Downtown Hospitality Zone
Destination Enhancement:
Downtown Hospitality Zone
Final Obstruction Ordinance: A Step Forward
Passed on June 30, 2025, Ordinance C36679 reflects the ongoing advocacy of DSP and its partners for a dedicated hospitality zone. We continue to push for stronger enforcement, recognizing downtown’s vital role as a shared public space serving the entire community.
Throughout fall 2024, DSP representatives participated in every roundtable hosted by the Mayor’s Office and City Council, providing feedback on key issues including:
- Sit-lie ordinances
- Camping regulations
- Pedestrian interference laws
- Broader impacts on public space management
We appreciated the opportunity to advocate for balanced, compassionate approaches that support both public safety and community vitality.
However, we remain concerned that the final H.O.M.E. ordinance package does not fully reflect the feedback shared — particularly the priorities of downtown employers, businesses, employees, residents, and visitors who rely on consistent accessibility.
Since the ordinances were introduced in May, DSP has taken proactive steps:
- Engaged city officials for clarification
- Testified at City Council meetings
- Convened a community meeting with downtown stakeholders to raise concerns
Letter of support Mayor Brown Response
Sign on in support Email to Council Template
Advancing a Safer, More Welcoming Downtown Spokane
At the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP), we believe that thoughtful, inclusive policy is the foundation of a thriving urban core. That’s why we’ve been actively engaged in shaping the future of public space management and community well-being in downtown Spokane.
As the H.O.M.E. ordinances move toward final implementation, we are urging City Council to continue the conversation by establishing a dedicated Downtown Zone — spanning Boone to the north, 4th Avenue to the south, Maple to the west, and Division to the east. Within this zone, public sidewalks, plazas, parks, and underpasses must remain clear, navigable, and protected for pedestrian use.
This proposed Downtown Hospitality Zone is more than a policy framework — it’s a commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all. Your voice matters in this process. Help shape the amenities, services, and experiences that define our downtown by completing the community survey today.
The Downtown Zone should set clear expectations: public spaces must be safe, accessible, and well-maintained. Beyond management policies, it must include expanded outreach resources, increased foot patrols, and enhanced enforcement by Spokane Police to ensure these standards are met.
This zone acknowledges the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities of Spokane’s urban core and ensures future policies are tailored to support its success.
Downtown Spokane is more than a location — it’s a hub of culture, commerce, and community. Let’s make sure it has a voice in the decisions that shape its future.
What’s Next: Join the Conversation
As part of the Public Safety Committee’s upcoming meeting, new legislative language has been published. While the Council appears to have the votes, the mayor is now pushing back — making this a critical moment to stay engaged.
Key provisions in the proposed legislation include:
- A clarified definition of obstruction, prohibiting blockage of any portion of public sidewalks and property (including pedestrian buffers like the Lincoln statue area)
- Explicit prohibition of obstruction to private property access
- New tools to address damage to trees, illegal fires, littering, misuse of transit stops, and camping
- Officer discretion to enforce violations immediately, while still encouraging service referrals
- Prioritization of encampment removal near sensitive sites (schools, parks, shelters)
- Intent to address chronic offenders with graduated consequences and diversion options*
Join us Monday at 6:00pm at City Hall or watch online.
Email your comments: citycouncil2@spokanecity.org
*Note: Graduated consequences require action from the City Prosecutor and Municipal Court. Two of three municipal court positions are currently on the ballot. Read their responses to the DSP candidate questionnaire to learn more about their positions.
In the Media:
KREM KXLY Spokesman-Review