Summer employment opportunities are often in the food service industry, but everyone who handles unwrapped food or beverages needs to get a Food Handler Permit from the Spokane Regional Health District. You can take a class online, print your certificate of completion, and then take the test at the Health District Office. Consumers may be interested in the Health District’s Food Safety Program, as well. - Spokane Government Librarian
With the recently finished state legislative session, you might be wondering how the City of Spokane fared for funding and projects. The City’s Department of Legislative and Public Affairs’ duty is to promote the City’s interests with local, state, tribal and federal governments. The legislative agendas and session updates and wrap-ups are available, as well as a list of issues and topics that are top priority for the City. - Spokane Government Librarian
The Spokane County Commute Trip Reduction program was created in 1993 to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and gas consumption through employer-based programs that reduce the number and distance of commute trips in single occupant vehicle. The program is mandatory for public or private employers in Spokane County who have 100 or more employees that work in a single location, starting from 6 to 9 a.m., two or more weekdays. If you drive to work alone, the CTR program offers many alternative ways to get to work that will save you money and help the environment. Need someone to carpool with? Try their Ridematching service. Get advice on riding your bike or how a compressed work week works. - Spokane Government Librarian
The Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners has a new Living Green Program that lists environmentally-friendly actions people can use every day. There are classes and events on “living green” for low income participants and volunteer training for those who are interested in teaching or hosting these classes. On their website, you can find many tips and suggestions for running a more sustainable household and online versions of their newsletters. - Spokane Government Librarian
The Mayor’s Office has released its Sustainability Action Plan, which will be voted on by the City Council on March 30th. Paper copies can be found at all libraries, also. You can find more information at www.greenspokane.org, the website of the Task Force that created the plan, including other documents and resources. In addition, check out the library’s Sustainability Resources page for more local “green living” ideas. - Spokane Government Librarian
The State of Washington has created a website, recovery.wa.gov, that gives background on the federal recovery package and helps local governments find the right place to apply for funding. There is a list of programs, with descriptions and contact information, that local government agencies could use for specific funding. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions, also. - Spokane Government Librarian
Both the City and County have recently updated laws and procedures related to protecting water resources. The City submitted its Shoreline Master Program Update to the State in February. You can see the updates, the community discussions, and maps on the Planning Department site. Spokane County is taking public input on the Lower Spokane Basin Watershed Planning, which consists of evaluating water quantity for the area. There are upcoming meetings in March where you can participate. - Spokane Government Librarian
There will be a Special Election March 10, 2009, and Spokane City’s Public Safety Bond will be a big part of it. There is a Fact Sheet that gives background about the bond. Departments that will benefit include the Police Department, the Municipal Court, and Animal Control Facilities. Keep checking the Elections page for sample ballots. - Spokane Government Librarian
City Council Member Richard Rush will host a forum-style film series on urban environmentalism, one Friday a month at noon in the City Council Chambers. The next one will be February 13th. They will be re-played on Cable Channel Five under the name “e2: The Economies of Being Environmentally Conscious”. In relation to this, the library has a new Find the Best Sustainability Resources page that features local sources on the environment and living green. - Spokane Government Librarian
Because of a sales tax increase supported by the voters in 2008, Crime Check has returned to Spokane County. Crime Check is the non-emergency contact number where people can report crimes that have already occurred, give information if they have witnessed a crime, or add information to an existing crime report. Their website has Frequently Asked Questions and an online reporting form. - Spokane Government Librarian
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