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Spokane City Council voted on February 11, 2025, to support the immigrant and refugee communities by affirming the Keep Washington Working Act and passing an ordinance to enhance language access. These measures aim to promote inclusivity and advance the recruitment of bilingual and multilingual applicants in city services. The decisions reflect the council's commitment to fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
The Spokane City Council is set to host an event on February 11, 2025, focusing on civil rights and equity issues within the community. This event aims to address crucial municipal concerns and engage local citizens in discussions about their civil and political rights. Attendees can access the details and video through the Spokane City Council's official website.
Garbage and recycling pickup in Spokane will proceed on its normal schedule during the Presidents' Day holiday, with carts required to be at the curb by 6 am on collection days. This announcement serves as a reminder for residents to follow the city's waste collection guidelines and ensures continued service without interruption. For additional details regarding the holiday operating schedule, residents can refer to the City of Spokane's website.
The Spokane Police Department is requesting assistance from the public to identify a robbery suspect involved in an incident on February 10, 2025, where a store employee was stabbed. The suspect is described as a white male in his late teens to early twenties, wearing a black sweatshirt and carrying a black backpack. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Check at 509-456-2233.
Spokane city officials are increasing homeless shelter capacity as temperatures drop below zero, adding about 100 additional beds to combat dangerously cold weather. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide emergency shelter during extreme weather conditions, which has been activated approximately 70 times this winter.
Spokane City Council's contentious meeting drew approximately 500 attendees, reflecting strong community division over the city's commitment to Washington's sanctuary law, the Keep Washington Working Act. The council ultimately voted 5-2 to affirm the law, aiming to bolster protections for undocumented immigrants amid ongoing debates about immigration policy and local law enforcement's role.
Two red-light cameras will soon be installed at Spokane's most hazardous intersection, Mission Avenue and Greene Street, which has seen the highest number of injuries from collisions in the city since 2017. Local officials are considering additional cameras to improve traffic safety, although funding and staffing for the municipal court system to handle increased ticketing remains a concern. The new cameras are part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety and reduce accidents in the area.
A Spokane police officer was involved in a shooting incident on February 9, 2025, while responding to community concerns about criminal activity. The officer discharged their weapon during a struggle with a suspect who was armed, resulting in the suspect being hospitalized for treatment. The investigation will be managed by the Washington State Patrol, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
On Presidents' Day, February 17, 2025, Spokane will not require payment for on-street parking meters and kiosks, though parking rules still apply. Garbage and recycling services will operate normally, while city council meetings are canceled. Residents can visit the Waste to Energy Facility for waste disposal and tours.
A $71 million program to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Eastern Washington has been suspended due to a directive from the Federal Highway Administration, which is reviewing policies related to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program. This halt affects $102 million in funding for various projects, including medium- and heavy-duty truck charging stations, while the Washington State Department of Transportation seeks clarification from federal authorities.