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 Legislative Session at 6 p. m. on October 27, 2025. This ordinance empowers Spokane Police Department officers to either offer services to willing suspects or cite violators for camping and obstruction on public property, including private property entrances. The Council discussed this measure in a Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting, where they suspended rules to add it to the agenda.

If enacted, the ordinance will make camping illegal across all public property, addressing ongoing concerns about public safety and community health. Individuals wishing to provide input can register through the City Council Public Comment Sign-up Form webpage. The live stream of the session will be available on Channel 5, CityCable5 online, and the Spokane City Council's Facebook page. The ordinance reflects a growing trend in urban areas to regulate public space use amid increasing homelessness and related issues. Local advocates and opponents are likely to voice their opinions during the meeting, highlighting the ordinance's potential impact on the community.