Spokane: Council Approves "Ban the Address" Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance
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~ Spokane City Council Passes "Ban the Address" Ordinance to Enhance Fair Chance Hiring Practices

In a historic move, the Spokane City Council voted 6-1 during its Legislative Session to pass a new fair chance hiring ordinance. The "Ban the Address" ordinance, proposed by Council Member Paul Dillon of District 2, aims to enhance fair chance hiring practices and ensure that qualified job applicants are not excluded from consideration based on their lack of a physical address or housing status.

Lisa Gardner, the City Council Communications Director, stated that this ordinance is a major step forward for the city and provides hope, dignity, and opportunity to workers who have faced challenges due to not having a permanent residence. She also commended the compromise and collaboration among council members that led to this decision.

Council Member Dillon expressed his pride in making history with this ordinance and thanked Council Members Michael Cathcart and Lili Navarrete for their efforts in bringing it forward. He also acknowledged the heartfelt stories shared by people who have been affected by discrimination based on their housing status.

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According to the Spokane Human Rights Commission, houseless job applicants have faced discrimination when providing the address of a shelter or P.O. box. This new ordinance would discourage employers from inquiring about an applicant's address or residency history until after a provisional offer of employment has been made. It is the first of its kind in the country and adds protections for historically excluded communities by ensuring they have equal access to job applications regardless of their housing status.

Council Member Lili Navarrete of District 2 emphasized that homelessness is a complex issue with no single solution. However, this ordinance addresses one contributing factor - lack of employment opportunities for those without a permanent address. She shared that many constituents testified about being denied employment because they lived in their cars or shelters, and this ordinance aims to remove one more barrier towards achieving success for members of the community.

The next step for the ordinance is to be forwarded to the Mayor for review. The Mayor has the option to sign it, not sign it and allow it to become law, or veto it. Assuming the Mayor approves the ordinance, it will be incorporated into the Spokane Municipal Code and become effective 30 days later.

This new fair chance hiring ordinance is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable job market in Spokane. It sends a message that all individuals, regardless of their housing status, deserve a fair chance at employment opportunities.

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