City of Spokane
Community Update
December 21, 2021
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Mayor's Update
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021
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City Closures Planned For the Holidays
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City Hall will be closed Fridays, Dec. 24 and 31
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Garbage and recycling will proceed on a normal schedule
- The Waste-to-Energy facility will be closed on Saturdays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
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Spokane City Council is not scheduled to meet on Monday, Dec. 27
- On-street paid parking meters will not require payments on Saturdays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
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Spokane Municipal Court will be closed on Fridays, Dec. 24 and 31
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My Spokane 311 employees will not be available on Fridays, Dec. 24 and 31
- All Spokane Public Library branches will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturdays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
- All Spokane Riverfront Park attractions will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 25
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Holiday Fire Safety Tips
Tis the season for fire safety. Keep your family and home safe this holiday season with these tips.
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City Offers Curbside Tree Recycling
The City will offer free curbside tree pickup for its customers beginning Monday, Dec. 27, through Friday, Jan. 7. Once the decorations are removed, residents can place their fresh-cut trees at least three feet away from the refuse and recycling carts on their regularly scheduled garbage pickup days. No artificial or flocked trees are accepted through this service. More info on our website.
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First Snow Event by the Numbers
Every year the City of Spokane’s Streets department dedicates hours and resources to prepare for snow removal and street maintenance. This includes materials research, training for designated and extra staff, equipment upgrades and efficiency with logistics. The City has 2,200 lane miles of streets including 750 lane miles of arterials. If you love stats and data, we think you’ll be impressed!
Dec. 16-19 by the Numbers
- Total # of Staff Hours = 1,512 (that’s 63 days)
- Average # of Vehicles = 25-30 per 24-hour period
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Granular Deicer/Sand/Salt = 544 tons (that’s the weight of nearly 420 compact cars)
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Liquid Deicer = 173,709 gallons (that’s over 4,135 bathtubs worth)
- Total # of Miles of Streets Traveled = 7,062 (that’s like driving from Spokane to Miami, FL and back)
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East Central Library Feedback
As part of a comprehensive public engagement effort, Spokane City Council is looking for community input on the future use of the former Spokane Public Library at East Central. Take the survey! |
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DivisionConnects Questionnaire
The DivisionConnects study is analyzing how investments can be made to support active transportation connections! A new questionnaire is seeking feedback on potential biking and pedestrian projects along and near Division Street. This Active Transportation Map & Questionnaire will be open through Friday, Dec. 31. |
New Law to Reduce Single-Use Plastics
In the United States, we use nearly 1 trillion pieces of single-use serviceware each year! That’s a lot of plastics going into landfills, incinerators, and the environment. On Jan. 1, 2022, Washington’s Single-use Serviceware Law goes into effect to combat this waste issue. Businesses in Washington may not automatically include serviceware with your food order. You will have to verbally confirm that you want single-use items, or you must select items from self-serve stations provided by the business. |
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Local COVID-19 Data
For the most recent and local data on cases and outcomes, visit SRHD.org. Track State of Washington information with these interactive dashboards for updates. |
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FREE COVID-19 Antigen Tests |
Say Yes! To COVID Test
Say Yes! COVID Test encourages residents to use rapid COVID-19 antigen tests to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep the community healthy. You can order testing kits online for FREE home delivery, while supplies last. |
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FREE Rapid Antigen Tests Available On Fridays, Dec. 24 And 31
COVID-19 testing sites in Spokane County will implement holiday hours and offer free rapid antigen tests at Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W Whistalks Way, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Fridays, Dec. 24 and 31, in lieu of the standard lab-based PCR test. Online registration for an appointment time is encouraged, but not required. Health insurance will be asked for but is not required. There is no cost for the test. Have a safe holiday season and get tested before attending gatherings with friends and family! |
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All Washington Residents Age 5+ Eligible for Vaccine
All Washingtonians age 5 and up are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The Governor and the state Department of Health (DOH) have also prioritized equity issues to ensure vaccine access to populations disproportionately affected by the virus, including communities of color and low-income communities.
The CDC now recommends that everyone ages 18+ receive a COVID-19 booster shot, including those who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccines. Get more information and read CDC’s media statement. |
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Local Vaccination Distribution Information
Three COVID-19 vaccines have been approved, and are widely accessible throughout the state. Information on the vaccine and its distribution in Washington is found on the DOH website. 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
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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. |
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Need Access to Food?
Need Mental Health Help?
Contact 24/7: Frontier Crisis Line (877) 266-1818
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
Need Resources?
Call Washington 211 at 2-1-1 or (866) 904-9060 to speak to a local agent
Apply for Basic Food assistance over the phone!
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Lutheran Community Services: (509) 747-8224
Intensive Behavioral Health, Victim Advocacy and Foster Care, are available.
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Resident Assistance
The impacts of COVID have created hardships for people in many ways. The City continues to connect residents with available and eligible resources.
Utility Assistance
The City’s U-Help program provides low-income households with emergency financial assistance to help pay for their City utility bills, which include charges for water, wastewater, stormwater and garbage collection. Through the end of 2021, the program includes additional flexibility to allow more customers to receive help. Assistance is available by calling SNAP at 509-456-SNAP.
Interest-free payment plans are available for residential and commercial customers today. An easy-to-use online form is available on the City’s website. |
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Rent Assistance
The emergency rent assistance program is intended for those who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Funds are available for past due, current due, and future rent. To apply visit our website. |
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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 and get involved! |
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The City is accepting applications to fill three at-large vacancies for the Council Districting Board. Individuals selected for these positions will fill one term.
The Council Districting Board is tasked with redistricting the City of Spokane to ensure citizens are receiving equal and accurate representation.
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Candidates must be a registered voter within the City of Spokane.
- Candidates must be a current resident of the City of Spokane and have maintained a primary residence within the City for the past two consecutive years.
No member of the Council Districting Board shall:
- Have been a register lobbyist in the State of Washington within one year prior to selection.
- Campaign for elective office or actively participate in or contribute to any political campaign of any candidate for local, state, or federal office while a member of the districting board.
- Hold or campaign for any city council position for two years after the effective date of the districting plan.
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Free Uber Rides for the Justice-Involved Community
Are you or someone you know justice-involved and could benefit from free transportation to various court-related appointments? Our partners at Pioneer Human Services provide a service from the Resource Center of Spokane County to help justice-involved individuals gain access to free Uber rides to their criminal court hearings and other related appointments. Reach out to our partners at Pioneer Human Services here. Walk-in customers are welcome, no appointment necessary. To learn more about the Resource Center of Spokane County’s vital services, resources, and support, please visit their website. |
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Winter Wonders: New Year's Eve Fireworks
Ring in the New Year with your friends and family at Riverfront Park on Friday, Dec. 31. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. for a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration! |
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On the Bright Side
Christmas came early for a couple dozen children in Spokane! Spokane Police officers with the TAC (tactical) unit partnered with community members to raise money to bless families identified through schools as having children who might benefit from a brand new bike, take a look!
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