Spokane City Council Passes Historic Camping and Obstruction Ordinance
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~ In a unanimous decision during Monday's Legislative Session, the Spokane City Council voted on the highly anticipated "Safe and Accessible Spaces" ordinance. The ordinance, which was introduced at the Council's Public Safety and Community Health Committee Meeting earlier in the day, was added to the agenda for tonight's meeting after the rules were suspended during an agenda review.

This marks the first time in recent memory that all seven City Council members have formally sponsored an ordinance. Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, stated that this unanimous sponsorship is a testament to their commitment to working together for the betterment of the community.

Council President Betsy Wilkerson expressed her satisfaction with the historic bipartisan support for the ordinance, stating that it demonstrates their ability to transcend differences and prioritize the needs of the entire community.

The new legislation authorizes Spokane Police Department (SPD) officers to offer assistance to willing individuals, issue citations to rule-breakers, or do both. This addresses concerns about unclear laws and whether individuals could be cited for breaking them before accepting services. The ordinance expands the scope of obstruction to include any portion of public property where violations occur and explicitly adds bridges, stairways, medians, plazas, and transit facilities.

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In addition to preventing unauthorized camping, this ordinance also provides SPD officers with more tools to boost community safety. These include protecting waterways and publicly owned trees, preventing illegal fires, and managing harmful litter. The ordinance also enhances penalties for some violations and removes a provision that required persons cited for unlawful burning to be cited and released.

One of its main goals is to address camping and obstruction on all public property, including rights-of-way and entry points to private properties. As an emergency ordinance passed with more than five votes in favor, it will go into effect immediately.

The unanimous support from all seven City Council members highlights their dedication to working together for the betterment of Spokane's community. With this new legislation in place, the city hopes to create safer and more accessible spaces for all residents.

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