City of Spokane Announces Next Chapter of HOME Starts Here Initiative

Spokane officials will announce new strategies in the H. O. M. E. Starts Here initiative at a Public Safety meeting and press conference.

Mayor Lisa Brown, Councilmember Zack Zappone, and Police Chief Kevin Hall will discuss measures to tackle public camping and open drug use. The plan includes launching a daytime navigation center and a coordinated outreach team, with officers receiving greater discretion to issue citations. Recommendations for updating the engagement and enforcement ordinance will involve collaboration with community and business partners. Mayor Brown stated that the initiative seeks to balance compassion for individuals in crisis with the need for accountability for those breaking the law. Councilmember Zappone echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of both compassion and accountability.

Chief Hall highlighted that more discretion for officers will help align enforcement with the new outreach model. Details of the press conference will be released shortly.