Warning: information and applications on our BETA website might be using test data and out of date. Please use our official website for accurate and up to date information.

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.