Moving to a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming. For those relocating to Spokane, Washington, one of the best ways to quickly familiarize yourself with the area is through SpokaneCity.org; the Spokane City website. This website is truly an underrated resource provided by the City of Spokane. It’s a treasure trove of essential information for Spokane residents, providing everything from utility setup guidance to local community services, recreational opportunities, and more.
Before we begin, this site is chock full of information, so sometimes it can be a little difficult to navigate. I’ve found that most of the information I access regularly is found under the tabs on the main menu titled: live, work, enjoy and engage. These are highlighted in green in the image below. Start there if you’re looking for a topic! And, if you can’t find what you are looking for, the site is entirely searchable. Use the search icon to pull up information related to a topic. Lastly, if you get stuck you can always dial 311 or 509.755.CITY (2489) to be connected to a city services.
Ok, it may not be the most visually pleasing site, but it is full of great information and tools!
I’m including overviews and links to the most common uses of this website. Let’s dive in to see how SpokaneCity.org can make your transition to the Lilac City easier!
1. Setting Up Utilities and Essential Services
One of the first things new homeowners need to tackle when moving is setting up utilities. On SpokaneCity.org, you’ll find a comprehensive Utility Services page that provides links and information on setting up water, sewer, garbage, and recycling services through the City of Spokane.
If you like to do online payments and management, it’s best to get set up with an account with the city here. The website also helps you locate your utility billing information, find out your collection schedule, and explore various payment options, including setting up an automatic payment plan.
- Water & Sewer Services: SpokaneCity.org links you to the City of Spokane Water & Sewer Department, which offers easy online account setup, service requests, and billing.
- Garbage & Recycling: The Solid Waste Collection page ensures that new homeowners can easily schedule trash (brown bin) and recycling (blue bin) services, find out their collection day, and even learn about optional seasonal yard and food waste (green bin) services.
Managing these services through a single payment via the “ebill” selection found here is easy! Automatic payment are available too.
2. Exploring Spokane’s Neighborhoods
For newcomers, one of the best ways to truly feel at home is by getting to know your neighbors and neighborhood. I spotlight neighborhoods often on my blog because Spokane is known for its diverse, vibrant communities, each with its own unique character. Whether you're moving to the bustling downtown, the tree-lined streets of South Hill, or the up-and-coming Perry District, SpokaneCity.org neighborhood information offers a helpful guide to Spokane’s neighborhoods.
- Neighborhood Councils: SpokaneCity.org links directly to information on Spokane’s 29 neighborhood councils, where residents can get involved in local decision-making, attend meetings, and engage in community events. Some of the more established neighborhood councils even have their own websites and volunteer boards.
- Maps & Boundaries: Understanding the boundaries of your new neighborhood is easy with the City of Spokane GIS Map. This map also shows zoning information, parks, schools, and other public services.
Related: Check out some of my neighborhood spotlights such as this one about the South Hill or this blog about neighborhoods that really shine for families!
3. Connecting with Public Services
Navigating a new city can be confusing when it comes to public services, especially if you’ve recently moved from a different state. SpokaneCity.org offers a comprehensive guide to all public services, including emergency resources, transportation, and city governance. Here are a few that I find handy:
- Emergency Services: The website provides crucial details on how to connect with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services through the Public Safety page.
- Public Transportation: New residents can find routes, fares, and schedules for Spokane’s public transit system, Spokane Transit Authority (STA), offering an eco-friendly way to get around the city without relying on your car. You can even access traffic information, snow removal information, report potholes and more on their Get There page.
- Parking Permits & Regulations: Spokane is officially a mid-sized city and I’m guessing that parking services is one of the most visited pages on this website! SpokaneCity.org outlines everything you need to know about parking rules, fees, updates, contesting tickets and more. The Parking Management page is a handy reference for anyone prone to parking tickets - ha!
4. Recreation & Outdoor Activities
Spokane offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to explore the natural beauty that surrounds the city. SpokaneCity.org highlights key activities, parks, and recreational services available to residents.
- Golf Courses: Spokane truly has some fabulous city courses (I especially love Downriver and The Creek at Qualchan) and SpokaneCity.org provides a Golf in Spokane page to help you find the right course for you, whether you’re an avid golfer or just starting out.
- Parks & Recreation: Whether you're looking for a dog park, a splash pad for the kids, or a peaceful hiking trail, Spokane has it all. The website’s Park page and Recreation page lists dozens of parks, from the expansive Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane to smaller neighborhood parks. It also provides information on programs and activities such as summer camps, sports leagues, public pools and more.
- Recreational Classes: Additionally, if you’re looking to take up a new hobby or skill, Spokane offers a variety of recreational programs through the city’s parks department, including art, cooking, and fitness classes, which you can explore here. Each season, they release a new guide that can be viewed online or mailed to your door.
Related: Blooms & Basalt Rock: My Favorite Spokane Gardens & Green Spaces
Daydreaming about the tee time I just scheduled via SpokaneCity.org.
5. City Government, Voting, and Budgets
Understanding how Spokane’s city government works is key to becoming an informed and engaged resident. SpokaneCity.org provides valuable insights into the city’s governance, voting procedures, and how budgets are allocated.
- City Council & Government Structure: Spokane operates under a mayor-council system. You can learn about the roles and responsibilities of city officials, access meeting agendas, and even watch live-streamed council meetings through the City Government pages like the Mayor’s page and the Council’s page.
- Voting & Elections: SpokaneCity.org provides essential information about voter registration, polling places, and upcoming elections. To stay informed and ensure your voice is heard, visit the Elections page.
- City Budgets & Public Spending: Interested in how Spokane allocates its resources? The City Budget page offers detailed reports on Spokane’s annual budget, including spending on infrastructure, public safety, and education. You can also participate in budget hearings to provide input on where city funds should be directed.
As you settle into your new home in Spokane, SpokaneCity.org is a great resource for all things related to city services, local information, and community engagement. If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, I have some great resources too! Consider looking at my Spokane Relocation Guide from a Local to find an insider's perspective of getting settled into Spokane, with lots of resource links. Or, if you haven’t made the move, my Comprehensive Guide to Moving to Spokane, Washington can be a great place to start. Always, if you’re curious about making Spokane your home take a look at my listings here or reach out to me.
