Council Members to Introduce New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

Spokane City Council members will introduce the "Safe and Accessible Spaces" ordinance at Monday's Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting. The proposed legislation aims to criminalize camping and obstruction of public property, granting Spokane Police discretion to offer services to individuals willing to accept help or to cite repeat offenders with increasing penalties. The ordinance also includes provisions to protect waterways and publicly owned trees while addressing illegal fires and littering issues. Council Member Zack Zappone stated, “We all want to see an end to public camping,” highlighting the need for a balanced approach. Council Member Michael Cathcart expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of connecting individuals seeking help with available services.

The ordinance seeks to clarify officers' enforcement powers, resolving ambiguities from a prior ordinance passed in June. The timeline for legislative action will be established during the committee meeting, where public testimony will also be accepted. This legislation reflects ongoing efforts to address homelessness and public safety concerns in Spokane.