News

Rail cargo, a community conversation and innovation

Brian Coddington, Communications Director, No Phone Number Available

Monday, June 16, 2014 at 3:15 p.m.

Mayor David Condon previewed a busy week in Spokane during this morning's media briefing. Topics include rail cargo, a community conversation, small business resources, innovative approaches to get to a cleaner river faster, and a pilot non-emergency response program.

Another important step in the ongoing rail cargo dialogue. Two separate state legislative committees will hold meetings here Tuesday. A Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and Telecommunications work session on the safety of moving oil by rail. The state Joint Transportation Committee will discuss rail freight.
Looking for more feedback on the proposed streets and parks funding plan. The City will host a simultaneous telephone and traditional town hall discussion in the City Council Chambers on June 26 at 6 p.m. Citizens can also participate on Facebook and Twitter. City Cable 5 will broadcast the entire evening live.
Open for Business Month continues. Free resources for starting a business or growing an existing business are available via the Spokane Public Library. The business librarian is an expert at locating data that can help improve leads and sales. Information is also available to develop business plans, make marketing decisions and run a successful business.
Spokane is the host city for the Association of Washington Cities annual conference. City leaders will share innovative approaches that get to a cleaner river faster, harness technology to advance the local economy, and reduce waste and increase recycling.
The City is at the forefront of municipal wastewater and stormwater management nationally. Mayor Condon and Utilities Director Rick Romero will share the City's Integrated Clean Water Plan, which saves $150 million to clean up the river, at the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
An 18-month extension of the Alternative Response Unit – or ARU – pilot program starts Tuesday for non-emergency calls. More than 80 percent of fire department calls are for medical emergencies, creating a need to identify alternative response capabilities.