Christmas Tree Elegance: A Beloved Spokane Holiday Tradition

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Christmas Tree Elegance, Spokane’s cherished annual event, hosted by the Spokane Symphony Associates. Over 13 days, from December 2nd to December 15th, this festive celebration brings together stunningly decorated Christmas trees, valuable prizes, and the joy of giving—all in support of the Spokane Symphony.   Event Details Dates: December 2nd - 15th, 2024 Times: Historic Davenport Hotel: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM River Park Square: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Locations: Historic Davenport Hotel, 808 W Sprague Ave River Park Square, 808 W Main Ave Admission: Free   What to Expect Dazzling Tree Displays: Explore beautifully themed and elaborately decorated Christmas trees, each valued up to $4,999 with gifts and prizes. Trees are donated and designed by individuals and businesses from across the region. Raffle Opportunities: Purchase raffle tickets for just $1 each (ages 18+ only) for a chance to win a tree and its accompanying prizes. Attend public ticket drawing ceremonies on the final day at each venue. A Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy the elegant ambiance of the Historic Davenport Hotel and the bustling holiday cheer at River Park Square. Celebrate a Spokane tradition that has captivated attendees since 1983. Why You Should Attend Support the Spokane Symphony: Proceeds from the event benefit the Symphony, helping to sustain and grow Spokane’s vibrant arts community. Marvel at Stunning Displays: The creativity and generosity of tree donors make this event a visual delight for all ages. Win Big: With thousands of raffle tickets sold annually, this is your chance to win a truly unique holiday treasure. Make It Part of Your Holiday Season Bring your family and friends to experience Christmas Tree Elegance—a heartwarming event that embodies the joy of the holidays and the spirit of giving. Whether you’re admiring the trees, supporting the Spokane Symphony, or hoping to take home a dazzling prize, this is a holiday tradition you won’t want to miss.

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Festival of Fair Trade: A Global Holiday Market

Start your holiday season with meaning and joy at the Festival of Fair Trade, Spokane’s cherished global holiday market. Taking place over Thanksgiving weekend, this event brings together a vibrant collection of handmade items, cultural artistry, and community spirit.   Event Details Dates: November 29th - 30th, 2024 Time: All day Location: Community Building, 35 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 Admission: Free Contact: (509) 413-7402   What to Expect Global Goods: Explore beautiful, handmade items from Nepal, Guatemala, Chile, and over 50 other countries. Discover unique artwork, accessories, apparel, and more that celebrate the rich traditions and craftsmanship of cultures around the world. Community Connection: Celebrate with fellow attendees while supporting ethical shopping practices. Learn the stories behind the products, showcasing fair trade’s impact on artisans and their communities. Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy live music and indulge in delicious food while you shop. Immerse yourself in a warm and welcoming environment that emphasizes connection and celebration. Why You Should Attend Shop with Purpose: Every purchase supports fair trade practices, helping artisans earn a sustainable income and empowering global communities. Unique Gifts: Find meaningful, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts that tell a story and stand out from the ordinary. Celebrate Cultural Diversity: Experience the beauty and creativity of cultures worldwide, all in one place. Join Us for the Festival of Fair Trade Kick off the holiday season with a celebration of art, culture, and community at North America’s longest-running fair trade market. Make your holiday shopping meaningful by supporting artisans from around the globe while enjoying a festive and inspiring atmosphere.

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Property Taxes in Spokane: Key Differences and Impacts for 2025

  Property taxes are a critical component of how our local communities function, funding essential services like public safety, schools, and parks. But in Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Spokane County, local governments have taken vastly different approaches to managing these taxes. Whether you're a resident or considering a move, understanding these differences can provide valuable insight into what to expect. Spokane County: A Modest Increase for Public Safety In Spokane County, property taxes will see a slight increase of 1% for 2025, adding about $3 per year for the average homeowner. While this may seem small, it marks a significant shift after two years of no increases, thanks to temporary federal COVID relief funds. Why the Increase? Rising Costs: The expiration of federal relief funds has left a gap in the county’s budget. Public Safety Focus: A significant portion of the budget is allocated to the sheriff’s office, prosecutor’s office, and detention services. Commissioner Chris Jordan emphasized that maintaining public safety is a top priority. Diverging Opinions: While Sheriff John Knowles supports the increase, Commissioner Al French argued that reserve funds should be used instead, to ease the financial burden on families already stretched thin. This debate underscores the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with funding vital services. Spokane Valley: No Tax Increases for 16 Years Spokane Valley has continued its streak of avoiding property tax increases for the 16th consecutive year. The city’s levy rate remains at $0.79 per $1,000 of assessed value, saving the average homeowner about $4 annually. However, this approach is not without challenges. The Challenges of Staying Flat Rising Costs: Expenditures are projected to grow five times faster than revenues. Public Safety Concerns: The city has struggled to meet goals like hiring additional police officers due to budget constraints. Fiscal Conservatism vs. Sustainability: While Deputy Mayor Tim Hattenberg supported raising taxes to improve the city’s bond ratings, most council members favor finding efficiencies and cutting costs. Spokane Valley’s commitment to low taxes raises questions about how long this model can be sustained as costs and demands continue to rise. City of Spokane: A Balancing Act Between Taxes and Services In the city of Spokane, property taxes have been a contentious issue. Earlier this year, the City Council removed a proposed levy from the ballot, which would have raised $38 million annually, costing the average homeowner an additional $377 per year. What’s Driving the Debate? Budget Shortfalls: Without new revenue, the city could face up to 150 layoffs, including police officers and firefighters. Union Contracts: Significant compensation increases for city employees and the end of federal relief funds have created financial strain. Differing Perspectives: While Councilwoman Kitty Klitzke argued for the levy to prevent worsening resource gaps, Councilmember Michael Cathcart pushed for more accountability and cost-cutting before turning to taxpayers. The city’s financial struggles highlight the tension between maintaining essential services and minimizing the financial burden on residents. Spokane Parks Levy: Delayed but Still in the Works Spokane’s Park Board has delayed a proposed $225 million levy to fund new parks, playgrounds, and system-wide improvements. Originally scheduled for February 2024, the levy has been postponed multiple times in hopes of coordinating with Spokane Public Schools for a joint campaign. Concerns About Timing Crowded Ballots: Delaying the levy could lead to competition with other tax initiatives, potentially confusing voters and decreasing support. Future Tax Increases: By 2027, voters may face additional proposals, including funding for a new jail, which could further complicate the landscape. This delay reflects a calculated risk, aiming to maximize voter support by aligning with other initiatives. Key Takeaways: What Does This Mean for Residents? Each area of Spokane County has taken a distinct approach to property taxes, reflecting different priorities and challenges: Spokane County: Cautiously raising taxes to address public safety and budget gaps. Spokane Valley: Holding the line on taxes, but facing sustainability questions as costs rise. City of Spokane: Grappling with tough decisions about raising taxes or cutting essential services. These differences highlight the varying philosophies and voter preferences across the region. How Does This Impact You? For current residents, these decisions directly affect local services and the quality of life in your area. If you're considering moving to Spokane, understanding these dynamics can help you choose the community that best aligns with your priorities. Need Help Navigating Spokane’s Real Estate Market? If you’re curious how these property tax changes might impact the Spokane real estate market or your next move, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help!  Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on Spokane’s housing and community developments!

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