City of Spokane
COVID-19 Community Update
February 23, 2021

#InlandStrong
Spokane County COVID-19 Data
Each day, information evolves COVID-19. At the City, we want our citizens and visitors to know that we are working to reduce the spread of this disease in our community, continue to provide critical City services, and address impacts of closures of schools, business and events. For the most recent and local data on cases and outcomes, visit SRHD.org.

State of Washington COVID-19 Data
Track information with these interactive dashboards for risk assessment, health data, economic impact and recovery, schools and PPE information.
Governor Jay Inslee Visits Stevens Elementary
Spokane County Vaccination Distribution Underway
The first two COVID-19 vaccines have been approved, and vaccine has begun to be distributed within the state. Information on the vaccine and its distribution in Washington is found on the DOH web site. DOH released an estimated vaccine phases timeline the first week of January. More people will become eligible for vaccines over time. Learn more details on the SRHD website.
State COVID-19 Information Hotline
1-800-525-0127 (press #)
New hours for state COVID-19
  • 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Mon.
  • 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tues. - Sun. and holidays 
Hotline specialists can answer questions on a variety of COVID-19 topics, including symptoms and testing, exposure to the virus, recommended isolation and quarantine periods, and WA Notify notification app.
Mayor Update
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
City Council Recap
Monday, February 22, 2021
Your City at Work
Change to Recycling Schedule Coming in May
Starting the first week of May, residential customers will see a change in curbside pickup of recyclables. That’s when the City of Spokane’s Solid Waste Collections Department will switch to every other week collection of recycling. This change will manage escalating costs for the recycling program without charging customers more.
Peaceful Valley Hill Slide
Mayor Nadine Woodward signed and City Council has ratified Monday an emergency declaration for the hillside with an identified slide at Clarke Avenue & Elm Street in Peaceful Valley. This allows our City teams to quickly procure immediately needed services to address this serious concern. The declaration also details the work done to date at this location, including tree removal, the installation of monitoring equipment, and the addition of yards and yards of dirt to shore up the rock wall. Work to devise a permanent solution is ongoing. Clarke remains closed at this location.
2020 Behavioral Health Unit Impacts
The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Co-Deployed team data for the BHU’s first year of operation in Spokane County is out and shows the unit contacted 3,760 individuals between January and December in 2020. The goal of the unit is to divert people in crisis from being arrested or seeking treatment in hospitals when other options may better meet their needs.
Catalytic Converter Thefts
Spokane is experiencing a growth in catalytic converter thefts from vehicles. Thieves target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals, like platinum, palladium or rhodium that are valuable to metal dealers. Thieves typically use a saw or wrench to remove it, depending on whether the catalytic converter is bolted or welded in. Spokane Police Department has these tips to protect your vehicle.
Local Business Highlights
Looking for something to bake, cook or drink? The Kitchen Engine has what you need!
Cannon Streetcar Suburb Historic District Workshop #2
This series of workshops continues with an evening presentation and Q&A for property owners, residents and other interested folks! The topic for this workshop will be primarily focused on the Design Standards and Guidelines created specifically for the proposed district. Bring your questions and join the Spokane Historic Preservation Office Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Spokane Fire Departments wants you to know how to use a fire extinguisher in an emergency and follow the P.A.S.S. method!
  • PULL the pin to release the handle.
  • AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire.
  • SQUEEZE the lever.
  • SWEEP from side to side.
Fiber Construction in Your Neighborhood
TDS Metrocom has begun construction on an all-fiber, fiber-to-the home cable television and high-speed internet system within the City of Spokane. The TDS system will allow for additional competition for these services in our City, resulting in choice and improved price for customers. Residents are beginning to see work in their neighborhoods as part of this construction project. The construction has been permitted for the public right of way and the additional utility easement that exists in front of many homes in the City.
Need Access to Food?
Contact SNAP at (509) 319-3050 or [email protected]

Need Mental Health Help?
Contact 24/7: Frontier Crisis Line (509) 838-4428
Contact or Walk-In: Inland Northwest Behavioral Health (509) 992-1888

CHAS Health: (509) 444-8200

Excelsior Wellness Center: (509) 559-3100
Help for children, adults and families is available via telehealth.

Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255


Lutheran Community Services: (509) 747-8224
Intensive Behavioral Health, Victim Advocacy and Foster Care, are available.
Utility Payment Options

We know that the pandemic has created economic hardship for many of the City’s utility customers. Assistance with monthly City utility bills for water, sewer, and solid waste is available during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Residential property owners as well as tenants can seek direct financial assistance through the City's U-Help program by calling 456-SNAP. Utility Billing can also provide interest-free payment plans for residential customers. More information.

Business owners with an active City of Spokane utility account, may qualify for a small business assistance utility bill deferral. More information.

Late fees and water shutoffs for non-payment have been suspended to assist customers during the pandemic. Donations for this effort are always appreciated.
Spokane Rewards. Spokane Solves. Spokane Gives.
The City of Spokane is a great place to combine community support with expertise. There are over 30 Boards, Commissions and Committees made up of volunteers who help shape our community. If you have one day a year, or one day a week, there is an opportunity for you. Pick your passion below and get involved!

  • Meals on Wheels Volunteer Drivers
  • Human Rights Commission
  • Civil Service Commission
  • Plan Commission
  • Office of Police Ombudsman Commission
  • Salary Review Commission
  • Food Bank Assistance
  • School Program Tech Help
Winter Escapes: Outdoor Basketball League
The Spokane Hoopfest Association and City of Spokane Parks & Recreation are partnering to present the City’s first Hooptown USA Outdoor League this spring, under Phase 2 guidelines. Registration is open for 5-on-5 teams.
On the Bright Side
Progress is being made downtown at the Central Library. Now you can look up from the first floor to see both the second and third floors. Check out the construction timelapse!
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We are here to help! Simply dial 311 or if outside City limits: 509.755.CITY(2489).