On October 27, the Spokane City Council voted unanimously to adopt the “Safe & Accessible Public Spaces” ordinance aimed at improving downtown safety and accessibility, business-friendliness and connections to services for individuals in need. The new ordinance eliminates prior confusion about enforcement options when public spaces are obstructed, giving both the Spokane Police Department (SPD) stronger tools and outreach workers opportunities for navigation while setting expectations for clearer pathways and safer streets. Downtown hospitality and retail sectors should anticipate more consistent enforcement and stronger service-referral infrastructure.

Key Updates

• SPD officers now have expanded discretion: they may offer services, issue citations, or make an arrest when violations meet the standards set in the ordinance.
• A dual-approach remains: compassion first, meaning SPD will continue offering services to individuals willing to accept them, but for individuals or encampments where outreach fails or hazards persist, enforcement is now more actionable.
• The city will collect robust data on repeated offenders and those who accept and refuse services, enabling follow-up enforcement when needed.
• Utilize 3-1-1 7AM – 6PM Monday – Friday (or the “My 3-1-1” app after hours) for reporting camping concerns in real time — with faster linkage to enforcement and outreach.
• Utilize Crime Check, 509-456-2253, to report obstruction or crimes no longer in progress. You can also complete an online report when a police response is not needed at spokane911.com/online-reports.
• Call 9-1-1 if you need immediate police response because you have been threatened or feel unsafe.

What This Means for Our Downtown Hospitality Zone

For restaurants, bars, hotels and other businesses in downtown Spokane, these changes are a promising step toward improving the guest experience, safeguarding sidewalks and entrances, and restoring a sense of predictability for patrons and employees alike. For residents, these changes should keep entrances clear and support a cleaner, safer neighborhood. Clearer enforcement means businesses, employees, residents, and visitors can contact SPD when adjacent public-space issues impact their customers. At the same time, because the ordinance emphasizes outreach and services, our downtown continues to be both business-friendly and rooted in compassion and community cohesion.

The DSP continues to advocate for the establishment of a Downtown Hospitality Zone with additional policies like area restrictions for drug crimes, enhanced bans on panhandling and regulation of unpermitted food distribution.

What to Watch & How to Engage

• If you operate downtown, make sure your management team knows about the 3-1-1 reporting channels, and consider compiling a list of frequent problem locations you’ll monitor.
• Speak up: If you’re seeing improvement, a stable business-environment and safer sidewalks, take a moment to share your experience with the DSP (info@downtownspokane.org) or thank the City Council (citycouncil2@spokanecity.org) and help build positive momentum.
• If you’re seeing unexpected side-effects (e.g., displaced encampments shifting to blocks further away, or outreach services unable to keep pace), document and share those concerns with 3-1-1 or the DSP (509-353-9111).

This ordinance marks a tangible shift in downtown policy. For the hospitality and business community, the message is that downtown Spokane is improving. Change may not be overnight, but we’ve already seen improvement. With continued proactive engagement, we can help shape a better downtown for all.

Trespassing

If you’re encountering repeat issues or disruptive behavior around your business, we encourage you to stay current with property safety protocols:

• Post visible signage outlining prohibited activity on your property. Tip: Place signs near entrances or parking areas—not on public sidewalks or streets.
• Submit the Posted Trespassing Form to trespassing@spokanepolice.org.
• For businesses within the Downtown BID, please also send a copy to security@downtownspokane.org for Ambassadors to keep on file.

A new form must be completed each year—even if you’ve submitted one previously. Please take a few minutes to renew your form before December to ensure uninterrupted enforcement support.