Each day, information evolves about Coronavirus Disease 19 (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/covid19.

Track information on this county risk assessment interactive dashboard for cases, hospitalizations and deaths for people who have had a positive molecular test for COVID -19.

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Monday, August 17, 2020

The City of Spokane accepted and reviewed CARES Act Funding applications from agencies and organizations to administer components of an economic support funding program to address COVID-19 impacts in Spokane. Spokane City Council set out several categories for distribution of COVID-19 economic support funding in Resolution 2020-0041. Based on a review committee's recommendations, City Council unanimously approved six organizations totaling $2,902,815 during the Aug. 17th legislative session.

The City estimates it will have between $3 million and up to $6 million to allocate and has opened a second round of funding to include direct assistance to non-profits. Interested agencies can find application information on the City’s CARES Act Funding page. Applications are due August 23rd to be considered in the second round.

Agencies approved for funding include:

Catholic Charities – Rent Assistance

Community Minded Enterprises – Childcare Support

Family Promise of Spokane – Rent Assistance

Geocko, Inc. dba LiveStories – Small Business Grant Program

Spokane Arts Commission – Arts & Culture Sector Grants

Spokane Workforce Council – Rent Assistance

The awarded agencies are developing programs now and will release application details for citizens and businesses once finalized. Depending on the program, this could be between 10-14 days. The City will share details with the public as soon as possible and post them on the City's CARES Act Funding page.

What does the City do to make sure that when that giant raindrop falls from the sky that by the time it gets to the beautiful Spokane River, it's as clean as possible? Find out how the Spokane Stormwater Program keeps our environment clean.

Spokane County, Spokane Regional Health District and City of Spokane are working together to continue to take care of our most vulnerable during COVID-19. Since March, the regional leaders and service providers have continued to adjust and activate temporary solutions to provide consistent accommodations and services while practicing COVID-19 prevention measures like room for physical distancing, isolation facilities and symptom checks.

The City is preparing to update its Street Design Standards that guide and govern the development, redevelopment and reconstruction of facilities built in the public right of way.

The changes will include current best practices across the nation for streets. In particular, new best practices will bring the design of pedestrian and bicycle facilities up to standards for better serving users of all ages and abilities. These standards also promote continuity and networking of the City's streets and sidewalks as well as the integration of utilities that share right-of-way space.

You're invited to learn more and weigh in on the plans and ideas to improve our City streets! Multiple opportunities to receive information and engage in the adoption process are planned. Learn more at the CIty's website.

The City is creating the Housing Action Plan to help increase housing options that are affordable and accessible for people and families of all incomes. Learn more here.

Keep your parking safe, be neighborly, and stay in compliance! To better serve you during Washington State’s Safe Start plan, Parking Services has relaxed enforcement of 72 HR time limits for cars, trucks and motorcycles only. The City continues to serve our community by responding to and monitoring parking complaints, such as:

• Safety Hazards

• Driveways and Fire Hydrants

• Junk or Hulk Vehicles

• Expired Registration

• Obstruction Issues

• No Parking Zones

• On-Street Time Limited Parking

The City of Spokane Water Department launched a menu of Water Wise rebate options to help customers save money while saving water. The new rebates are designed to allow customers to make choices that lead to water savings inside and outside their home or business and provide a cost-effective tool to do so. Rebates range from $20 to $695, dependent on the equipment installed, and customers are encouraged to apply for more than one rebate annually.

City of Spokane Parks & Recreation has made the difficult decision to begin winterizing pools and splash pads that aren’t allowed to operate beyond extremely limited capacities until at least Phase 3.

Meanwhile, Parks staff continue to focus on providing other recreation opportunities that are important to our community’s physical and mental health.

This fall, they look to expand those options even more and are asking for the community’s feedback in a survey about the types of recreation programs they would like to see.

Through October 31, Spokane County residents receive 50% off admission for up to 4 people on the Numerica SkyRide in Riverfront! Read details. Before or after your SkyRide experience, enjoy some delicious food at the Sky Ribbon Cafe. Chef Adam Hegsted's Eat Good Group is cooking up pizza, burgers, deli and tacos! View the menu at SkyRibbonCafe.com.

Thank you to the volunteers who came out to help clean up graffiti downtown. Find out how you can volunteer on the next event on August 25th!

Through the generosity of over 500 donors, a community relief fund for utilities is available. Those who need utility assistance can contact SNAP at (509) 456-SNAP to request support.

While the matching funds have been exhausted, donations for this effort are always appreciated.

Call 311 (509-755-2489 outside of city limits)

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.

#OrderUpSpokane with 10-minute parking zones near restaurants in the City core allows citizens and delivery drivers to efficiently pick up to-go orders. Check out these lists of restaurants you can support.