Spokane: Mayor Brown Signs Executive Order to Reduce Barriers, Costs for Community Events
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~ Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown has taken a significant step towards strengthening community and cultural events in the city. On Wednesday, she signed an executive order aimed at reducing costs for both event organizers and the city itself. The order also tasks city staff with identifying and eliminating barriers to establishing new events and growing existing ones.

According to Communications Director Erin Hut, the current city code would have doubled the cost of special event fees for large cultural events in 2025. However, Mayor Brown's executive order puts a freeze on these fees, keeping them at the same level as 2024 event fees.

In addition to this, the executive order also aims to reduce operational impacts and costs for the city by directing staff to evaluate opportunities for innovation in special event planning. Currently, various departments such as the Spokane Police Department, Spokane Fire Department, Solid Waste, Streets, Parking, and Office of Neighborhood Services provide support for special events without recovering their full costs. The mayor's order directs staff to find ways to reduce police overtime costs, develop comprehensive solid waste management plans to decrease food waste and improve composting at events, and evaluate policy changes that could reduce barriers for events like neighborhood block parties.

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Mayor Brown emphasized the importance of community events in bringing people together and creating lasting connections between locals and visitors. She stated that there are too many barriers that make hosting these events more challenging than it should be. By rethinking processes and finding innovative solutions, she believes that costs can be reduced for all involved.

Rose Noble, CEO of Visit Spokane, expressed her support for the mayor's actions. She stated that promoting vibrant community and cultural experiences is a priority for Visit Spokane. Events play a crucial role in showcasing Spokane's dynamic appeal and driving tourism. Noble believes that the city's recognition of this importance is a positive step towards supporting event recruitment.

Emilie Cameron, President & CEO of Downtown Spokane Partnership also commended Mayor Brown's efforts. She highlighted the significant impact that events have on downtown, with over a million visitors participating in various events in 2024. Cameron looks forward to working with the mayor's administration, local partners, and event organizers to support, attract, and grow events that enhance downtown Spokane.

With this executive order, Mayor Brown has shown her commitment to making it easier for people to bring the community together through events. By reducing costs and eliminating barriers, she hopes to promote a vibrant and inclusive city for all.

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