Blog Posts for 2020

December

What is the “missing middle” in housing options?

Dec. 22 at 12:46 p.m. - Consider the type of housing as well as the numbers of units.

2020 Construction Wins on Display around the City

Dec. 22 at 12:38 p.m. - 2020 Construction Season Brought Economic Aid, Smoothed Pavement

Donation Helps Spokane Restaurants, Shelters

Dec. 18 at 2:50 p.m. - Watch 1:59 - Hollywood actress gives back to hometown.

Celebrating Holidays during the Pandemic

Dec. 16 at 3:18 p.m. - COVID safety tips for the holidays

Watch out for Scammers!

Dec. 11 at 4:49 p.m. - Scammer target City of Spokane utility customers.

WTE Virtual Tour Lets You “Look Around”

Dec. 11 at 3:15 p.m. - Watch 12:14 - See where your garbage goes in this new, 360-degree virtual tour.

Check out the Water Calculator

Dec. 11 at 10:28 a.m. - New water use rates will reward customers for lower water use

City Seeks Chief Administrator

Dec. 8 at 9:52 a.m. - The City of Spokane is seeking a City Administrator.

Spokane Police Department Survey

Dec. 4 at 4:33 p.m. - SPD seeks public input on policing practices and perceptions

Clean-up for the community good

Dec. 2 at 5:42 p.m. - Lincoln Statue clean-up with a heart

November

Thanksgiving Is the Leading Day for Cooking Fires

Nov. 25 at 11:14 a.m. - Share your Thanksgiving cooking safety tips for a chance to win free David’s Pizza.

Blessing on Patrol

Nov. 24 at 2:13 p.m. - SPD Corporal Erin Blessing lives up to her name

New Art Salutes Native American Ingenuity

Nov. 24 at 9:59 a.m. - Watch 2:12 - Sculpture recalls Spokane River salmon runs.

326,000 Gallons Saved During the Water Wise Challenge!

Nov. 23 at 3:20 p.m. - Watch 0:57 - Spokane residents competed to save water during Spokane's hottest months and earned utility bill credits.

Episode 2 of the Talking Trash Podcast

Nov. 23 at 11:35 a.m. - The City of Spokane Solid Waste Department’s waste reduction podcast series, Talking Trash with Gina Claeys, has released Episode 2 of the series.

Celebrating Thanksgiving during a Pandemic

Nov. 16 at 5:11 p.m. - COVID safety tips for Thanksgiving

Snow Season is Here!

Nov. 13 at 3:50 p.m. - Watch 11:24 - City outlines its snow response plan as winter arrives.

Become a Spokane Police Officer

Nov. 12 at 12:09 p.m. - Take the Public Safety Test for free this weekend!

2021 Spokane Recycles Calendar

Nov. 12 at 10:45 a.m. - Students educate our community on ways to reduce waste in their lives!

Compassion Drove Cannon Shelter Renovations

Nov. 6 at 3:52 p.m. - Watch 2:19 - Contractors made completing project their top priority.

Mayor delivers final proposed budget

Nov. 2 at 3:50 p.m. - Proposal continues Council conversation, collaboration

Landscaping Cuts Crime Out of Neighborhoods

Nov. 2 at 2:52 p.m. - Watch 2:30 - Eliminate hiding spots for mail thieves, burglars.

October

SPD Chaplain is All Heart

Oct. 27 at 4:55 p.m. - Senior Chaplain Tuter Called to Help

Precinct More Visible, Accessible to Public

Oct. 23 at 2:48 p.m. - Watch 2:01 - New signs and staffing at Police Precinct.

Volunteer Program has its Rewards

Oct. 20 at 5:17 p.m. - Graffiti Clean-up is Gratifying

Fall Parking Clean-Up Happening Now

Oct. 20 at 4:49 p.m. - Time to tidy up and get ready for snow season

Spokane Paves Way for Economic Recovery

Oct. 16 at 9:15 a.m. - Watch 2:13 - City spending extra $10 million on street repairs.

Manito Park Water Conservation Project Update

Oct. 15 at 3:35 p.m. - Irrigation improvements along the east side of Manito Park are now completed.

The Next 100 Days

Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. - Mayor Woodward discusses direction, collaboration

Pandemic Economic Impact

Oct. 12 at 6:16 p.m. - Watch 16:46 - Mayor Woodward cautiously declares City stable

Fall Compost Fair Goes Virtual

Oct. 12 at 4:23 p.m. - Spokane residents can still learn the basics of home composting and still receive a free compost bin by participating in a virtual compost fair.

Bee-Friendly Project at Chief Garry Park to Support Sustainability

Oct. 9 at 4:43 p.m. - Pilot Program will reduce pesticide usage.

Shelter Offers “Way Out” of Homelessness

Oct. 7 at 3:27 p.m. - Watch 3:20 - New shelter strategies lead to employment and housing.

Celebrating Halloween during a Pandemic

Oct. 6 at 3:06 p.m. - COVID safety tips for Halloween

September

Visit Businesses on West Main!

Sept. 29 at 4:35 p.m. - Businesses are open as Spokane Transit Authority proceeds with construction of stops for new Central City Line

Police Make Important Connections with Kids

Sept. 25 at 8:39 a.m. - Watch 3:06 - SPD officers and students find safe, common ground.

Help from Police is “Just Around the Corner”

Sept. 18 at 11:40 a.m. - Watch 2:03 - New Precinct location boosting police presence, engagement.

For-Hire Licensing Going Virtual

Sept. 15 at 10:33 a.m. - Online option will be available in October 2020.

Smoky Skies Affect Air Quality

Sept. 11 at 3:18 p.m. - Air Quality Alert in Effect until Midday Monday

Partners for Work Goes Virtual

Sept. 3 at 5:52 p.m. - Virtual interview events for adults with disabilities.

Investment in Streets Aids Economic Recovery

Sept. 3 at 10:44 a.m. - Work begins on $10 million additional investment in street repair.

2020 Spokane Recycles Poster Contest

Sept. 2 at 4:49 p.m. - Students can enter the 2020 Spokane Recycles Poster Contest and have their artwork used to educate others about reducing waste.

Tanks Ready to Prevent Pollution

Sept. 2 at 1:48 p.m. - Watch 3:04 - “Cleaner River, Faster” projects complete.

August

New Waste Reduction Podcast Series

Aug. 26 at 12:29 p.m. - The City of Spokane Solid Waste Department has launched a new podcast series called, Talking Trash.

Resource Officers Keep Neighborhoods Safe

Aug. 19 at 12:11 p.m. - Watch 3:22 - Residents partner with Neighborhood Resource Officers to fight crime.

City Recognizes Employee of the Quarter

Aug. 18 at 2:29 p.m. - City employees recognized for their hard work during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Park Like a Pro – Non-Passenger Vehicles

Aug. 11 at 5:22 p.m. - What is considered a non-passenger vehicle?

Water Wise Rebates Available Now for Customers!

Aug. 10 at 2:37 p.m. - Watch 0:50 - When it’s time to upgrade or make water-saving home improvements, the City of Spokane Water Department has your back.

New Spokane Officers Pledge to Help Community

Aug. 6 at 12:40 p.m. - Watch 2:31 - Recruits persevered despite delays and demonstrations.

Buses, Deliveries, Parking, oh my!

Aug. 4 at 10:21 a.m. - How will Spokane manage its curbside activity?

SPD Providing Free Public Safety Testing

Aug. 3 at 8:59 a.m. - Take the Public Safety Test for free this August

July

Enduring Heat While Improving Spokane Streets

July 30 at 11:48 a.m. - Watch 2:32 - Workers on paving projects chase “rolling oven”.

A Calming Voice for People in Crisis

July 24 at 2:19 p.m. - Watch 3:59 - Mental health professionals respond with officers.

Special Needs Courier Supplies Fire Department

July 17 at 12:07 p.m. - Watch 2:26 - Supported Employee Program removes barriers to success.

Spokane Public Library Offering Curbside Pickup

July 14 at 4:13 p.m. - What will you be reading this summer?

Spokane City Council Updates Meeting Procedures

July 9 at 2:57 p.m. - Learn how to participate in online City Council meetings.

You Matter. Get Counted Now.

July 7 at 3:01 p.m. - For every person missed our community stands to lose over $30,000. We cannot afford that!

June

Test Your Water-Saving Skills by Entering the Water Wise Challenge!

June 30 at 11:53 a.m. - Save water throughout Spokane's hottest months and compete to earn credit toward your utility bill!

Police Change Knee on Neck Policy

June 23 at 3:46 p.m. - Watch 2:29 - New restrictions taught during in-service training.

Spokane Is the Birthplace of Father’s Day

June 18 at 5:07 p.m. - Sunday marks the 110th Father’s Day in Spokane!

Saving History and Affordable Housing

June 12 at 2:45 p.m. - Watch 1:59 - Relocating building required lots of heavy lifting.

Locking Trash Cans Can Limit Litter

June 11 at 5:03 p.m. - Watch 2:43 - Secure solid waste offered to downtown businesses.

City Team Targets Illegal Camping

June 5 at 3:42 p.m. - Watch 2:32 - Program speeds up response times to complaints.

May

City Council Makes a Commitment to Sustainability

May 29 at 5 p.m. - Membership in national organizations supports a green Spokane

Keeping People in Shelters Healthy

May 29 at 2:15 p.m. - Watch 1:40 - Medical screenings help prevent spread of disease.

Golf customer update: 05.28.2020

May 28 at 5:12 p.m. - Golf courses are open with modified protocols

Recycling Study Takes to the Streets

May 27 at 3 p.m. - Recycling carts on many city routes will get a quick look inside as part of a study aimed to reduce recycling contamination.

Keeping Businesses in Business

May 26 at 12:34 p.m. - Watch 3:04 - City of Spokane advances economic recovery.

Green Smoothie Anyone?

May 22 at 5:29 p.m. - Learn how to supercharge your morning with this simple but tasty smoothie recipe!

Reopening Your Business? Time to Refresh Your Water!

May 22 at 11:42 a.m. - Watch 1:20 - Water Department is Asking Businesses to Flush Their Water Pipes.

New Plaza to Open!

May 21 at 9:24 a.m. - Plaza by Downtown Library to open, showing off stunning river views!

Council Seeks Public Feedback on Water Conservation Plan

May 20 at 3:54 p.m. - Comments welcome on water use strategies

Affordable Loans Help Small Businesses

May 15 at 11:55 a.m. - City of Spokane finances low interest lending.

Spokane Downtown Plan Update Readies for Finalization

May 14 at 12:54 p.m. - Plan facilitators and stakeholders continue work for 2020 update.

Wildflower Spotting in Spokane

May 12 at 4:32 p.m. - Explore Spokane and learn about the unique plant life in our region.

City and Regional Partners Seek Grant to Reduce Vehicle Emissions

May 11 at 4:35 p.m. - Spokane, along with several regional partners, is applying for a 2.5 million dollar matching grant to support green transportation infrastructure.

City Installing 20 mph Signs At Select Parks

May 11 at 2:46 p.m. - Year round 20 mph speed limit signs are being installed at multiple parks.

Making Life Saving Deliveries to Strangers

May 6 at 2:45 p.m. - Watch 2:23 - C.O.P.S. Volunteers help housebound stay healthy.

Aquatics Pre-Season Update

May 4 at 5:09 p.m. - Due to staffing and budget impacts of COVID-19, preseason swim is canceled.

Results of Spokane’s Climate Action Plan Survey

May 4 at 12:28 p.m. - Read what your neighbors had to say.

Check out the Water Conservation Master Plan

May 1 at 5:01 p.m. - Council will consider adoption of Water Conservation Master Plan soon!

Extending the Centennial Trail

May 1 at 3:55 p.m. - Take our Survey on a project to extend the Centennial Trail in West Central

First Responders Thank Health Care Heroes

May 1 at 2:27 p.m. - Watch 1:02 - Spokane first responders hold parades to thank health care heroes.

Downtown Police Precinct Taking Shape

May 1 at 2:06 p.m. - Watch 2:28 - New location will improve access, visibility.

April

Golf customer update: 04.29.2020

April 29 at 3:35 p.m. - Golf courses open with modified protocols on May 5.

Preserving Park Assets Under COVID Restrictions

April 29 at 10:29 a.m. - Watch 2:48 - Staff, funding shortages limit park programs and services.

Earth Week Rewind: Sustainable Webinar Series Videos Now Available

April 28 at 10:34 a.m. - In case you missed them, video recordings of the Earth Week 2020 webinar series hosted by the City of Spokane are now available.

Adjustments in Parking Part of COVID-19 Response

April 21 at 5:05 p.m. - How Parking Services is helping respond to the community crisis.

No Timeouts for Those Treating Wastewater

April 16 at 1:17 p.m. - Watch 2:19 - City employees on front lines providing essential services.

Construction is Part of Economic Recovery

April 15 at 4:22 p.m. - Watch 10:30 - City Launches 2020 Construction Season & Plans $10 Million More in Projects

Celebrate the 50th Earth Day at Home!

April 14 at 5:04 p.m. - Celebrate the 50th Earth Day by Taking Part in our Virtual Workshops

Utility Bill Help for Businesses

April 14 at 11 a.m. - Watch 0:53 - City rolls out utility bill assistance program for businesses

5 Easter Activities You Can Do From Home

April 10 at 4:26 p.m. - Stuck at home? Hop into some fun this weekend with 5 Easter-themed activities for the whole family!

City, Council Launch Regional Financial Helpline

April 10 at 2:20 p.m. - Watch 2:10 - Library researchers will help connect small businesses countywide with resources.

Getting Ready to Roll with Your Bike

April 7 at 10:11 a.m. - Be Bike Safe. Before you head out make sure to do a quick safety check on your bike.

Garbage Collectors Still Making Their Rounds

April 3 at 3:09 p.m. - Watch 2:34 - City employees continue to provide essential services.

The Return of the Lawn Games

April 1 at 12:33 p.m. - Some old-school lawn games and a little creativity can go a long way in keeping entertained at home!

March

City Council Response to COVID-19

March 31 at 4:38 p.m. - Watch 4:22 - Learn how to tune in to upcoming virtual Council meetings

Keeping an eye on closed businesses

March 27 at 3:01 p.m. - Watch 2:08 - Patrols emphasize commercial burglaries, vandalism prevention.

Backyard Birding in Spokane

March 26 at 6:18 p.m. - Beat boredom with backyard birding!

Responding to COVID-19

March 19 at 5:42 p.m. - City is partnering with health experts & preparing as COVID-19 concerns evolve

SFD Ladder 1 Serves as Rolling Toolbox

March 6 at 12:30 p.m. - Watch 1:57 - 360 video puts you in hook & ladder’s tiller cab.

Climate Change and Spokane

March 5 at 2:57 p.m. - Take the Spokane Climate Action Plan Survey!

Water Conservation at Manito Park

March 3 at 4:49 p.m. - Irrigation improvements and addition of SpokaneScape to conserve water in Manito Park

Your City is Preparing

March 2 at 1:15 p.m. - City is partnering with health experts & preparing as COVID-19 concerns evolve

February

Mayor Delivers on Precinct Promise

Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. - Watch 2:59 - More officers assigned to patrol downtown.

New design for wastewater covers coming!

Feb. 19 at 3:48 p.m. - 13-year-old Soryanna Taylor submitted the winning entry in the 2020 Wastewater Access Cover Art contest

5th Avenue Then, Now and Next

Feb. 18 at 8:38 a.m. - Plans for corridor improvements will add to rich history of East Central Spokane

Smart Water, Smart Buildings, Smart City!

Feb. 17 at 2:38 p.m. - Spokane’s Cleaner River Faster Program is a finalist for a national smart city award!

Mayor’s Priorities are the Citizens’ Priorities

Feb. 7 at 3:14 p.m. - Watch 38:01 - Mayor Woodward delivers her inaugural State of the City Address

New Police Recruits Enter Academy

Feb. 7 at 10:26 a.m. - Watch 2:46 - Fourteen new hires add diversity to department.

Susie Stephens Trail to Connect Finch Arboretum and Fish Lake Trail

Feb. 5 at 3:08 p.m. - Construction on the trail slated for later this year.

January

Secure Your Loads!

Jan. 22 at 5:27 p.m. - Jan. 27, City and County transfer stations will start charging citizens with unsecured loads of trash or yard waste.

Reducing Conflicts with Mental Health Patients

Jan. 17 at 12:43 p.m. - Watch 3:40 - Spokane officers reaching out to people in crisis.

Young People and Homelessness

Jan. 16 at 2:44 p.m. - Learn more about helping young people experiencing homelessness.

Bikes mean business in Spokane!

Jan. 16 at 10:54 a.m. - City of Spokane recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Business

Making a Path for Fun in Riverfront

Jan. 15 at 12:33 p.m. - Watch 2:16 - Park employees rise early to clear snow.

Snow is coming!

Jan. 9 at 4:16 p.m. - Watch 10:45 - City details preparations for forecasted snow and cold

Lime Bike and Scooter 2019 Year-End Report

Jan. 8 at 3:26 p.m. - Find out what happened with Spokane’s WheelShare program and the plans for 2020.

Spokane Police Department is hiring! Laterals and entry level officers

Jan. 8 at 10:31 a.m. - Watch 2:34 - Learn more about the hiring process.

Mayor Calls Attention to Human Trafficking

Jan. 7 at 3:47 p.m. - Children favorite target of sex industry.

Celebrate MLK Day 2020 in Spokane!

Jan. 7 at 11:55 a.m. - Get involved in community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

What Did Condon Leave on New Mayor’s Desk?

Jan. 2 at 3:36 p.m. - Watch 1:08 - Woodward’s first day in office a busy one.