SPOKANE, WA – Spokane City Council convened to discuss a revised ordinance aimed at restricting unauthorized camping in public areas. The ordinance was presented for its first reading, stirring discussion among community members at City Hall.
The proposal emphasizes engagement before enforcement. However, some residents express concerns about the ordinance potentially criminalizing survival.
Johnny Saldana, representing the group Experience Matters, voiced his apprehensions. “These minor infractions… could land me back into prison for years and years,” he said. “If they don’t have anywhere to go, how are we going to cite them?” added Saldana.
The revised ordinance allows enforcement to proceed after a seven-day outreach period, regardless of shelter availability.
Tsacha Mewhinney, a social work student at Eastern Washington University, shared her perspective, highlighting the ordinance’s approach. “It’s really an engagement-first model, a crucial step toward a more humane approach,” she stated. “The goal is ‘Oh hey, you’re laying down here… what do you need?'” Mewhinney explained. “And then in a week, if you’re still not engaging in services, we can cite you.”
The ordinance proposes extending restrictions throughout Spokane, including near schools, shelters, and public spaces. This has drawn mixed reactions from the community.
“They’re not wrong for being concerned, but at the same time, we’re human beings, and these people are human beings,” Saldana expressed.
Mewhinney noted that the ordinance reflects a commitment to tackling homelessness head-on. “This ordinance really reflects a commitment to addressing the root causes of homelessness — like housing affordability, economic security, and behavioral healthcare support,” she said.
The Spokane City Council plans to revisit the ordinance for further discussion and a possible vote in the coming weeks.
