Council Members to Introduce New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

Spokane City Council members will introduce the “Safe and Accessible Spaces” ordinance at the Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting on Monday. The proposed legislation empowers police officers to offer services to individuals willing to accept help or to cite violators of camping and obstruction laws. It also prohibits camping on public property and at entrances/exits of private properties. Additional measures in the ordinance focus on protecting waterways and publicly owned trees while addressing issues related to litter and illegal fires. Council Member Zack Zappone highlighted the ordinance's intent to balance support for vulnerable populations with enforcement actions.

He stated, “We need a balanced approach to address these issues. ” Council Member Michael Cathcart noted the shared commitment among council members to uphold community safety and accountability. The committee will establish a timeline for legislative action regarding the ordinance.