Spokane City Council to Consider New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

The Spokane City Council will vote on the “Safe and Accessible Spaces” ordinance during the 6 p. m. Legislative Session on October 27, 2025. This ordinance, recently reviewed in a Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting, aims to make camping and obstruction on public property illegal. Under the proposed legislation, Spokane Police Department officers would have the discretion to offer services to willing suspects or cite violators, with increasing penalties for repeat offenders.

Community members can sign up to testify before the meeting using the City Council Public Comment Sign-up Form webpage. The session will be streamed live on Channel 5, CityCable5 online, and the Spokane City Council Facebook page. This ordinance is part of Spokane's broader strategy to enhance public safety and manage community health challenges. The city has faced ongoing issues related to homelessness and public space usage, making this ordinance particularly relevant. The council's actions may set a precedent for how similar issues are addressed in other municipalities.