Downtown Spokane has had its share of challenges the past few years: a struggling economy, budget cuts, the Eyesore Formerly Known As The Ridpath, and snow berms that reappear each winter, despite the fact that most rational people agree that it's a lousy way to clear the streets.

But help may be on the way! 

If you believe the U.S. Conference of Mayors, new high-tech parking meters are just what Spokane needs to get us out of this funk.  The organization recently gave an award to the IPS Group (a company that makes fancy parking meters) and the City of Los Angeles for the great success they've had with the new meters that IPS has installed in LA.  You can read all about it here, but the important thing to note is that these same meters are currently under trial in downtown Spokane.  That's right, you may soon be plugging the same kind of trendy, cutting-edge meter enjoyed by Hollywood stars.  It's already sounding good, right?

So what's so great about these new meters?  For starters, they could help fill Spokane city coffers in several ways.  In LA, parking revenue increased about 50% with the new meters.  They're solar-powered, so that eliminates the need for replacement batteries.  Best of all, they take coins or credit cards.  If you've ever found yourself contorted on the floor of your car, desperately searching for a phantom quarter wedged under the driver's seat, you realize what a blessing this is.

A new Eagle Ridge home holds the power to change the lives of children. Sunday, everyone is invited to view the home where 100-percent of proceeds from the sale will go towards the Children's Miracle Network.

The home is located at 5501 South Ravencrest in Spokane's Eagle Ridge neighborhood. The house will be open to the public on Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. Members of the Spokane Shock team will be there for a meet-and-greet from noon to 2 p.m.

The home, designed as a rancher by Morse Western Homes, was upgraded to include three additional bedroom, a full bathroom and living area. The home is listed for $389,900 and is 3080 square feet.

Newland Communities, Condron Homes, Morse Western Homes and Homes by George Paras collaborated to make the Miracle Home possible.

“The generosity of the building industry has been overwhelming and because of that the proceeds from the three Miracle Home projects to date will total over $500,000 for the kids in the Inland Northwest,” said Kirsten Carlile, Children’s Miracle Network Director.