Spokane Mayor Revives Annual Volunteer Recognition Day

Lisa Brown celebrates Habitat for Humanity construction with AmeriCorps and local education district.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:18am

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A cinematic painting of a Habitat for Humanity construction site in Spokane, with a group of volunteers working on the home under warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, capturing the sense of purpose and community in the scene.Spokane's annual volunteer recognition day shines a light on the tireless work of community members who power local nonprofits and civic initiatives.Spokane Today

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown donned a pink hardhat on Friday to commemorate the work of volunteers at a Habitat for Humanity home construction site. The event was part of the Mayor's Day of Recognition for National Service, an annual tradition that Brown has revived after it appeared to have stopped at least six years ago.

Why it matters

Volunteer organizations like Habitat for Humanity rely heavily on community support, and the mayor's recognition event helps raise awareness and encourage more people to get involved in local service initiatives.

The details

The home construction project is being funded in part by the city's "Heart fund" for affordable housing. Brown has personal connections to Habitat for Humanity, as her sister leads international delegations and her siblings have been engaged with the organization. The event was held in partnership with AmeriCorps and the Northeast Washington Education Service District.

  • The Mayor's Day of Recognition for National Service had been an annual tradition but appeared to have stopped at least six years ago.
  • The event took place on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Lisa Brown

The mayor of Spokane, Washington who revived the annual volunteer recognition day.

Michelle Girardot

The CEO of Habitat for Humanity Spokane who highlighted the importance of volunteers for the organization.

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What they’re saying

“It felt fun to have the day, and also we could then focus city engagement around it.”

— Lisa Brown, Mayor of Spokane

“Volunteers are our engine. We can't do any of this without volunteers. Today is to be a recognition of service, but also an invitation, through Spokane Gives, the National Volunteer Month and through opportunities like this one, for more people to step forward, get involved and find their own place to serve.”

— Michelle Girardot, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Spokane

What’s next

The city plans to continue the annual Mayor's Day of Recognition for National Service to highlight the contributions of local volunteers.

The takeaway

The revival of Spokane's volunteer recognition day demonstrates the importance of celebrating community service and inspiring more residents to get involved in local initiatives that make a real difference.