SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane city officials and business leaders are opposing a state bill that could undermine a local ordinance they say has made progress addressing homelessness.
The Spokane City Council unanimously approved the Safe and Accessible Streets Ordinance in October, allowing police to issue citations for illegal camping on public property. However, House Bill 24-89 could override the local ordinance.
The Spokane Business Association credits the ordinance with helping get more homeless people off the streets and cleaning up areas like the Browne Street Viaduct.
“When they take a little more time and take a look at Spokane, they’re going to see we’re making progress,” said Gavin Cooley, director of strategic initiatives for the Spokane Business Association. “It’s about a city finding its way, and we’ve struggled with this issue for a number of years.”
The bill was expected to be voted on Tuesday, but that vote was delayed. The business association is actively lobbying against the legislation.
“I think trying to come up with a one-size-fits-all that takes away the local authority and the local autonomy to come up with policies that work for them, I think it’s an accident, I think it’s well intentioned, but I think it’s a really big mistake too,” Cooley said.
Mayor Lisa Brown’s office and City Council member Paul Dillon both support maintaining local control over camping ordinances.
The timing of the House vote on HB 24-89 remains unclear following Tuesday’s delay.
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