City of Spokane Announces Next Chapter of HOME Starts Here Initiative

Spokane city leaders will announce a strategic update to the H. O. M. E. Starts Here initiative during a Public Safety meeting and a press conference.

The initiative's next phase targets public camping and open drug use, empowering officers with more discretion in issuing citations. Mayor Lisa Brown underscored the need to balance compassion for those in crisis with the need for public safety. Councilmember Zack Zappone emphasized that the updated ordinance will connect individuals to essential resources while ensuring accountability for lawbreakers. The Spokane Police Department will collaborate with community partners to draft the recommendations. Chief Kevin Hall noted that data indicates officers require more tools to manage public disorder effectively.

The initiative includes the launch of a daytime navigation center and a coordinated street outreach team to facilitate access to services. A press conference scheduled for Tuesday morning will elaborate on the initiative's goals and next steps.