City of Spokane Announces Next Chapter of HOME Starts Here Initiative

Spokane city leaders will introduce the next phase of the H. O. M. E. Starts Here initiative at a Public Safety meeting and a press conference.

This phase focuses on enhancing resources through a daytime navigation center and a coordinated street outreach team aimed at addressing public camping and open drug use. Officials plan to give law enforcement officers greater discretion to issue citations and develop new interventions for repeat offenders. Mayor Brown stated that the initiative balances outreach for those in crisis with the need for law enforcement to maintain public safety. Councilmember Zappone expressed confidence that updating the engagement and enforcement ordinance will achieve both compassion and accountability. Chief Hall highlighted that the revised ordinance will support the new outreach model and provide accountability for those who violate the law.

Recommendations will be drafted in collaboration with community partners and the Spokane Police Department. A press conference will be held Tuesday morning to discuss the initiative's goals in more detail.