Council Member Ryan Oelrich

My 3 cents: Can you actively and courageously listen? Can you empathize with others? Can you make difficult and unpopular decisions? Have you done the work to assure your own needs are met so you can focus on the needs of others? Do you work well under pressure? Can you function knowing people are angry with or disappointed in you? Do you have an excellent personal support network? Can you handle extreme conflict? Do you really love Spokane and our terrific District 2? Can you and your family afford the long hours and pay? …then this might be the job for you and an important opportunity to serve. ❤️

Spokane City Council searching for applicants for open position SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane City Council is asking for your help filling its open vacancy.

This account will be closed in the next few weeks. I’m looking forward to returning to my previous work and some exciting new opportunities to serve my community. I’m also looking forward to spending more time with my family here and in Montana. As such I will not be seeking reappointment. Thank you, Spokane.

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Thank you, Council President Lori Kinnear, for your dedication, commitment, and service to the City of Spokane.

Today marks my last official day as Council Member Oelrich. Tomorrow when the election results are certified my 3 month term ends. I’m honored to have served. I did my best to listen, learn, and make difficult decisions. As I review my many notes from the last 3 months, I’ve learned so much. I’m cheering for the incoming CM Elect Paul Dillon who will take the reins and represent our terrific District 2. I’m thankful to be able to return to my job at Priority Spokane and to teaching and training. I’m also looking forward to spending more time with my husband, family, doggos, and good friends.

Spokane, like so many other cities, has a difficult road ahead. Poverty, division, homelessness, climate, crime, potholes, etc. But we’ll fair far better if we listen first and fight for the facts. We’ll fair better if we walk and work together.

Thank you. ❤️

Congrats to Council Member Betsy Wilkerson on being sworn in today. I’m grateful to have learned from her and for her leadership.

The mystery of the Perry Street stairs may be solved, and the neighborhood resident behind the clues now hopes for a historical marker there There's some mystery to an old, steep stairway that connects South Perry Street to Overbluff Road in one of Spokane's early neighborhoods. The Perry Street stairs with itw 63 concrete steps easily could be missed was part of the Rockwood Terrace Addition homes of the early 1900s. Despite some deteri...

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Campbell House in Browne's Addition kicking off MAC holiday celebrations SPOKANE, Wash. — If you want to get the flavor of a historic Spokane Christmas, you can check out the Campbell House in Browne's Addition this weekend.

Hoping your Thanksgiving was weird & wonderful. We’ve spent the day with our nephews & nieces in Montana, and I think we have the weird down.

I’m thankful for my husband, family, friends, doggos, and Spokane community today. What’s something you’re thankful for?

Three cheers for and congrats to our own, Megan Duvall!

Megan Duvall, Historic Preservation Officer for the City of Spokane - Municipal Government/Spokane County, recently received the Joanne Moyer Award from Spokane Preservation Advocates. The award honors individuals or organizations that have demonstrated dedication, perseverance and educational goals regarding historic preservation. Under her leadership, the office has expanded its staffing, resources and scope. Her achievements include the establishment of a new preservation ordinance and the creation of two new historic districts - Browne’s Addition and the Cannon Streetcar Suburb. There have been 120 new listings on the Historic Register, and the office has overseen more than $160 million in Special Tax Valuation rehab projects. Congratulations Megan!

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City closures planned for Thanksgiving:
🦃Solid Waste Services will be a day late the week of Thanksgiving for residents whose garbage is normally picked up on Thursday and Friday.
🦃Spokane City Hall will be closed along with other City facilities, on Thursday and Friday.
🦃On-street parking meters and kiosks will not require payment on Thanksgiving but remember even when parking is free on holidays, all parking rules, including time limits, still apply.
🦃All Spokane Public Library locations will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and be closed on Thursday and Friday.
🦃The Spokane Municipal Court and Community Justice Services will be closed on Thursday and Friday.
🦃My Spokane 311 employees will not be available on Thursday and Friday.
🦃Development Services Center employees will not be available on Thursday and Friday.
🦃The Waste-to-Energy Facility will be closed on Thanksgiving and open during regular operating hours for the rest of the week.
🦃Attractions in Riverfront Spokane will be closed on Thanksgiving but open the rest of the week.

For more info visit our website. https://my.spokanecity.org/news/releases/2023/11/16/city-closures-planned-for-thanksgiving/

I attended my last Spokane Public Library board meeting this evening as a representative for Spokane City Council. One of the library’s talented staff led us through a STEM science project illustrating the power of liquid surface tensions. This is a great example of the diverse range of educational opportunities our local libraries provide. I’ve visited libraries in England, Ireland, Costa Rica, China, Italy, Nicaragua and across the US, so I can say with some confidence that we have a terrific library system. I’m grateful for them.

Thank you to Live Local for this important reminder. What are some of your favorite local shops? Here’s a few of mine: Boulevard Mercantile, Wishing Tree Books, Bear Totem & Locos Spokane, and Atticus Coffee & Gifts.

Everything about & is about shopping and supporting local. If you’re looking for anything from groceries, office supplies, candles and gifts, massages, therapists, and more it’s all at Live Local INW. We have 1600 businesses in Eastern Washington (east of the cascades) for you to choose from to spend your dollars. Website link in bio!

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Spokane City Council Moves Forward with Expanding Middle Housing Spokane City Council voted unanimously to extend the Building Opportunity and Choices for All (BOCA) interim ordinance.

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Proclamations: Council presented a proclamation recognizing Small Business Saturday received by Joel Nania of the Spokane Small Business Administration Office

This process has been infuriating. Thank you to RANGE for their reporting.

Retracted RFP for a new TRAC operator leaves city council backed into corner – RANGE Media “Nothing about this process has been standard or typical.”

Spokane has so many fun places to explore. Do you recognize this fantastic art installation below a historic ceiling imported from the east coast? Or this inspired dining nook? Or this 5 in one business shared space? All are in this historic and up and coming area.

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⛸️❄️ The Numerica Skate Ribbon is anticipated to open to the public this Saturday, November 18! Photo by: ElinaZhukov

Opening Events:
Unlimited Ice Passholder Preview Night at the Numerica Skate Ribbon
Friday, November 17 | 4-8pm
Early access for Unlimited Ice Passholders only and last day to purchase the pass at a 15% discount. Event includes free skate rentals, hot cocoa and treats.

Opening Day
Saturday, November 18 | 11am-9pm

Regular Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 11am-8pm
Friday - Saturday: 11am-9pm
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
*Extended hours over Christmas break.

Admission
Adult (ages 13+): $9.95
Youth (ages 3-12): $6.95
Skate Rental: $6.95 - Visitors can bring their own skates at no charge.
Helmet Rental: Free

More info at www.riverfrontspokane.org!

I’m going to miss this place. They hold an important place in Spokane’s history.

As we bid farewell to Suki Yaki Inn, a cherished part of Spokane since 1949, we extend our deepest gratitude to the community for decades of support. It has been an honor to serve you the flavors of Japan. Though our doors may close on December 16, 2023, the memories shared within these walls will forever linger. Thank you for being part of our journey. Arigatou gozaimasu! ♥️

As we prepare to close the chapter of Suki Yaki Inn, we invite you to join us in celebrating the retirement of our beloved Emiko before we close our doors on December 16, 2023. Your patronage has filled these walls with joy, and we'd be honored to share our last moments together. Let's come together to reminisce, express gratitude, and bid farewell to an era. Your presence will make this farewell truly special. Join us and our hardworking crew for some heartfelt goodbyes and a celebration of Emiko's remarkable journey. ♥️♥️♥️

🎏♥️Join Us For Dinner and Drinks🍽️ We Are Open until our final date on December 16, 2023!

Reservations can be made via telephone at 509-624-0022 ☎️

We are open: 🎏🏯🎌
Monday-Thurs 5:00-CLOSE (Lounge 5PM-12AM)
Friday-Sat 4:00-CLOSE (Lounge 5PM-2AM)
Sunday 4:00-CLOSE (Lounge 5PM-12AM)

We’re all concerned by the growing issue of homelessness in our community. Did you know there is a diverse group of experts, providers, stakeholders, & elected leaders who meet weekly working diligently on this issue? I’ve attended the last two meetings, and I’m thankful for the caliber of people at the table- from those with lived experience to those who have worked nationally on this issue. They’re looking at what’s worked elsewhere in the country and what hasn’t. You can follow the work at

Home Page Now is the time to collaboratively address homelessness in our community. LISTEN TO THE LATEST MEETING Now is the time we collaboratively address homelessness in our community. Spokane regional elected leadership announces a 90-day due diligence period to evaluate options for a regional and collabor...

Even on gray days, this view never gets old. ❤️

I’ve appreciated working with Chief Meidl in a variety of different capacities over the years. I’m thankful for his service to our community as the head of our City of Spokane Police Department and I wish him the best in his next role.

Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl resigning SPOKANE, Wash. -- Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl announced his resignation Wednesday afternoon. Meidl says his last day will be December 31.

I appreciated meeting with the staff at our Spokane Regional Emergency Communications center today and learning about their important work with my colleague Councilman Jonathan Bingle. I came with tough questions and they answered every one.

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North Spokane Corridor at Wellesley Avenue opening Thursday, Nov. 16 SPOKANE, Wash. — Starting Thursday, November 16, Spokane drivers will be able to commute on a newly completed part of the North Spokane Corridor.

Here's a great opportunity for emerging leaders to learn the skills needed to work effectively with the City and contribute to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods. Sign up for the 2024 Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy.

Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy Designed to equip new and emerging neighborhood council leaders with knowledge, skills, and resources to increase engagement and effectively address their priorities

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Spokane Parks Receives Grant to Repair Broken Playgrounds at 16 Parks Spokane Parks & Recreation received a $100,000 grant to repair broken play equipment, like slides and swings, at 16 parks in 2024