Erin Hut, Communications Director, ehut@spokanecity.org
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 9:08 a.m.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and American Beverage Foundation, whose support helped expand the ZONE Spokane’s Youth Wellness Zone (YWZ), traveled to Spokane Tuesday to see firsthand how their grant is helping create a space designed to support the health and well-being of local students.
The YWZ is a youth-led initiative that empowers students to define wellness, identify priorities, and develop strategies to support mental health. The program was launched in the 2024-2025 school year with an elective wellness class at On Track Academy. Students identify and prioritize youth wellness needs, then propose solutions and work with community partners to develop strategies for implementation.
In January 2026, the City of Spokane received $200,000 as part of the UCSM and American Beverage Association’s “Healthy and Sustainable Communities” grant. The funding has helped expand the YWZ’s reach through additional staff capacity, expanded youth participation, enhanced partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, as well as further supporting the launch of student-led initiatives.
"The partnership between the American Beverage Association and the U.S. Conference of Mayors is truly one of a kind," said USCM CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran. "For more than a decade, we've invested millions in programs that make a real difference on the ground — helping cities strengthen communities and improve outcomes for children and families across the nation. At a time when local leaders are being asked to do more than ever, this partnership stands as a powerful example of how public and private sectors can work together to deliver real results."
“Investments in young people are investments in the future of our community,” said Mayor Lisa Brown. “We are grateful for the support from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and American Beverage Association, which is helping expand opportunities and wellness support for our youth.”
During their visit, officials from the USCM and American Beverage Foundation met with YWZ students and staff, and toured the Wellness classroom and Schoolyard Forest.
“Strong communities are built locally, by leaders who understand their cities and the people they serve,” said Kevin Keane, president and CEO of American Beverage and president of the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America Board of Directors. “This investment will help Spokane’s young people turn their ideas into meaningful projects that strengthen their schools, neighborhoods and environment. We congratulate Mayor Lisa Brown on expanding Spokane’s Student-Led Youth Wellness Zone and empowering students to help address challenges in their own communities. America’s beverage companies are proud to continue delivering for Spokane and communities across the country, including through the local employees and families who live, work and contribute to this region.”
"The promise to our community's youth was: If you share your priorities, and work on strategies to improve youth mental health and wellness, our city's neighborhood and civic leaders, businesses and organizations will support you and take action,” said Jene Ray, Executive Director of the Northeast Community Center and The ZONE. “This award from the US Conference of Mayors and American Beverage Association has amplified the Youth Wellness Zone's goals, built trust, and engaged our region's students in meaningful civic engagement."
"Our partnership with The ZONE to create a Youth Wellness Zone in our neighborhood is impacting the lives of young people today and will continue to do so into the future,” said On Track Academy principal Chris Burke. "The work these young people are doing is amazing, and this grant allows us to provide even more opportunities like these."
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