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The Spokane City Council has adopted the 2025-2026 Biennial City Budget, focusing on community services and public safety. Council President Betsy Wilkerson highlighted the collaborative effort to reflect shared priorities. The budget takes effect on January 1, 2025, and includes essential services for the city.
The Friends of Manito will host a holiday lights display at Duncan Garden in Spokane from December 14 to December 22, 2024. This beloved event aims to illuminate one of the city's most iconic gardens, enhancing the holiday spirit and drawing visitors from the community and beyond.
The Spokane City Council has approved new rules to enhance public participation in policy discussions, allowing community members to provide verbal testimonies at regular committee meetings starting in 2025. The updated procedures prioritize transparency and community engagement in the legislative process.
Spokane C.O.P.S., a nonprofit organization focused on community policing, has received a three-month funding reprieve from the City Council, with a $125,000 contract extension approved following strong community support. While some city officials question the program's effectiveness, advocates argue that the organization is essential for enhancing public safety and supporting crime victims.
The Pines & Mission Intersection Improvement Project in Spokane Valley aims to enhance safety and traffic flow at a congested intersection through reconfiguration and lane additions. Scheduled for substantial completion by August 1, 2024, the project is expected to alleviate delays and improve access to local businesses during construction, funded primarily through federal and city resources.
On December 6, 2024, the City of Spokane shared important updates, including winter driving safety tips and a new traffic law effective January 1, 2025. The city also commemorated National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day by lowering flags in memory of the victims.
A recent update on Spokane city layoffs revealed that out of 29 employees who received layoff notices, only three were ultimately laid off by year's end. The approval of a sales tax increase improved the city's financial situation, allowing for the retention of several positions. Mayor Lisa Brown highlighted the importance of these roles for community safety and city operations.
The Liberty Lake City Council voted 4-3 against the reappointment of library trustee Kim Girard, raising concerns about transparency and integrity among some council members. This decision follows ongoing tensions over a controversial ordinance that increased council control over library policies, impacting the library's governance and future direction.
The Post Falls Public Library has reopened after a year-long renovation due to a devastating pipe burst that caused extensive damage. The renovations, costing over $943,000 and fully covered by insurance, included new carpets, furniture, and a reconfigured layout for a more open environment. Community Library Network Director Martin Walters thanked the community for their patience during the closure.
Mayor Lisa Brown announced the passage of Spokane's balanced 2025-2026 budget, addressing a $50 million deficit. The budget prioritizes public safety and essential services, including the relaunch of key community programs.