City of Spokane
Community Update
December 14, 2021

#InlandStrong
Mayor's Update
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021
Council Recap
Monday, Dec. 13, 2021
Celebrate The Holiday Season!
Cross Country Ski Lessons
Dec. 18, 19, 30 and 31, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Come learn the basics of cross country skiing at Mt. Spokane from certified instructors! These lessons are sponsored by Fitness Fanatics and cost $59. Register at www.SpokaneRec.org.
Cowley Park Lights
Now thru Monday, Jan. 31, music from 12 – 9 p.m.  
Every year, the KXLY Extreme Team lights up Cowley Park for the kids at the Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. This year, a few additional trees are decorated, and inspirational messages fill the sidewalks.
Your City at Work
Parking Update
As we update the antiquated on-street parking devices, there will be a temporary disruption in the ability to pay using a credit card at 635 meters. You can still use coin and the very popular Passport App!
SPD Welcomes Eleven New Officers
The Spokane Police Department graduated 11 officers from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. These officers have approximately four months of field training before they work patrol independently. Congratulations officers!
New 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.
The Winter Activity Guide Is Here
There are plenty of opportunities for all ages and interests to enjoy our outstanding programs this season. Checkout the online version today!
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.
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.
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 
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.
Need Access to Food?
Contact SNAP at (509) 319-3050 or SRTC@snapwa.org

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
Text your Zip Code to 898-211 or email ew211@incontactmail.com
Apply for Basic Food assistance over the phone!
Access to resources online at: wa211.org
Sign up for their Newsletter!


Lutheran Community Services: (509) 747-8224
Intensive Behavioral Health, Victim Advocacy and Foster Care, are available.
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.
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.
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!
The Citizen’s Transportation Advisory Board (CTAD) is currently accepting applications for multiple positions due to a recent board expansion. The CTAB makes recommendations to the City Council for transportation projects under consideration for Transpiration Benefit Districts funding. More specifically, CTAB volunteers will review projects identified for consideration

The individuals selected for these positions may serve staggered terms to accommodate the number of new positions. The positions will remain open until filled.

Applicants for this board should submit applications directly to Shauna Harshman at sharshman@spokanecity.org.
Career Navigators Available to Provide Access to Life Skills Training

There are so many job opportunities in Spokane right now; do you want to jump in but not sure how to start? Maybe you’re not sure if you have the right skills or experience? The Resource Center of Spokane County's team of Career Navigators can connect you to the necessary foundational skills that lead to rewarding career pathways. Reach out to their team here and ask about “Pre-Employment Training Opportunities.”

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.
Autumn Adventures: DJ Night on the Ice
Get your 'skate' on with DJ A1 for themed nights, music, lights, contests, and more every Friday (December - January) on the Numerica Skate Ribbon!

Dates:
Fridays, Dec. 17 & 31
Fridays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 & 28

Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
On the Bright Side
Farrah Ismaiel and his family received the keys to their new home in the West Central neighborhood thanks to a Community Development Block Grant from the City. He spent at least 250 hours of sweat equity to obtain the home. It is the 355th Habitat for Humanity home dedication in Spokane County. The home was once abandoned and has helped revitalize the neighborhood. “I am very grateful for the dream home for my family,” Ismaiel said.
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We are here to help! Simply dial 311 or if outside City limits: 509.755.CITY(2489).