City of Spokane Announces Next Chapter of HOME Starts Here Initiative

Spokane city leaders, including Mayor Lisa Brown, Councilmember Zack Zappone, and Police Chief Kevin Hall, will announce enhancements to the H. O. M. E. Starts Here initiative during a Public Safety meeting and press conference.

The initiative seeks to tackle public camping and open drug use by allowing officers greater discretion in issuing citations and expanding outreach efforts. Mayor Brown emphasized the importance of balancing compassion with accountability, stating that the initiative aims to connect people in crisis with resources while enforcing the law. Councilmember Zappone supported this view, highlighting that updating the engagement and enforcement ordinance could create a more effective system for addressing public disorder. Chief Hall mentioned that improved data indicates the need for officers to exercise discretion in enforcement decisions. The city plans to collaborate with community and business partners to draft recommendations for the ordinance updates.

The press conference will provide further details on the goals of the initiative and how it aims to improve public safety. These steps are critical for enhancing community well-being and resource allocation for those in need.