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.

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. 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.

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, March 16, 2021

Monday, March 15, 2021

Mayor Nadine Woodward will present the annual State of the City Address Wednesday, March 17 at 12 p.m. Join us as she shares what has shaped and guided everything we have done over the past year and our community will do as we move forward. You can register online or join the conversation live on the City's Facebook page.

Construction along the Hamilton Street Corridor has resumed. Crews will be working on the final two intersections at Indiana Avenue and North Foothills Drive. Motorists should anticipate delays on this heavily used commuter route.

Riverfront Park is gearing up for spring with new activities for all ages, including an outdoor market, an interactive puzzle that encourages kids to explore downtown to find clues, and a variety of health and fitness programs. Riverfront is pleased to safely offer a variety of health and fitness programs at the Pavilion this spring. Riverfront Moves activities will have COVID safety protocols, limited class sizes, and contact tracing. Pre-register for each week’s classes.

The City and Downtown Spokane Partnership have been meeting with stakeholders and engaging with the community about the next decade of downtown. It's time to weigh-in on the drafted Spokane Downtown Plan Update! You're invited to give feedback and can:

What goes into training a new firefighter?

For the next 16 weeks, 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.

Starting the first week of May, residential customers will see a change in curbside pickup of recyclables. That’s when the City of Spokane’s Solid Waste Collections Department will switch to every other week collection of recycling. This change will manage escalating costs for the recycling program without charging customers more.

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!

Bike the Bridges of Downtown Spokane and the U District. Any time on the weekend of March 26 – 28, follow a self-guided, 6-mile bicycle route around the pathways and bridges of Downtown Spokane and the U District, following the Centennial Trail. The route will be marked with chalked “iron goats.” Stop by one of the several coffee shops along the route for a quick warm-up. Watch for more details in next week's Community Update!

It’s #MarchMadness! Get outside and play on one of Spokane Hoopfest's signature courts in between cheering on our local college teams!

Mural by Joshua Martel at Chief Garry Park

Photo by Dane Lawson