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City of Spokane
Community Update
April 1, 2025
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Ordinance Removes Height Restrictions Downtown
Restrictions no more! Mayor Lisa Brown signed an ordinance removing height restrictions in downtown Spokane. This will result in the creation of much-needed housing options at all income levels, along with job creation and economic development throughout downtown.
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WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine 10 Year Celebration
Today, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine! Establishing a medical school in Spokane seemed impossible at first; it required the repeal of a nearly 100-year-old statute that prohibited more than one university from teaching medicine in Washington State. I feel fortunate to have played a role in this effort in various capacities, including as a legislator, chancellor, and now as mayor!
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From the Mayor's Desk
Subscribe to Mayor Lisa Brown's monthly newsletter, From the Mayor’s Desk! The third edition is out now. Take a look!
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Governor Bob Ferguson Visits Spokane
Over the weekend, Mayor Lisa Brown met with Governor Bob Ferguson. They talked about the state's budget challenges and what that means for the City of Spokane.
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Lilac City Live!
You’re invited to an unforgettable night at Lilac City Live! Spokane's Late Night Talk Show. Join us for an evening packed with live music, hilarious comedy, connection, and a celebration of Spokane neighborhoods. Attend to receive a copy of the "This is Spokane: A Civic Guide for Neighbors" Zine!
Event Information:
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Date: Thursday, April 17
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Time: 7 p.m. pre-party & 8 p.m. main show
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Location: Central Library, 906 W. Main Avenue
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Join the 2025 Greater Spokane Parks Challenge
Mayor Lisa Brown is joining the 2025 Greater Spokane Parks Challenge! The challenge is a great way to get outside, explore our great parks, and win prizes! Register and get all the details on the Spokane City Credit Union website. Follow Mayor Lisa Brown on social media to see her park adventures!
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Celebrate Earth Day Throughout April
The City of Spokane is celebrating Earth Day throughout the whole month of April. Several City departments are organizing and participating in activities to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action to protect the planet. The City has put together a convenient list of opportunities and resources for the community to get involved through Spokane Public Library, City Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Planning Services, and Office of Neighborhood Services.
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Water Wise Wednesday Workshop - Choosing Your Plants
Selecting the right plants is key to a thriving, water-efficient garden. Join Spokane County Master Gardeners to learn about native plants and trees that flourish in Spokane’s climate while supporting local ecosystems. Click here for more information on Water Wise Wednesday Workshops.
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Recycle your Unwanted Paint with PaintCare
Proper paint disposal is essential, especially for oil-based paints, which contain hazardous materials such as solvents and heavy metals. If not disposed of correctly, these substances can contaminate soil, water, and air, posing serious risks to both the environment and human health. PaintCare provides convenient drop-off sites throughout Washington where residents can recycle and manage unwanted paint. Click here to find PaintCare drop off locations.
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Earth Day Community Workshop
You are invited to the City of Spokane Earth Day Community Workshop on Tuesday, April 22, 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the West Central Community Center. This workshop provides an in-person opportunity for community members to learn about and engage in the development of City of Spokane’s Climate Element as part of the PlanSpokane 2046 update to the Comprehensive Plan. Participants will share their ideas for how the City can build resilience to climate impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Click here for more information.
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Backflow Prevention Program
Keep your home’s water clean by checking your backflow this spring! Look for the insert in your April utility bill.
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New Specialized Shelter for Women Opening This Week
A new specialized shelter serving women is opening this week at Knox Presbyterian Church. The Knox shelter is one of eight sites in the City’s pilot navigation center-specialized shelter model. Each site operates on a referral-only basis and serves a maximum of 20 to 30 people.
Additionally, each shelter serves a specific population from families to folks with medical needs, to people seeking substance use treatment. These specialized services promote community cohesion and steadiness as people work together on their path to stability and permanent housing. For more information visit our website.
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PlanSpokane: Climate Planning Survey Provides Insights for Resilient Future
Spokane’s community shared their experiences and concerns about climate hazards impacting our city through the Community Climate Planning Survey. The results will play a crucial role in shaping future policies aimed at building a more resilient City of Spokane, ensuring that we are prepared locally to face climate hazards and extreme weather events. Clcik here to read the results.
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City of Spokane's Neighborhood Clean-up Program
City of Spokane residents can request a disposal pass by visiting the Spokane 311 customer service counter or applying online. This pass covers $30 in tipping fees at the Waste to Energy Facility.
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Supported Employment Job Fair Seeking Employers
Are you an employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce? Join us as an employer partner for our Supported Employment Job Fair on Wednesday, April 9. This job fair is a chance for job seekers with intellectual and developmental disabilities to meet potential employers. For more information click here.
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Spring and Summer Activity Guide
The Spokane Parks and Recreation Spring and Summer Activity Guide is here! Available online, at your local library, grocery store, Riverfront Park, or City Hall. Look inside for hundreds of opportunities for all interests, ages, and abilities!
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Spokane Regional Clean Air Poster Contest
Calling all Spokane County artists in grades K-5! Help Spokane Regional Clean Air celebrate Clean Air Month by participating in their poster contest. This year's theme is “We Share the Air” and entries must be submitted by Tuesday, April 15, 4:30 p.m. Finalists will be chosen to have their posters displayed in public places and on social media. All participants will receive a coupon for a free slice of Pizza Pipeline pizza! Click here for all the details.
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Council Recap
Council Member Dillon recaps the Monday, March 31, Spokane City Council meeting.
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See a Pothole, Report It
It’s pothole season! Snow, ice, and rain provide the perfect ingredients to make potholes. Our Street Department continues to fill potholes year-round but we need your help. Please continue reporting potholes online at spokane311.org or by calling 3-1-1.
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Apply for An Artist Residency!
If you're ready to dedicate time to your craft and connect with a vibrant creative community, apply for a full-time studio space at The Hive. Spokane Public Library is looking to fill four studios with 1-6 month residencies from October 2025 through October 2026. Applications are open through Saturday, April 12. Apply now!
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Riverfront Venue Grant Application Extended
The Riverfront Venue Grant is your chance to host an unforgettable experience without the venue rental costs holding you back. From cultural festivals to music performances, fitness classes to art showcases—what will you create? Applications are open until Wednesday, April 16, with up to $10,000 in venue fee waivers available. Don't miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact! Apply now.
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Strengthening Spokane Together
Spokane Public Schools and Spokane Parks and Recreation launched an innovative partnership to modernize existing infrastructure and address the growing need for youth activities, adult recreation, and community programs. More than 200 Citywide projects have been identified, including at least one in every Spokane neighborhood; check it out at togetherspokane.org!
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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.
City of Spokane Attends Job Fairs
Are you looking for a rewarding career with the City of Spokane? Throughout 2025, the Civil Service Department will have a booth at job fairs across Spokane to connect with talented individuals like you. Take a look at the list below to find an event near you – when you meet us, you can learn about current full-time positions and ask questions about how Civil Service works.
2025 Events
For more information and pending career fair dates visit our website.
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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!
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Volunteers Join SFD to Install Free Smoke Alarms
This April, as part of Spokane Gives and Sound the Alarm, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) is partnering with the American Red Cross to install free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in high fire risk homes that need them in the City of Spokane. Click here to learn more.
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Spring Dreams: ICCU Spring Market
Riverfront Park and Idaho Central Credit Union are bringing you the ICCU Spring Market during spring break! Don’t miss this vibrant market full of handcrafted goods, unique finds, and fun for all! Mark your calendar and join us on Wednesday, April 9, from 12 - 6 p.m. Visit our website for more information.
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On The Bright Side
Over the weekend, firefighters rescued two boys stranded on a ledge on High Drive Bluff above a steep hillside. Given the terrain, they used a high-angle rope system to lower a rescuer to the boys and bring them back up. Fortunately, both boys were uninjured and quickly reunited with their parents.
Thank you to the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Valley Fire Department, and Spokane County Fire District 9 for their swift actions in this rescue.
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