SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokanites are feeling cautiously optimistic after City Council passed a new, stricter anti-camping ban Monday night, giving many hope that safety and access to crucial services will increase for people across Spokane.
On Monday night, Spokane City Council unanimously passed the ‘Safe and Accessible Public Spaces’ ordinance, banning camping citywide.
The new ordinance aims to crack down on public camping, by banning camping on all public property including sidewalks, business entrances, stairs, medians, plazas, bridges and transit facilities.
The ordinance is stricter than similar past policies. Before, people caught camping could simply move somewhere else or agree to get help.
Now, with ‘Safe and Accessible Public Spaces,’ Spokane police are encouraged to only give two options – treatment or, a citation that is likely to lead to an arrest.
Many in the community expressed support for the new ordinance, but said they are unsure about whether or not police will actually be able to implement the law.
“The City Council can pass whatever they want, but if our mayor and our chief of police won’t enforce it, it’s no good,” said Scott Wilder, who lives in Spokane.
Many who live and work in downtown Spokane said they are anxious to see the law make a difference, especially in the lives of people struggling with homelessness or addiction.
Brandon Anderson works downtown near Second Avenue and Division Street, a hotspot for illegal camping. He is also a recovering addict.
“People are sleeping on the ground with litter and using the restroom all over the place,” Anderson said. “It’s no way to live. It’s inhumane, and also, people are dying. Something has got to change, and usually, that kind of change needs to come from within, but sometimes, you need a little push.”
Spokane Police told 4 News Now they are planning meetings to discuss guidance on the ordinance with officers, but would not yet share how they plan to enforce the new law.
Mayor Lisa Brown is set to hold a press conference Wednesday morning to further discuss the ordinance.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
