City of Spokane
Community Update
January 11, 2022

#InlandStrong
Snow Zone
Help With the Melt
Residents can help minimize pooling water in their neighborhoods by clearing away snow from nearby storm drains to provide an easier path for excess water. If you don’t know where the closest storm drain is to your house or business, you can visit the City’s website to find out.
Adopt A Fire Hydrant
Please adopt a hydrant and keep a 3-foot snow free zone around it. In the case of a fire, firefighters need access to hydrants quickly. A couple minutes of your time could help save a life and property in an emergency.
Your City at Work
City Services on MLK Jr. Day (Jan. 17)
  • Garbage and recycling pickup will proceed as usual
  • The Waste-to-Energy facility will be open
  • Spokane City Hall will be closed but My Spokane 311 employees will be available via phone and online
  • Spokane Municipal Court will be closed
  • On-street parking meters will not require payments
  • All Spokane Public Library branches will be closed
  • Spokane City Council is not scheduled to meet
Council Recap
Council Member Karen Stratton recaps the Monday, Jan. 10, virtual Spokane City Council meeting.
COMING SOON! New Parking Meters & Kiosks
If you remember going from a flip phone to a smart phone, you will appreciate what’s coming to a parking meter near you! As the City prepares for an on-street parking makeover, new meters and kiosks are on their way and we are excited to show them off because we are confident it will provide a better parking experience.
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
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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!
Are you looking for an opportunity to contribute to our community’s work in providing temporary housing, permanent housing, and supportive services to citizens of Spokane County? The mission of the community-based City of Spokane/Spokane County Regional Continuum of Care (CoC) is to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-reoccurring in our area by fostering shared responsibility among stakeholders and coordinating resources essential to the success of local plans to end homelessness.

CoC Board members are responsible for approving and implementing the CoC’s Plan to End Homelessness and providing leadership, oversight, and accountability for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development CoC projects in Spokane County. Time commitments for this work range between 5-10 hours a month of attending meetings, serving on subcommittees, and researching issues our community faces in addressing housing needs. Board members serve five-year terms.

The CoC is looking for applicants for four new board positions. The CoC needs one individual representing each of the following: Education (K-12); Law and Justice systems; Nonprofit (Temporary Housing); and Business. Applications are due Monday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.
Free or Reduced Cell Phone Equipment and Service Activations
Members in our community may be eligible to receive a free or reduced-cost cell phone and plan through our partners at Lifeline Support. A representative will be onsite at the Resource Center of Spokane County (RCSC) every Tuesday and Thursday, starting at 9:15 a.m., to assist with eligibility and activation. Not sure if you qualify? Click here to review the income eligibility requirements or contact the RCSC staff here for assistance before traveling down to our social services one-stop center.
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: Cross Country Skiing & Fat Bike Trails
We are excited to groom cross country ski and fat bike trails at select locations around Spokane this winter!

Here is a list of locations
  • Indian Canyon (XC Ski Only)
  • Riverside State Park Fat Bike Trail
  • Riverside State Park Cross Country Ski Trail
  • Dwight Merkel

Grooming conditions are very weather dependent; please call our snowline at 509.363.5418 for updated information.
On the Bright Side
Check out the new Pavilion Art Space display featuring artwork created by City of Spokane employees! This gallery is located on the east side of the Pavilion admin building and is viewable during regular park hours: 6 a.m. to midnight.
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We are here to help! Simply dial 311 or if outside City limits: 509.755.CITY(2489).