City of Spokane
Community Update
March 30, 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 Announces Food Insecurity Partnership
Washington partnership leverages AmeriCorps to address unprecedented food insecurity efforts across state.
Local Vaccination Distribution Information
Three COVID-19 vaccines have been approved, and have begun to be distributed within the state. Information on the vaccine and its distribution in Washington is found on the DOH web site. 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 #)
  • 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Mon.
  • 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tues. - Sun. and holidays 
CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People
Currently authorized vaccines in the United States are highly effective at protecting vaccinated people against symptomatic and severe COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published updated interim recommendations for people who have been fully vaccinated. Until more is known and vaccination coverage increases, some prevention measures will continue to be necessary for all people, regardless of vaccination status.
Mayor Update
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
City Council Recap
Monday, March 29, 2021
Residential Rent Assistance
Rent and utility assistance is now available for eligible tenants and landlords, funded with U.S. Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance dollars allocated by Spokane County and administered by Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP). Translation services, eligibility guidelines, documentation requirements and instructions on how to apply can be found on the SNAP website.
Small Business Grant Application Now Open
Working Washington Round 4 offers new grant relief funds to small for-profit businesses, especially those that were required to close due to public health and safety measures. Application deadline is Friday, April 9.

Priorities for small business funding are:

  • Businesses required to close.
  • Businesses with lost revenue as a result of closure.
  • Businesses with added expenses to maintain safe operations.
  • Equitable distribution of grant funds across the state and to businesses owned and operated by historically disadvantaged individuals.
Your City at Work
Last Chance to Weigh in on Future of Downtown
Spokane’s draft Downtown Plan identifies several strategies and goals to support continued growth in Downtown as the region’s primary economic and cultural center. As the draft plan enters its final stage, it's your final opportunity to give your feedback! The survey closes Sunday, April 4.
The Street Department has started a grind and overlay project on Hartson Avenue between Freya and Myrtle Street. There will be delays and lane closures.
Help Keep City Crews Safe
Please help keep our workers and water safe. Construction crews are out for planned projects and emergencies, please use caution and pay close attention to speed limits and road closure signs. They are there to keep you and our crews safe.
Open During City Line Construction
Businesses remain open as construction continues at City Line stations 8 and 9 on the north and south sides of the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. Visit the City Line Construction page for maps of the construction and surrounding areas.
In Training - Week Three
What goes into training a new firefighter?
Join 12 Spokane area fire recruits as they make their way through the Spokane Regional Fire Academy, with support from their instructors and other mentors in the fire service. Follow the candidates on their journey.
Work for the City
Depending on your needs and preferences there are many employment options available. The City offers a wide variety of diverse and fulfilling opportunities that have competitive wages and benefits, as well as the reward of working in public service. Check out the current openings today!
Local Business Highlight
The Tin Roof is a place to wander and dream of the possibilities. Browse the furniture, enjoy a cup of coffee and explore the possibilities.
Right Place, Right Time
Just after 1:30 a.m. on March 19, SPD officer Derek Jones pulled into the parking lot of the St Charles Catholic School on Alberta in North Spokane. He noticed what appeared to be flames through a church window. Officer Jones quickly called for fire crews and began banging on windows to see if anyone was inside the building. Father Esteban Soler was asleep in his living quarters which are attached to the church. Officer Jones was able to alert him to exit the building. Father Soler expressed his sincere gratitude for the quick actions of Officer Jones which he believes may have saved his life. Watch the body worn camera video showing the moments just after Father Soler exited the building safely
Need Access to Food?
Contact SNAP at (509) 319-3050 or SRTC@snapwa.org

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.
Spokane Gives takes place annually throughout the entire month of April, expanding on the already impressive philanthropy in the community. The goal is to increase giving exponentially by connecting volunteers’ interests, talents and passion to service opportunities in each sector. There's no limit to what an act of service can be, anything from serving on a committee or board, to helping clean up litter along your favorite trail, or organizing a food drive in your workplace.
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
Spring Dreams: Anime Club for Teens
Spokane Public Library invites teens every 2nd and 4th Monday, watch anime with other teens and participate in an anime/Japanese-related craft or activity. Learn more!
Spokane Public Library will be streaming the anime from Crunchyroll to their Teen Discord Server where we you can voice/video chat while watching. If you are not already a member of our Discord server, apply here.

Disclaimer: All anime viewed during club have been previewed ahead of time. Some anime are rated PG-13.
On the Bright Side
Norman, arguably the #1 GU fan at Spokane Fire Department, has his jersey on, he's ready to cheer the Gonzaga Bulldogs Men's Basketball team to victory! #GOZAGS
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We are here to help! Simply dial 311 or if outside City limits: 509.755.CITY(2489).