Erin Hut, Communications Director, ehut@spokanecity.org
Monday, March 2, 2026 at 12:32 p.m.
Using the last of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the City of Spokane is launching a program offering property owners a FREE solar-powered, motion-detecting residential light.
The Spokane Safe and Bright Residential Light program aims to help residents illuminate commonly dark areas in their neighborhoods, such as alleys, sidewalks, and public walking spaces.
Councilman Michael Cathcart, who helped spearhead the creation and funding of the program, said that the issue of unlit areas of the city came to his attention during his first campaign for city office in 2019.
“The Spokane Safe and Bright Residential Lighting Program is a smart, targeted investment in neighborhood safety and quality of life. Helping residents improve lighting around their homes, particularly in underlit areas of our neighborhoods, is a practical step that can deter crime while supporting families and making Spokane feel safer and more welcoming. This responsible use of our community’s federal recovery dollars can produce real, visible results for people across the city,” Cathcart said.
Installing these free residential lights is a great way to increase visibility and proactively reduce crime. We recommend installing your light in an alleyway, sidewalk, or public walking area.
Who can request a light?
Those eligible for a free light must own a residential property within City of Spokane limits. Renters interested in the program are encouraged to provide the information to their landlords to apply.
How do I request a light?
Applications for a voucher are accessible in your 311 Spokane account – the account you use to pay your utility bill.
Create an account or login to your account at my.spokanecity.org/account via web browser. Once you are logged in, visit the Residential Light form page to request your pass.
Applicants will be sent a confirmation number to use when picking up the light on the first floor of City Hall at the Spokane 311 Customer Service counter. Applicants can pick up their lights Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Note: City Hall may be closed on select holidays.
The Spokane Safe and Bright program provides one light per residence and will be available until supplies last. For more information, please visit the program website.
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