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Spokane wins $200,000 US Conference of Mayors grant to expand youth wellness zone at OnTrack Academy

Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board (Spokane) · February 13, 2026

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Summary

The city received a $200,000 Healthy and Sustainable Communities award (mid-size cities category) to expand a youth wellness zone: funding will support composting pilots, greenhouse construction, fresh-food distribution and staffing tied to OnTrack Academy and northeast community programming.

City climate staff announced a $200,000 award from the US Conference of Mayors’ Healthy and Sustainable Communities program (funded by the American Beverage Association) to expand a youth wellness zone based at OnTrack Academy in northeast Spokane.

Nicole White said the grant will fund two year‑round greenhouses, expand compact-composting pilots (the 'Zilch' project), increase fresh-food distribution capacity, and support staff and coordination to integrate civic-engagement and leadership opportunities for participating students. Staff said the mayor attended the national conference to accept the award on the city’s behalf.

The grant is intended to expand an existing youth-driven curriculum that connects nutrition, hands-on growing, and civic engagement; staff cited anecdotal improvements in academic engagement and graduation outcomes among students who participated in the first cohort. Partners noted include Spokane Public Schools, the Spokane Regional Health District and local community groups.