SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane City Council is weighing a new ordinance designed to shield renters from eviction when natural disasters or emergencies devastate their finances.
The proposed measure would protect renters who experience a significant financial loss during emergencies, but only after the mayor declares an emergency in the city. Specifically, the ordinance would prevent evictions for renters who have lost 10% or more of their average monthly income as a result of the disaster.
At tonight’s council meeting, people presented arguments both for and against the proposal, reflecting the complex balance between protecting vulnerable renters and addressing landlord concerns.
Opponents of the ordinance argue that current language does not include sufficient safeguards to prevent landlords from being exploited during these situations. Critics contend that housing providers should not bear the financial burden alone when other essential services do not.
“Food is essential. Grocery stores are not required to accept non-payment. Transportation is essential. Mechanics are not required to work without payment. Mortgages, taxes, utilities, and payments do not stop. Only housing providers are being told to finance this response,” one opponent stated during the meeting.
Supporters of the ordinance counter that it provides critical protection for residents who have lost everything in disasters. They point to recent events like the Spokane Complex Fire as evidence of the need for such protections.
“This ordinance needs to be about residents who are not receiving community funding. Those are our tenants who have been temporarily displaced but have been financially impacted and will be at risk for months to come,” a supporter said.
Under the ordinance as currently written, renters would receive protection for up to 12 months following the end of the emergency declaration. Spokane Councilman Paul Dillon, who represents District 2, emphasized that this extended timeline is necessary for people to rebuild their lives after losing their homes or employment.
“If you have lost your home or your employment, it takes a while to get back on your feet. And so that’s what this ordinance is trying to do, is trying to help people position for success and address their needs, which is housing,” Dillon said.
The ordinance was introduced as a direct response to the Spokane Complex Fire, but if approved, it would remain permanently in effect. This means the protections would automatically apply to any future disasters that prompt a mayoral emergency declaration in the city.
Dillon emphasized the broader implications of the measure. “I think it’s going to provide both a short and a long term benefit and it’s Spokane City Council stepping up and meeting people where they are at and making sure that they are safe. There is nothing more safe than having a roof over your head,” he said.
The council will revisit the ordinance for another reading at its next scheduled meeting on September 9th.
COPYRIGHT 2026 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
