The Spokane City Council has enacted a citywide camping ban, a decision that has sparked intense debate and comes in the wake of an ethics complaint. The new ordinance, passed on Monday, replaces a previous ban approved by nearly 75% of voters in 2023. The vote reflected deep ideological divides within the council, following over a year of discussions, community forums, and allegations of quid pro quo involving the progressive majority and Mayor Lisa Brown.
The initial rejection of the ban on June 16 was reconsidered after much of the audience had departed. A significant point of contention was the requirement for up to seven days’ notice before officers could dismantle encampments. This was reduced to three days before the council postponed a final decision until June 30. However, Councilmember Paul Dillon introduced an amendment last week that eliminated the notice period and redefined the concept of obstruction, broadening enforcement capabilities on public property.
Background and Legislative Journey
The new camping ban replaces Proposition 1, a citizen initiative that nearly 75% of voters supported in 2023, which prohibited camping within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, or daycares. The Washington Supreme Court recently invalidated that law but permitted the council to reinstate it through a vote. Councilmembers Jonathan Bingle and Michael Cathcart, representing the conservative minority, advocated for reinstating Prop 1, but the progressive majority rejected this proposal twice.
The Brown administration has favored a more comprehensive approach, emphasizing connections to treatment and housing services over punitive measures. This strategy aligns with the mayor’s scattered-site shelter model, which deviates from a one-size-fits-all solution. The new ordinance includes exemptions for exercising constitutional rights, obstructing access when disabled, seeking emergency aid, and complying with officer directives to leave or accept services.
Community Reactions and Implications
Public reactions to the camping ban have been mixed. Kaitlin Malmquist, a real estate coordinator for GVD Commercial Properties, argued against expecting voluntary compliance, stating,
“Expecting voluntary compliance is not only unrealistic, it’s a failure to acknowledge the severity of their condition. To stand by and hope they’ll choose differently is not compassion. It’s abandonment.”
Sunshine Wiggins, a local homeless woman, expressed support for the ordinance but emphasized the need for more options, stating,
“If we don’t have ordinances like this, I cannot push him towards doing the right things. I don’t want him camping on a sidewalk for three days. I’d rather see him in a shelter and doing his things that he needs to do to better his life.”
Despite being homeless, Wiggins highlighted the necessity of designated areas for the homeless to sleep and receive services.
Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall anticipates a shift in the number of citations issued for unlawful camping as officers adjust to the new approach.
“My initial inclination is that number [of citations] will remain relatively stable or may even dip a bit as we develop policy to support the enforcement of the ordinance,” Hall noted. “Once that occurs, I would expect to see greater engagement, to include enforcement, as the officers become comfortable with the parameters of the ordinance.”
Future Steps and Political Ramifications
The progressive majority describes the ordinance as a step forward, though not a perfect solution. The council acknowledges the importance of continued community engagement to build trust, especially as local businesses advocate for reinstating Prop 1. Councilmember Bingle criticized the ordinance, metaphorically comparing it to ordering a hamburger and receiving a hot dog instead.
Meanwhile, an email chain among residents, business owners, and real estate professionals has reignited discussions of a recall election to remove the council majority and mayor from office. This group has consistently advocated for stricter enforcement and criticized the progressive majority and Mayor Brown for their handling of the homelessness crisis. Following Monday’s vote, the recall conversation resurfaced, with one participant declaring,
“Enough is enough – it’s time.”
Councilmember Dillon, included in the email thread, responded by linking a humorous internet prank, suggesting a light-hearted approach to the recall discussions.
“The recall discussion came up last night,” he wrote, linking to Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
As Spokane navigates the complexities of homelessness and public policy, the new camping ban represents a contentious yet pivotal moment in the city’s ongoing efforts to address these challenges. The council’s decision underscores the broader debate over how best to balance enforcement with compassion and support for vulnerable populations.
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