Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 1:04 p.m.
Mayor Lisa Brown signed an executive order Wednesday to strengthen community and cultural events in Spokane by reducing costs for both organizers and the City, and tasking City staff with eliminating barriers to establishing new events and growing existing events.
Current city code would have doubled the cost of special event fees in 2025 for large cultural events. Mayor Brown’s executive order puts a freeze on those fees, keeping them at the same level as 2024 event fees.
The executive order also aims to reduce operational impacts and costs for the City of Spokane by directing staff to evaluate opportunities to innovate around special event planning. Currently, the Spokane Police Department, Spokane Fire Department, Solid Waste, Streets, Parking, and Office of Neighborhood Services support special events without recovering the full costs of providing services. Mayor Brown’s order directs staff to identify ways to reduce police overtime costs, develop comprehensive solid waste management plans to reduce food waste and improve composting at special events, and evaluate policy and procedure changes necessary to reduce barriers to events like neighborhood block parties.
“Community events are the heartbeat of our city. From Hoopfest to Bloomsday to Tacos y Tequila, these events bring us together and create lasting connections between locals and visitors. But we're seeing too many barriers that make hosting these events harder than it should be,” Mayor Brown said. “By rethinking our processes and finding innovative solutions, we can reduce costs for all and make it easier for people to bring our community together.”
"Visit Spokane is committed to promoting vibrant community and cultural experiences. Events are pivotal in showcasing Spokane's dynamic appeal, driving tourism, and enhancing our destination. We're happy to see the city recognizing the importance of events and event recruitment, and taking steps to pause and thoughtfully consider costs for event organizers who bring so much creativity and energy to our community,” said Rose Noble, CEO of Visit Spokane.
“Downtown is a destination for our community to gather and celebrate together. In 2024, more than a million visitors from near and far marched in parades, participated in sporting events, supported local vendors and businesses, and made new memories downtown during special events,” said Emilie Cameron, President & CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership. “We look forward to working with Mayor Brown’s administration, local partners, and event organizers to evaluate opportunities to support, attract and grow events that enhance our downtown.”
