Spokane City Council Adopts Engagement and Enforcement Ordinances

The Spokane City Council approved two ordinances during a Legislative Session to address homelessness, reflecting months of community feedback. Ordinance C36679 unifies existing laws on unauthorized camping, making it a misdemeanor citywide while emphasizing engagement with those affected. It aims to connect individuals to navigation services before resorting to citations. Ordinance C36694 outlines aggressive solicitation, defining intimidating behaviors such as persistent solicitation and threatening language. Council Member Zack Zappone emphasized the need to focus on where individuals will go next, advocating for safe parking and permanent housing solutions.

Council Member Paul Dillon remarked that the ordinance clarifies existing laws and supports public health and safety. The Council will evaluate and monitor the implementation of these new measures. This legislative action follows the overturning of Proposition 1 by the Washington State Supreme Court earlier in April.