

The 13th Annual Spokane Homeless Connect is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Spokane Convention & Expo Center. This event aims to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with services related to housing, employment, legal assistance, veterinary care, and more. If you are interested in learning more about the event or to volunteer, please visit spokaneconnect.org.

Winter Wonders: Cheap Skate Tuesdays

Cheap Skate Tuesdays are back at Riverfront Park's Numerica Skate Ribbon! Glide into fun with FREE skate rentals (a $6.95 value) included with every paid admission. See you on the ice! 

On The Bright Side

Subscribe to Mayor Lisa Brown’s monthly newsletter, From the Mayor’s Desk! The newsletter provides updates from her Administration, City of Spokane news, and opportunities to get involved.

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