Blog Posts for 2023

December

Manito Park Loop Drive to Remain Closed to Vehicles

Dec. 29 at 4:20 p.m. - The closure provides increased pedestrian-only area, while parking remains unchanged

Lisa Brown sworn in as City’s next Mayor

Dec. 29 at 3:47 p.m. - Many attended event at Spokane Public Library

A 360-Degree Tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant

Dec. 21 at 10:55 a.m. - Watch 12:35 - Get an inside panoramic tour of how we clean wastewater without having to go anywhere!

Visualizing the future with the help of AI

Dec. 14 at 4:16 p.m. - To gain insight into the public’s vision for the future, the Centers and Corridors Study open house featured an Artificial Intelligence activity.

Riverside Treatment Plant Protects the Spokane River

Dec. 14 at 9:35 a.m. - Watch 2:12 - Membrane technology is the best wastewater cleaning process.

Recycle Right this Holiday Season

Dec. 12 at 3:26 p.m. - See what items are on the naughty and nice list!

A Race Against Time and Weather

Dec. 8 at 9:28 a.m. - Watch 1:57 - The science behind creating Ice Ribbon.

School Zone Safety

Dec. 7 at 9:47 a.m. - Watch 1:20 - Reminder to slow down in school zones and to keep an eye out for children crossing the street.

Holidays Deliver Cybersecurity Threats

Dec. 6 at 1:50 p.m. - Watch 3:01 - Don’t be fooled by internet scams this holiday season.

Building Housing for Your Neighbors

Dec. 5 at 11:15 a.m. - Homeowners can take advantage of the recently adopted code changes to provide more housing opportunities for their neighbors.

Spokane Students Champion Recycling

Dec. 1 at 12:58 p.m. - Student art reinforces that recycling works.

November

Register Long-Term Rental Properties Before Dec. 31

Nov. 30 at 5:26 p.m. - The City’s new online rental registry process is open.

Shaping Spokane Through New Housing Regulations

Nov. 28 at 10:08 a.m. - The Building Opportunity for Housing text amendments were recently approved by City Council and will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Holiday meal tips from your City Solid Waste team!

Nov. 20 at 4:49 p.m. - How to reduce food waste and recycle right!

City Studying Effectiveness of Centers and Corridors Growth Strategy

Nov. 20 at 3:59 p.m. - The City is assessing the growth strategy of the past 20 years to determine the effectiveness of Centers and Corridors

November News You Can Use

Nov. 17 at 4:13 p.m. - Watch 2:30 - The Office of Neighborhood Services shares news you can use!

Mascots Team Up for Winter Preparation

Nov. 10 at 12:35 p.m. - Watch 1:00 - Otto and friends are here to help you get ready for snow!

City to Start Short-term Rental Monitoring in January 2024

Nov. 7 at 10:14 a.m. - New regulation in effect; Hosts should obtain permit soon to avoid notification letter

October

Trail Will Offer New Views of Falls

Oct. 27 at 3:38 p.m. - Watch 1:39 - South Gorge trail to run under bridge

How the Past Shapes Spokane: Centers and Corridors Growth Strategy

Oct. 19 at 10:54 a.m. - Public invited to provide feedback on Spokane's long-range growth strategy

October Neighborhood Updates

Oct. 19 at 9:24 a.m. - Watch 1:14 - The Office of Neighborhood Services shares news you can use!

New Shelter Services for Teens

Oct. 17 at 2:11 p.m. - Watch 2:51 - VOA shelter extends hours of operation.

What to expect with the rental property registry and inspections

Oct. 17 at 9:46 a.m. - A Code Enforcement update on the “Regulation of Residential Rental Housing” ordinance - what to expect.

Butterfly Takes Wing Again

Oct. 13 at 3:45 p.m. - Watch 1:11 - Design changes make sculpture more aerodynamic.

Centers, Corridors and Spokane’s Growth: Strategies for Next 20 Years

Oct. 12 at 2:04 p.m. - City would like to hear community feedback about the Centers and Corridors where residents live, work and play.

Fall Compost Fair is October 28

Oct. 12 at 1:16 p.m. - Spokane County residents can learn the basics of home composting and receive a free compost bin by participating in our popular fall compost fair.

Progress on the US 195 Corridor

Oct. 10 at 3:55 p.m. - Policy, planning, and projects keep infrastructure improvements moving ahead.

Give the Gift of Gainful Employment

Oct. 3 at 2:01 p.m. - Watch 1:51 - Spokane Civil Service hosts job fair.

City Launches Digital Roof Inspection Services Program

Oct. 2 at 11:50 a.m. - The program is open initially to 20 roofing contractors that are interested and complete in-person trainings and a possible site walk-through.

September

Seeking Community Volunteers for Upcoming Neighborhood Clean Up Days

Sept. 29 at 10:38 a.m. - Join us for two fun-filled days in East Central, Downtown neighborhoods

New Parking Payment Pilot Project to Launch in Two Areas

Sept. 22 at 2:26 p.m. - The City of Spokane will pilot a new parking payment option in two areas that will be mobile payment only.

Emphasizing Engagement and Enforcement

Sept. 22 at 9:26 a.m. - Calls to police, crime decrease during downtown emphasis

Illegal Camping Trashing Our Parks

Sept. 19 at 1:46 p.m. - Watch 2:06 - Code Enforcement cleanup totals to top 33 tons.

City Responds to Permit Records with Focus to Reduce Wait Times

Sept. 12 at 3:06 p.m. - Development Services Center to temporarily close Wednesday mornings to focus on permit load

News You Can Use September Edition

Sept. 12 at 9:50 a.m. - The Office of Neighborhood Services shares news you can use!

Spokane Recycles Poster Contest

Sept. 8 at 9:33 a.m. - Have your art featured in the next Spokane Recycles Calendar!

Paid Parking Rates to Increase

Sept. 1 at 1:38 p.m. - On-street paid parking rates will see first increase since 2011.

August

City Launches Middle Housing Support Team

Aug. 28 at 10:40 a.m. - To support small developers building middle housing, Planning Services has launched a Middle Housing Support Team.

Mom Honors Daughter with New Trail

Aug. 25 at 2:06 p.m. - Watch 2:01 - Leafy legacy keeps woman’s memories alive

City Hosting Supported Employment Job Fair

Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. - Businesses and job seekers invited to participate in September job fair

Let’s Talk Urban Heat!

Aug. 8 at 1:24 p.m. - Exploring the effects of heat domes and islands in urban areas.

July

Learn Where Your Garbage Goes

July 31 at 2:34 p.m. - Tours of the Waste to Energy Facility set for Thursdays, August 10 and 24

Do Your Part for Drought Response

July 24 at 2:39 p.m. - Spokane residents urged to further reduce water use to prepare for drought.

Waiting for Paint to Arrive

July 11 at 1:27 p.m. - Industry paint shortage impacts street striping schedule.

June

Clean Team Tracking Taggers

June 27 at 11:09 a.m. - Watch 2:05 - New app documents each piece of graffiti.

Drug Use Ordinance

June 2 at 5 p.m. - Watch 3:35 - City ordinance makes illegal drug use in public a misdemeanor, SPD officers enforce new law

Keeping Pets and Their People Together

June 1 at 2:41 p.m. - Watch 2:05 - Pet care offered at TRAC shelter

May

Most Scenic Job Site in Spokane

May 26 at 4:08 p.m. - Watch 2:02 - Bridge crew works over Class VI rapids

Help Shape the Future of the South Logan Area

May 9 at 4:40 p.m. - Draft South Logan TOD Plan ready for community feedback

Interim housing ordinance noted as 'groundbreaking action'

May 5 at 8:53 a.m. - Planning association recognizes effort to address housing crisis

Here’s How to Help Bloomsday Run Smoothly

May 2 at 2:21 p.m. - City proud to partner with Bloomsday, about 40K participants expected for downtown race/walk.

April

Free Trees for Your Neighborhood

April 28 at 3:05 p.m. - Watch 1:51 - SpoCanopy creates shade, filters pollution.

Free Arbor Day Festivities Saturday, April 29

April 26 at 12:18 p.m. - Enjoy family activities, live music, tree care and environmental education, free seedlings, and more!

Brownfield project earns national recognition

April 21 at 10:54 a.m. - Moving and capping contaminated dirt made way for major park improvements.

Work with Us for Safety During Construction Season

April 17 at 1:46 p.m. - Keep neighbors, drivers, workers, and businesses healthy while under construction.

2022 City of Spokane Employee Awards

April 13 at 5:11 p.m. - City recognizes team of the year, employee of the year, and life saving award.

What is a Greenhouse Gas Inventory?

April 12 at 3:52 p.m. - Keeping track of emissions helps to improve our community’s future health.

Living Up to a Legacy

April 7 at 2:39 p.m. - Watch 2:33 - Riverfront prepares for Expo’s 50th Anniversary.

SPD Reserve Academy Starts June 5

April 6 at 4:36 p.m. - Watch 2:00 - The Spokane Police Department hosts a Reserve Academy once a year.

March

2023 Construction to Improve Streets, Utilities and Recreation Areas

March 30 at 1:29 p.m. - Nearly 40 projects for street, bridge, and utility infrastructure are scheduled.

Celebrate 10 Years of Spokane Gives!

March 29 at 1:13 p.m. - Sign up for a Spokane Gives project.

Parking Time Limits Apply During Free Times on Holidays and Sundays

March 27 at 2:43 p.m. - The City does not require parking payment on holidays, but the applicable time limit is still relevant.

How Do You Recreate? Take Our Recreation Programs Survey!

March 21 at 3:34 p.m. - We want to learn how to better serve you with programs that fit your interests and your budget.

Abandoned Home Slated for Demolition

March 15 at 2:57 p.m. - Watch 2:11 - Wrecking ball makes way for housing opportunities.

How the City Uses LPR Technology for Parking

March 13 at 1:29 p.m. - Technology is used for enforcement and data

Residents Get Help with Utility Bills

March 10 at 2:58 p.m. - Watch 2:37 - City pays down tab for 4,400 customers.

Development of Alternatives for the South Logan TOD Project

March 10 at 11:59 a.m. - The South Logan TOD Project will support more connectivity and livability for the community, businesses, and organizations in the Logan Neighborhood.

Spokane Leads the State in Food Waste

March 7 at 2:49 p.m. - How you can reduce food waste at home.

Long-Term Improvements Lead to Everyday Benefits

March 7 at 12:39 p.m. - TJ Meenach Stormwater treatment project brings improved street conditions, enhanced recreation, and a cleaner river.

Helping Homeless Pets and Their Owners

March 6 at 3:08 p.m. - Watch 1:51 - SAFE seeks volunteers to foster dogs, cats.

February

When Providing Housing Increased National Security

Feb. 27 at 3:15 p.m. - Spokane became home to many wartime workers during WWII but struggled to find everyone housing.

City Council 2022 Wrap-up and 2023 Outlook

Feb. 24 at 1:29 p.m. - Watch 2:11 - 2023 Overview of Council Priorities

Become a Master Composter/Recycler

Feb. 14 at 11:22 a.m. - Applications for the program are being accepted now!

Pine Beetles: What You Need to Know

Feb. 10 at 4:30 p.m. - Learn how to protect against pine beetles and what to do if you already have an infestation.

Updating Bicycle Parking in the City

Feb. 7 at 10:52 a.m. - It’s time to update bicycle parking codes, we want to hear from you!

Beyond the Housing Binary: 1900s Spokane

Feb. 6 at 1:27 p.m. - A population boom in the 1900s required Spokane to have a diversity of housing options.

January

Learn Where Your Garbage Goes

Jan. 30 at 8:40 a.m. - Presidents’ Day tours planned at City’s Waste to Energy Facility

The Future of Housing for All

Jan. 27 at 9:08 a.m. - Completing this survey about your housing journey will help shape Building Opportunity for Housing

Region Expands Shelter Capacity to Meet Needs

Jan. 23 at 2:01 p.m. - Watch 3:09 - Hundreds escape cold, gain access to services.

Accuracy Matters When Using Parking Apps

Jan. 20 at 3:43 p.m. - Input errors may lead to parking tickets.

Celebrate MLK Day in Spokane

Jan. 12 at 10:30 a.m. - “A Day On, Not a Day Off”

Addressing Displacement in South Logan

Jan. 4 at 4:25 p.m. - Exploring the physical and economic pressures of the neighborhood.

A Home is a Journey, Not a Destination

Jan. 4 at 2:02 p.m. - As we advance in our career, start families, send children off, and then care for elderly parents, our housing needs change throughout our lives.