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.

Track information with these interactive dashboards for risk assessment, health data, economic impact and recovery, schools and PPE information.

Regions will be reassessed later at the end of the week to determine if they change phase status on Monday, February 15. The plan was changed last week in two ways; first, the evaluation criteria for regions to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2, and the timeframe in which regions can progress. The changes come after further conversations with public health partners and the state’s increasing vaccination rates.

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.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Monday, February 8, 2021

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.

While February is Black History Month, it is important to reflect on the stories and impact of Black history throughout the year. Spokane Public Library partnered with members of the community to provide videos, events, and book lists to inspire the community to reflect on and learn from the history of Black people in America.

With overnight temperatures expected to dip into single digits and daily highs below freezing, the regional shelter system is adjusting by flexing operations and supplementing with temporary housing options to account for COVID restrictions. As demand exceeds current system capacity, the system will create capacity within the shelter system by prioritizing people for hotel/motel during this short-term cold snap who are at the highest risk of COVID, thereby meeting the needs of both a cold weather emergency response and COVID risks.

Additionally, as part of ongoing collaboration with regional service providers, Spokane Regional Health District is currently distributing the first round of COVID-19 vaccinations for community members experiencing homelessness. Vaccinations are being administered to clients and staff based on Washington State Department of Health phased guidance.

Transitions’ Women’s Hearth first opened in 1993 with the goal of providing a safe place for women experiencing homelessness—safe from the freezing cold and the severe heat, and, most of all, safe from abusers. Today, in 2021, Women’s Hearth continues that tradition, offering safety and support to all age 18 and up who identify as women, although certainly it looks different during a pandemic

Police Chief Craig Meidl shared his opinion on proposed police reform legislation House Bill 1054.

The street signs are up! Fort George Wright Drive is now Whistalks Way in honor of Whist-alks, a woman warrior and Spokane Indian who played a role in the resistance against Wright in 1858.

River Ridge Hardware has what you need with local helpful staff!

The following organizations achieved 100 percent compliance with requirements in their industrial wastewater discharge permits for 2020:

Businesses are required to have industrial wastewater permits either because they produce a large volume of wastewater or because they discharge pollutants that can disrupt wastewater treatment processes. The City processed about 30 million gallons of wastewater a day at its Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility in 2020. The City actively works with businesses and other organizations to prevent harmful or damaging substances from being discharged into the sewer system.

2020 tested all City of Spokane departments and personnel adjusted operations to serve the public. Here are just a few of the highlights and CONGRATULATIONS to Nate Pilgrim and the ITSD Network Team!

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!

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.

Looking for something to do with your Valentine? The Numerica Sky Ride has a a great way to celebrate with a two-for-one ride special!

We can all use a show of appreciation! "The Thank You Note” by Jiemei Lin at Nails at Nails with Pazzaz at Paramount Spa.

Contact SNAP at (509) 319-3050 or SRTC@snapwa.org

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.