Spokane City Council Adopts Engagement and Enforcement Ordinances
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~ Spokane City Council Approves Ordinances to Address Homelessness

During tonight's Legislative Session, the Spokane City Council made significant strides in addressing homelessness in the city by approving two ordinances. These ordinances were a result of months of community feedback from roundtables and the passage of previous ordinances, including Ban the Address. The Council worked closely with various stakeholders, including local businesses and community organizations, to develop these ordinances that aim to improve engagement and enforcement while incorporating best practices for siting and activating inclement weather centers.

The first ordinance, C36679 Obstruction and Unauthorized Camping, consolidates existing laws on unauthorized camping into a single, unified policy. This ordinance also addresses the intent of voters who approved Proposition 1 in 2023, which was later overturned by the Washington State Supreme Court in April. The amended ordinance ensures that everyone has access to public property and rights-of-way by regulating knowing obstruction. It prohibits unauthorized camping while emphasizing engagement by connecting individuals to evidence-based navigation services. Additionally, it provides law enforcement with a clear and consistent enforcement mechanism.

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Council Member Zack Zappone expressed his support for this ordinance, stating that "we all agree that people should not be sleeping on the streets." He further explained that this ordinance makes unauthorized camping a misdemeanor offense not only in the Proposition 1 area but also citywide at all times. Zappone emphasized that enforcement will prioritize engagement first to connect individuals with services before resorting to citations for non-compliance. He also acknowledged that this ordinance does not solve the issue of where people will go but allows for attention to be shifted towards finding safe stays, safe parking, sobering beds, and permanent housing solutions.

The second ordinance approved by the Council is C36694 Aggressive Solicitation. This ordinance addresses aggressive solicitation behaviors such as touching, following, persisting after being refused, using violent or threatening language or gestures, or taking similar actions to force compliance with the solicitation. Council Member Paul Dillon stated that this ordinance helps clarify existing laws while maintaining public health and safety for all. He also emphasized that this is not the end of addressing homelessness and that the Council will continue to evaluate and monitor implementation while working towards upstream solutions.

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For more information on the Council's approach to addressing homelessness and their collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Mayor, local businesses, and community organizations, visit https://my.spokanecity.org/endinghomelessness/c.... The roundtable discussion can also be viewed on this website. With these new ordinances in place, the Spokane City Council is taking proactive steps towards addressing homelessness in the city and ensuring the well-being of all its residents.

Filed Under: Government, City
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