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.

Monday, April 12 Governor Jay Inslee will announce updated Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery information for counties. Status may stay the same, be upgraded or downgraded depending on established metrics.

Gov. Jay Inslee announced that effective April 15, all Washingtonians age 16 and up will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The governor and the state Department of Health (DOH) have also prioritized equity issues in each phase to ensure vaccine access to populations disproportionately affected by the virus, including communities of color and low-income communities. The expansion of eligibility comes, in part, in response to a recent uptick in COVID cases in the state. 

Three COVID-19 vaccines have been approved, and have begun to be distributed within the state. Information on the vaccine and its distribution in Washington is found on the DOH web site. More people will become eligible for vaccines over time. Learn more details on the SRHD website.

1-800-525-0127 (press #)

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.

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

The next Spokane City Council meeting will be held Monday, April 12, 2021.

Rent and utility assistance is now available for eligible tenants and landlords, funded with U.S. Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance dollars allocated by Spokane County and administered by Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP). Translation services, eligibility guidelines, documentation requirements and instructions on how to apply can be found on the SNAP website.

Working Washington Round 4 offers new grant relief funds to small for-profit businesses, especially those that were required to close due to public health and safety measures. Application deadline is Friday, April 9.

Priorities for small business funding are:

The Spokane Flag Commission is excited to announce that voting is now open for the final selection of the next Spokane flag. Twelve finalists from over 400 initial submissions and 100 semifinalists were selected by the public. Voting is open to all City of Spokane and Spokane County residents with a Spokane Public Library card, as well as all enrolled Spokane Tribe members regardless of location of residence.

Southbound Hamilton Street will be closed from Wednesday, April 7 to Monday, April 12. Traffic will be detoured at North Foothills Drive to Division Street and routed back to Hamilton via Mission Avenue. Motorists should anticipate delays.

Businesses remain open as construction continues at City Line stations 8 and 9 on the north and south sides of the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. Visit the City Line Construction page for maps of the construction and surrounding areas.

Spokane Police are often the first to arrive on scene of a life-threatening emergency. See the first aid training officers undergo when responding to people in need.

What goes into training a new firefighter?

Join 12 Spokane area fire recruits as they make their way through the Spokane Regional Fire Academy, with support from their instructors and other mentors in the fire service. Follow the candidates on their journey.

Depending on your needs and preferences there are many employment options available. The City offers a wide variety of diverse and fulfilling opportunities that have competitive wages and benefits, as well as the reward of working in public service. Check out the current openings today!

Getting married? Locally and woman owned and operated, Honest in Ivory is here to help you find the perfect gown for your big day!

Spring is here, and recreational fires can be the centerpiece of barbecues or evening festivities. Help your Spokane Fire Department by following these simple fire safety practices:

To learn more visit Spokanefire.org.

Supporting children and families takes a community. Children rely on adults to keep them safe. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fact that parents are stretched thin, facing numerous challenges and stressors. A prosperous future depends on raising a healthy, well-adjusted generation to be our community’s next workforce and caregivers—and parents need our support. Spokane Police Department and Spokane Fire Department are joining in the efforts to educate and promote prevention efforts through Project Pinwheel. Find out what you can do to help!

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.

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.

Spokane Gives takes place annually throughout the entire month of April, expanding on the already impressive philanthropy in the community. The goal is to increase giving exponentially by connecting volunteers’ interests, talents and passion to service opportunities in each sector. There's no limit to what an act of service can be, anything from serving on a committee or board, to helping clean up litter along your favorite trail, or organizing a food drive in your workplace.

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!

Celebrate Earth Week by learning how to reduce waste while improving your soil. Discover the benefits of home composting at the annual Spring Compost Fair sponsored by the Spokane County Master Composters/Recyclers. 

Take a ride back in time. To celebrate 40 years after it's formation, Spokane Transit has brought back the original 1980's paint job to one of their current 40-foot buses in celebration of the 40 year anniversary. Look for the retro-bus on a route near you!