Spokane City Council to Consider New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

The Spokane City Council will vote on the "Safe and Accessible Spaces" ordinance during its 6 p. m. Legislative Session on October 27, 2025. The ordinance aims to prohibit camping and obstruction on public property, including rights-of-way and private property entrances. It grants Spokane Police officers the discretion to either offer services to willing suspects or cite violators, with repeat offenders facing increasing consequences.

The ordinance was discussed in detail during a Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting prior to the vote, where council members suspended the rules to add it to the agenda. This measure reflects ongoing efforts to address public safety and community health concerns in Spokane. Citizens interested in providing testimony can sign up through the City Council Public Comment Sign-up Form webpage. The legislative session will be streamed live on Channel 5, CityCable5 online, and the Spokane City Council Facebook page, ensuring community engagement. Such legislation indicates a significant policy shift in how the city addresses public space usage and homelessness.