City of Spokane Announces Next Chapter of HOME Starts Here Initiative

Spokane officials will soon introduce the next phase of the H. O. M. E. Starts Here initiative, focusing on public camping and open drug use.

Mayor Lisa Brown and Police Chief Kevin Hall will announce strategies at a Public Safety meeting and a press conference. The initiative will launch a daytime navigation center and a new street outreach team to provide resources for those in need. Mayor Brown stressed the necessity of balancing compassion for individuals in crisis with the need for community safety. Councilmember Zack Zappone remarked on the importance of updating the engagement and enforcement ordinance to hold individuals accountable for repeated violations. Chief Hall pointed out that officers require greater discretion in making citation decisions, which aligns with the new outreach model.

The city will draft recommendations in collaboration with community partners and the Spokane Police Department. Further press conference details will be shared soon.