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.

Gov. Jay Inslee updated the guidance documents for long-term care facilities. Modifications include updated and additional resources; standardized community case rates related to moving between COVID phases; and enhanced guidance regarding compassionate care visitation, essential support persons visitation and outbreaks visitation. The updates are effective as of Feb. 1.

As of January 11, the state is following a regional recovery approach with every region beginning in Phase 1. Read the details here.

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, January 26, 2021

Monday, January 25, 2021

The City is offering free disposal options for tree debris from the storm. See the information on the City’s web site. Residents who need assistance with clearing tree debris from private property are encouraged to refer to the list of licensed arborists at spokanecity.org.

Storm cleanup also will require repairs to damaged roofs and fences. Permits are needed, but the City is waiving permit fees for those storm repairs. Please call 509.625.6300. More information on residential permits is found on the City’s web site.

Project Share can be used to help customers with service-related situations to help to pay to restore services from wind storm damage. Examples of how Project Share funds may be used in these situations include: filter replacement, repairs, damage to gas piping, replacing a mast, etc. Maximum assistance is $500. Make a Project Share appointment at 509-456-SNAP (7627).

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.

The Spokane Fire Department and the Spokane Regional Emergency Communications agency have spent more than a year working to formalize a regional working relationship that delivers the best, most reliable emergency communications services to the community. That discussion, and a short trial period of a joint emergency communications operation, have paused temporarily while the respective agencies refocus on their missions. As a result, on February 1, the SFD will again be responsible for taking emergency calls, sending the right resources, and facilitating the communication of those resources for the City of Spokane and Spokane International Airport departments.

A trail alignment to connect the Fish Lake and Centennial trails has been under way since early 2020. The City of Spokane will share information from its evaluation of routes to connect the popular Fish Lake Trail to the Centennial Trail. Citizens are invited to an online public meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 5:30 p.m. to learn more and share ideas.

You're invited to attend a virtual training to learn why amending the City's Comprehensive Plan is important to neighborhoods Thursday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. Find out what it is and how you can you in with City planning and effect change. For questions and registration information contact Melissa Wittstruck.

Division Connects is looking at the future of transportation and land use along the Division Street Corridor Study. With the completion of the North Spokane Corridor in 2030, the community can re-think how we use Division Street. Join the conversation at an online open house!

After a delay due to the pandemic, the Historic Preservation Office is excited to announce a series of virtual workshops to discuss the status of the Cannon Streetcar Suburb Historic District project, answer questions, incorporate your feedback, and eventually, initiate the 60-day voting process. Property owners in the proposed Cannon Historic District should have received an announcement postcard in the mail during the first week of January. The first workshop is Thursday, January 28 at 5:30 p.m.

Last spring, the City announced that it would add $10 million in street maintenance work, contracted out to the private sector, to be done during 2020 and 2021 to provide a boost to economic activity. Weekly street obstruction information is always online!

Did you know you can report a pothole right from your smartphone or online? It's quick, easy and gets results! You can always do it "old school" and call My Spokane 311 too!

Check out Cascadia Public House and their renovated patio!

The City of Spokane's Community, Housing, and Human Services department is recruiting for a Programs Specialist to support COVID-19 response efforts. For a complete list of opportunities with the City, visit the jobs page.

Spokane Public Schools is proposing a replacement levy in the Feb. 9 election. For more information about the levy renewal and what it will mean for public schools, visit their website.

Do you have questions about the upcoming Educational Programs and Operations levy? You can read these Frequently Asked Questions to get answers.

After serving the Police Advisory Committee for more than 20 years, Roger Moses is retiring. Roger says he enjoyed being a bridge between the police department and the Native community and saw a lot of growth in the relationship between the two. He feels it’s important to volunteer because it can build community and unity. Thank you Roger! The Police Advisory Committee is better because of your volunteer service. We wish you the very best.

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!

Has "The Queen's Gambit" (Netflix) inspired you to take up chess? BrainFuse has live chess tutoring for anyone looking to improve their game. All you need is your library card!

In this Winter Walk in the Park, take a virtual tour of Riverfront Park to see the latest renovation updates. Days are getting longer and spring is right around the corner!

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.

The University of Washington and Washington State University, with support from Tacoma Community College, have created the Washington State Food Security Survey (WAFOOD) to monitor how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted economic security and food access for Washington State residents. This information will help state and community partners to identify needs and support resource allocation for WA State residents.

This survey will ask questions about your health, food access, and economic needs. The goal is to learn more about how WA residents are handling economic and food disruptions due to the pandemic. Washington State residents who are 18 years or older may participate.

Upon completing the 15 minute survey, you will have the option to provide an email address to enter a drawing for a $50 grocery store gift card.