City of Spokane
COVID-19 Community Update
April 15, 2020

#Inland Strong
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 .
Mayor's Update
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
City Council Recap
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
City Offers Utility Bill Assistance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

The City of Spokane launched a utility bill assistance program to help businesses that have been faced with temporary closure or significant reductions in revenue as a result of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Washington state.

Businesses can seek a deferral of one to three months of City charges for water, sewer, stormwater and garbage with an agreement to pay those charges over six to 12 months without interest. Specific terms would be tailored for each business seeking a deferral. Assistance is available immediately. Businesses can begin the process by filling out a simple online form .

For more information on City utility bills and payment options, please call 3-1-1.
City to Increase Investment in Public Infrastructure to Assist with Recovery

The City of Spokane is adding $10 million in street work to be done during 2020 and 2021 to aid the community with economic recovery. Additionally, the City is moving ahead with its planned 2020 construction program, which includes about $70 million in public infrastructure construction to improve streets, protect the Spokane River, and invest in the City’s critical water and sewer systems.

The additional work will be focused on street maintenance and include grind and overlay projects, chip seal work and crack sealing. All the work, except for the crack sealing, will be contracted out to the private sector. The projects will be spread throughout the City, with streets selected because of pavement condition, traffic volume, and ease of design. New projects will be announced soon. Find out more here.
Monday - Friday
8 am - 5 pm
Regional Financial Helpline Available
As part of the regional effort to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19, the City of Spokane is partnering with Spokane Public Library to provide a Financial Helpline for all businesses and individuals countywide trying to access COVID-19 financial recovery programs.

Spokane Public Library staff are operating as “Resource Navigators” to take calls and work one-on-one with callers to connect them with local, regional, state and federal resources for assistance. This resource is available for any business or individual in Spokane County. Businesses and citizens can learn what programs are available to access based on their situation.
THANK YOU!
Your donations combined with the matching funds from Avista and the City of Spokane have raised over $120,000 for utility assistance in our community!

Those who need utility assistance can contact SNAP at (509) 456-SNAP to request support.

More information on support that’s available for our community members and businesses can be found on the City’s web site.
Tips for Online Meetings and Gatherings
There is a good chance you have experienced an online meeting, happy hour or birthday party by now. Here are a few things to think about if you're not very experienced!
Prep Your Tech
Test your link, download the software, test your video and audio quality and know your signal strength. Get very familiar with your mute/mic and your video buttons! You need to be quick on the draw if someone asks you a direct question. How does your name appear on your account? Adding a photo to your profile is a nice touch if you do a lot of your meetings without video.

Prep Your Space and Yourself
What's in the background behind you? Who might walk by as a cameo appearance? What are you wearing and not just from the waist up? What if for whatever reason you need to stand up? Have light hitting your face and not behind you. Expect awkward pauses and responses because of tech delays. Be yourself and know you're not alone in this new way of communicating!
Know Your Audience
If it's "happy hour" with your girlfriends you can make a less professional entry. If it's a meeting with 85 business leaders, come in on mute and dress professionally. Be patient and show grace with those who may be struggling with the technology.

Meeting Do's & Don'ts
DO: Mute your mic unless you are speaking.
DO: Pay attention. Especially if your video is on.
DO: Try to be on video if you are hosting or presenting.
DO: Utilize the chat box during large group meetings for questions.
DON'T: Engage in inappropriate chat sessions, they can be logged and shared.
DON'T: Never eat on video in a meeting.
DON'T: Try not to take other calls on video.
Stay in the Know
The Spokane County Emergency Coordination Center has been activated to respond to COVID-19 as a region. For daily updates and official local information follow Spokane COVID Response on Facebook, subscribe to their newsletter and visit spokanecovidresponse.org.
For Spokane County case data, visit SRHD.org/COVID19.
On the Bright Side
We love the creativity many are offering and great ways to keep kids learning and having fun as parents manage school from home. Have you checked out Spokane Hobbit House Story Time on Facebook?
What are you hungry for?
#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.
Twitter   •   Facebook   •   YouTube   •   Vimeo   •   Instagram
Terms of Use   •   Your Privacy   •   My Spokane 311   •   Contact Information
We are here to help! Simply dial  311  or if outside City limits:  509.755.CITY(2489) .