City of Spokane
Community Update
April 5, 2022

#InlandStrong
In Woodward's Words
Mayor Nadine Woodward and City Council Member Michael Cathcart talk about replacing the Spokane Police Department's aging vehicle fleet.
Walking with Woodward
April is Spokane Gives month! Find a volunteer project online at VolunteerSpokane.com.

Give Your Way with Spokane Gives
Give Your Way by signing up for a volunteer project today! These projects still need volunteers:


  • We Feed WA Produce Box Packing: Help pack produce boxes for our food insecure neighbors across Washington State using local produce from local farmers! – Sunday, April 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

  • Women's Hearth Spring Cleaning: Help with spring cleaning and organizing for the Women’s Hearth homeless shelter. – Wednesday, April 13, 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Visit VolunteerSpokane.org for more volunteer opportunities!
Your City at Work
Windstorm Recap
The high winds that traveled through our community Monday left a few marks and City staff and crews were quick to respond. MySpokane 311 received more than 20 calls reporting downed trees. Thank you to all the residents that helped neighbors and others in need. Many volunteered to direct traffic as necessary until trees and debris blocking arterials could be cleared. All arterials were open by 7 p.m. Here’s a snapshot of the impact:

Fast Facts:
  • 14 trees down on two City golf courses
  • Nine trees down in four City Parks
  • One tree damaged the gazebo (pictured) in Coeur d'Alene Park
  • Northwest Spokane was most impacted
  • There was a variety of trees that came down, most were pine trees
Library Giving Day
Support your library on this Library Giving Day, Wednesday, April, 6. With your help, donations as low as five dollars can contribute to anything from STEM programming for kids to Summer Reading giveaways. All proceeds go to the Spokane Public Library Foundation to directly fund library programs. Visit spokanelibraryfoundation.org to donate and show your support.
$80 million in Construction Projects Underway
Construction workers, equipment and a crane were the backdrop while Mayor Nadine Woodward signaled the launch of this year’s $80 million construction season. The comprehensive list of projects will aid the community with economic recovery, improve streets, rebuild bridges, protect the Spokane River, and invest in the City’s critical water and sewer systems. For a list of new construction projects visit our website.
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Stock your shelves with books on sale for as low as $1 while supporting a good cause! The sale is April 7 – 9 at the Shadle Park Library.
  • April 7 (Member Presale): 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
  • April 8: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • April 9: 10 a.m. – 1 p. m.

April 7 is the Friends member presale, where Friends members get a first look at what’s available. Become a Member Today! The sale is open to everyone April 8 and 9. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Spokane Public Library. Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags.
City to Kick-Off 2022 WheelShare Program
A full fleet of shared scooters and bikes are hitting the streets of Spokane for another year of the WheelShare program. Join us tomorrow for the launch event!

WheelShare Launch Event
Includes demos of the new Gen4 scooter and bike, riding safety tips and a helmet giveaway (while supplies last).
  • Wednesday, April 6
  • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • E. Desmet Ave. and N. Dakota St. - West of John J. Hemmingson Center on the Gonzaga University campus

The program includes some basic rules of operation that are designed to allow for a smooth and safe operation. Learn more on our website.
Happy Spring Break!
Here are Riverfront Park's Spring Break hours for April 2 – 10.
  • General Park Hours: 6 a.m. – 12 a.m.
  • Looff Carrousel: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Numerica Skate Ribbon: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Numerica SkyRide: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Pedal Karts: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Riverfront Market (April 6): 12 – 7 p.m.
State of the City Address
Mayor Nadine Woodward will give the annual State of the City address on Wednesday, April 27, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Spokane Convention Center. Register here!
Shaping Spokane Housing
To balance development and the protection of the environment, the Department of Ecology requires a review based on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review. The City is proposing changes to change Environmental Review thresholds to streamline permitting processes and add standards for discovery of historic artifacts. Provide your input about the Shaping Spokane Housing plan at tomorrow's Riverfront Market.
Test Fest Is Back
Test Fest allows you to apply for multiple City of Spokane positions at the same time and schedule multiple tests on the same day. Last year, the City hired 47 people who participated in Test Fest! This year we are testing for the Custodian ILaborer I, and Refuse Collector I positions. Apply now!
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.
Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted
The indoor mask mandate has been lifted. However, there are still places in our community where masks will be required. These places include:
  • public transportation
  • airports
  • healthcare settings
  • correctional facilities
  • private businesses

For additional details click here.
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 12+ receive a COVID-19 booster shot. Get more information on the CDC’s website.
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 #)

Text the word “Coronavirus” to 211211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates and resources for families, businesses, students and more.
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.
Get Vaccinated!
Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you
COVID-19 Testing Sites
Drive-up and walk-up COVID-19 testing sites are open to the community. These testing sites offer free testing and are open to anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or has recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Spokane Falls Community College
3410 W. Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA 99224
Hours: Mon – Sun, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Appointments are recommended but not required.

Mead Union Stadium
12509 N. Market St., Mead, WA 99021
(testing trailer is in the parking lot)
Hours: Sat – Sun, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Appointments are recommended but not required.
Ashley HomeStore Outlet Parking Lot
13414 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216
Hours: Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Appointments are recommended but not required.

CHAS Health Denny Murphy Clinic Parking Lot
1001 W. Second Ave., Spokane, WA 99201
Hours: Tue – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hours: Sat, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Appointments are recommended but not required.
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.

Teen Text and Chat Line: 844-814-TEEN (8336)
Free confidential safe place service available to any teen or young adult.

Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255

Need Resources? 
Call Washington 211 at 2-1-1 or (877) 211-9274 to speak to a local agent
Text your Zip Code to 898211 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!
Need Access to Food?
Contact SNAP at (509) 319-3050 or SRTC@snapwa.org


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
There are Resident Assistance programs for emergency help to pay for City utility bills, which include charges for water, wastewater, stormwater and garbage collection. Interest-free payment plans are also available for residential and commercial customers.
Rent Assistance
The City’s Emergency Rent Assistance Program has helped landlords and tenants avoid evictions due to hardships caused by the pandemic. Nearly all of the $27 million funding has been distributed and allocated. Online application portals administered by LiveStories and Family Promise of Spokane are currently paused for new applications. For complete information and current application information visit the City’s Resident Assistance page.
Budgeting 101 with STCU
STCU is a proud partner that hosts a series of financial literacy workshops at the Financial Stability Center at the Resource Center of Spokane County. The next workshop, "Budgeting 101," will be held on Thursday, April, 2 – 3 p.m. Click here to learn more and register for STCU workshops at the Financial Stability 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.
Spring Dreams: Riverfront Market
Head down to the Pavilion at Riverfront Park for the Riverfront Market. The market is every Wednesday and features local artisans, food vendors, musicians, and service providers. The City's Planning Department will be at tomorrow's market getting community input on the Shaping Spokane Housing Plan!
On the Bright Side
Several new climbing structures for kids ages 2 – 12 have been added at the Audubon Park playground, thanks to the Jess Roskelley Foundation! Details on our website.
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We are here to help! Simply dial 311 or if outside City limits: 509.755.CITY(2489).