City of Spokane
Community Update
January 4, 2021

#InlandStrong
Council Recap
Monday, Jan. 3, 2022
Your City at Work
City Offers Curbside Tree Recycling
The City is offering free curbside tree pickup for its customers 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.
Attraction Hours at Riverfront Park Have Changed
Numerica Skate Ribbon and Sky Ribbon Café
  • Sunday and Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Numerica SkyRide
  • Tuesday - Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Looff Carrousel
  • Friday - Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
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. Washington’s Single-use Serviceware Law has gone 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.
Give Them Space
It is chilly Spokane! If this cold spell has you digging for your space heater, remember space heaters need space. December, January, and February are the peak months for heating fires and space heaters are the most common cause of home heating equipment fires. Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.
The NEPDA is Hiring a New Executive Director
The Northeast Public Development Authority is currently recruiting for the position of Executive Director. Depending on qualifications the salary ranges from $100,000 – $120,000 plus benefits. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to admin@northeastpda.com.
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!
In this volunteer position with Therapeutic Recreation, you will help participants with disabilities experience the thrill of gliding down the mountain with our Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Program, Powderhounds Program, or Cross Country Blue Waxers program. These programs operate Saturdays on Mt. Spokane, typically from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. but hours may vary. Skiing or snowboarding experience required.
Free Financial Literacy Training –Personal Finances Can Be Fun & Positive
The Financial Stability Center, inside the Resource Center of Spokane County, offers tools and training in person and online. Partners like Numerica and STCU facilitate in-person workshops and our Financial FUNDamentals virtual platform is a self-directed portal that helps the user understand everything from financial health and behavioral best practices to preparing for unforeseen life events. Click here to learn more about the Financial Stability Center and register for one of the financial stability training offerings.

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.
Winter Wonders: Coaches Corner
Check out Coaches Corner at the Numerica Skate Ribbon sponsored by Lake City Figure Skating Club. Coaches are on the ice every Saturday in January from 12 – 2 p.m. providing assistance to emerging skaters. Skate admission required.
On the Bright Side
Family Promise of Spokane was selected as one of this year’s winners of the Lyndia Wilson Collaboration Award presented by Priority Spokane! Family Promise has helped more than 77 local families find a path out of homelessness in 2021.
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We are here to help! Simply dial 311 or if outside City limits: 509.755.CITY(2489).