City of Spokane COVID-19 Community Update

City of Spokane

COVID-19 Community Update

February 16, 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.

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. In Spokane, the Spokane Regional Health District has convened a vaccine task force to help roll out vaccines in our community, following guidelines provided by the state Department of Health and the CDC. 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.

Vaccine Eligibility Info

Phase Finder Tool

Mayor Update

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

February 16th 2021 Mayor Woodward's City Update

East Region Now in Phase 2

Full-City Snow Removal in Effect

The City of Spokane launched a Full-City Plow Monday.

SNOW REMOVAL INFORMATION

City snow crews work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until they plow all streets within the City. Additional crews from water and wastewater will be part of full-City plowing efforts.
Full-City plow should take about three days to complete. Additional snow could extend the time it takes to complete the full-City plow.
Plow teams in residential areas will use snow gates to avoid leaving berms at the end of driveways as much as possible.

How can you help?

Vehicles should be parked on the odd side of the street in residential areas to assist plows.
The City asks citizens to clear a 36-inch pedestrian path on sidewalks. Please assist your neighbors who may need help removing snow from their driveways and sidewalks. Seniors or disabled individuals can call 3-1-1 to connect with resources for shoveling sidewalks.
Don’t blow or shovel snow into the street, but back into your yard.
Clear snow off parked cars to allow plow drivers to see them better and consider clearing snow and ice around mailboxes and storm drains.
Do not follow plows closely or try to pass plow trucks

When driving in wintry conditions, the City reminds motorists to slow down, be patient, and drive according to the conditions. Don't follow plows closely, and please do not try to pass plow trucks; it is very dangerous.

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.

Your City at Work

City, Police Guild Reach Tentative Agreement

The City of Spokane and the Spokane Police Guild have reached a tentative agreement on a 5-year contract that meets City Charter requirements for independent police oversight. The contract, which has been negotiated over the past four years, would be retroactive to 2017 and run through the end of the current calendar year. The full Guild membership and the City Council must still vote on the contract. That process could take a few weeks to complete.

Meet K-9 Slash

The Spokane Police Department K-9 Unit trains regularly and is excited to introduce you to their newest four-legged teammate.

Spokane Police Department New Additions

A warm welcome to SPD's newest police officers! These seven men and women come to SPD with varying backgrounds including military service and college athletics. Proud family and friends attended the swearing in ceremony to honor their achievement to serve the public.

Spokane River Gorge Trail Loop Progress

See what's in store for the south side of the Spokane River Gorge and how a new trail will connect Peaceful Valley with Riverfront Park! The City, with the help of its community partners, is taking some big steps to improve your access to the Spokane River Gorge while protecting the river for future generations.

KSPS Health Matters: Housing is Health

Tune in to KSPS television to learn more about homelessness in the Spokane region. On Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. you'll hear local leaders discuss efforts to make a difference for the most vulnerable.

Mystery Bonds

The City of Spokane’s Treasurer's Office has had several inquiries about municipal bonds issued from 1899 to 1912. These special improvement and local improvement bonds were used to fund numerous public works projects throughout the City in the early 1900s. The Treasurer’s Office has seen bonds for multiple projects. While these bonds are unique historical documents, the Treasurer's Office has determined that they are not of any monetary value.

Local Business Highlights

Looking for something vintage, repurposed, upcycled or salvage? 1889 Salvage Co. is perfect for you!

Public Meeting To Focus on Transportation Needs Near 37th & Ray

The City will host an online public meeting to discuss options to address transportation needs in the area of 37th Avenue and Ray, 37th Avenue and Freya and around Ferris High School. The project is called the Ray-Freya Alternatives Analysis.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 5:30 p.m. for residents to learn more.

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.

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.

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

Human Rights Commission Recruiting District 2 and Youth Representatives

The Spokane Human Rights Commission is currently accepting applications for a District 2 position and a youth representative. For the District 2 seat, you must reside in the City of Spokane, Council District 2. The youth representative position is open to any person under the age of eighteen with a term of one year, with the option of one-year renewal if the person has not reached the age of seventeen at the time the first-year term expires.

Winter Escapes: Virtual Escape Room

The Euphorigen Investigation is an online escape room where four to six people will work together to solve a series of puzzles. Players will interact with each other and the librarian puzzle master over Zoom and the escape room website. Because escape rooms are a cooperative game, we ask that anyone who signs up to arrive at the scheduled time. Otherwise your fellow players will be put at a disadvantage!

On the Bright Side

Even with their extreme desire to work, these incredible dogs have a very social side to them. Pictured below is SPD K9 Trace on a snowshoeing adventure with his dad, Officer Buchmann.