UPDATE: June 17, 2025 8:28 AM
The Spokane City Council decided to postpone voting on an amended camping ban proposal until June 30.
The plan was originally voted down at the Monday night meeting, but was reconsidered after adding an amendment.
After reopening public testimony for about 45 more minutes, the council decided to postpone a vote on the proposal to June 30.
SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane City Hall was bustling as residents gathered to discuss a controversial proposal to reinstate the city’s camping ban.
The proposal would revive elements of Proposition 1, allowing Spokane police to take action against homeless camping even if shelter space is unavailable. This sparked mixed reactions within the community, with dozens lining up to voice their opinions.
“There are 45 public comments on this topic,” said Betsy Wilkerson, Spokane City Council President.
One resident expressed concern over safety issues.
“There was a body found on that corner. There was the third body that was found last week on our streets. And it just can’t be normal,” they stated.
Proponents of the proposal argue that it addresses public safety concerns.
“We documented 144 sitting lions, 14 camping, 31 pedestrian interferences. 12 open drug users. It’s 71 pages for 24 hours,” Harry Sladich from GoJoe Patrol said.
However, opponents caution against the potential consequences of the ban.
“Continuing to criminalize the homeless is how we got into this crisis in the first place,” one speaker noted.
With 45 people eager to share their views, the council suspended its own rules to accommodate everyone.
