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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.
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 Mayor Lisa Brown faces criticism from transportation safety activists over her budget proposal to fund a traffic enforcement unit by reallocating infrastructure funds. Activists argue this contradicts her previous campaign stance against similar budget maneuvers, highlighting the ongoing tension between public safety funding and infrastructure commitments.
Spokane's development fees are set to rise significantly next year as part of a three-year initiative to align them with the actual costs of city infrastructure. This increase, driven by a moratorium on development due to failing infrastructure in the Latah Valley, will impact various water and sewer connection fees, aiming to encourage smaller connections while addressing the city's growth needs.
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 Spokane Regional Continuum of Care is organizing the annual Point-in-Time Count from January 21-29, 2025, to evaluate the local unhoused population. Volunteers are needed to help survey individuals and families experiencing homelessness, with collected data aiding local and federal entities in addressing homelessness effectively. Interested individuals can sign up to volunteer through the provided link.
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.
Spokane Valley is celebrating the holiday season with two festive events: the 'Celebration of Lights' and 'Breakfast with Santa,' both supported by local organizations. The city is also constructing a new cross country course set to open in 2025, while parks have been winterized for year-round community enjoyment.
Spokane County voters remain divided following the recent presidential election, with a computerized analysis indicating a slight shift in polarization. While the region has historically leaned Republican, an increase in toss-up precincts suggests a more competitive political landscape, indicating that polarization may not be as severe as previously thought.
Spokane's curbside garbage, recycling, and yard waste pickups will be delayed by one day due to the Thanksgiving holiday, with Friday's pickups occurring on Saturday. Residents are reminded to have their carts out by 6 AM on their scheduled collection day. Additional city closures and information can be found through city resources.