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Spokane County is preparing to become a vital disaster response hub in case of a mega earthquake along the Cascade Subduction Zone. Local officials, including Chandra Fox of Spokane County Emergency Management, are coordinating resources and planning workshops to manage the expected influx of evacuees and supplies, with Fairchild Air Force Base playing a crucial role in search and rescue operations.
A fire at the Ridpath Club Apartments in Spokane on December 3, 2024, displaced nine residents after flooding on the fifth floor led to an active fire. The sprinkler system extinguished the flames, preventing injuries, but significant water damage affected multiple floors. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents while investigations continue.
The Washington State University Board of Regents has narrowed the search for the institution's 12th president to five candidates but has chosen not to disclose their identities, raising concerns about transparency in the selection process.
Spokane residents will soon have their food and yard waste bins collected year-round, with limited monthly service starting in January. This change, driven by community requests and state law, will result in a slight increase in billing, averaging out costs over the year, and aligns with the city's sustainability goals.
The City of Spokane has provided an update regarding the DNR Thorpe Property Trust Land Transfer Request, indicating a request for additional time for deliberation and engagement with stakeholders. This development is crucial for the city as it pertains to local land management and development initiatives.
Spokane City Council unanimously passed a resolution to amend state law for better consumer protections against fraud related to virtual currency kiosks. The changes include transaction limits and required disclosures, addressing concerns from the Federal Trade Commission about high scam rates in Washington State.
Spokane's Parks Levy has been deferred as the city explores a partnership with Spokane Public to optimize recreational resources in response to rising demand. Additionally, the 2025 Point-in-Time Count is scheduled for late January, with volunteers sought to assist in the annual survey of homelessness in the area.
The Spokane City Council has requested a delay in the transfer of a 160-acre woodland south of Thorpe Road to Blue Fern Development, which plans to build 1,000 homes. Concerns about increased traffic and the preservation of cultural and natural values have prompted this request. While the council cannot legally halt the transfer, they aim to influence the Department of Natural Resources. A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the development.
Spokane City Council has deferred a Parks levy ballot measure originally scheduled for February 2025 to explore a potential partnership with Spokane Public Schools. This collaboration aims to maximize resources and address the rising demand for recreation facilities across all neighborhoods.
The City of Spokane has applied for the transfer of the Thorpe Road property from the Department of Natural Resources to safeguard it for preservation as part of its Parks & Natural Lands Master Plan. However, the application did not rank sufficiently high for funding consideration, prompting the City Council to request an extension of the public comment period to discuss the matter further with stakeholders.