Spokane City Council to Consider New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

The Spokane City Council will vote on the “Safe and Accessible Spaces” ordinance during a legislative session on October 27, 2025. This ordinance, discussed in a recent Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting, empowers Spokane Police officers to offer services to willing suspects or issue citations, with increasing penalties for repeat offenders. It aims to outlaw camping and obstruction on all public property, including right-of-ways and entrances to private property. Residents can sign up to testify before the meeting through the City Council Public Comment Sign-up Form. The session will be streamed live on Channel 5, CityCable5 online, and the Spokane City Council Facebook page.

This legislation is part of Spokane's broader strategy to address public safety and community health issues. The city has faced challenges related to homelessness and public space usage, prompting the need for stricter regulations. If passed, the ordinance could significantly impact how local law enforcement interacts with vulnerable populations in the city.