Homelessness Crisis in Spokane: Candidates Offer Differing Views on Solutions

Strategic Insights -

In Spokane, where homelessness has been a persistent issue for years, candidates Zack Zappone and Christopher Savage are vying to represent Northwest Spokane in the city council. The two candidates debated the city's homelessness crisis on Wednesday at the Shadle Park Library, highlighting their differing stances on addressing the issue. Zappone, a liberal-leaning high school teacher, won 51% of the primary election votes, while Savage, a more conservative-leaning candidate, secured 28.8% of votes. The candidates' discussion centered on where homeless individuals should be directed, with Zappone advocating for more treatment centers, stabilization facilities, and detox services, whereas Savage proposed arresting and sending them to jail.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zappone supports a Housing First policy, prioritizing getting homeless individuals into a safe living space before addressing underlying issues like addiction.
  • Savage disagrees, advocating for placing homeless individuals in stabilization facility centers to address addictions before providing housing.
  • Savage believes that jail time can be a catalyst for change, citing anecdotal evidence from individuals who credit incarceration with prompting them to reform their lives.
  • Zappone contests that simply arresting homeless individuals without providing treatment services will only lead to cycle of relapse and recidivism.
  • Both candidates agree that the city needs more beds in homeless shelters, but differ on how to fund those beds, with Savage suggesting cutting redundant city positions and Zappone expressing support for the city's recent passage of "Prop 1 plus."
  • Zappone led the effort to pass Proposition 1 in 2023, which banned unauthorized homeless camping near parks, schools, and child care facilities, and has previously campaigned to reinstate the initiative after it was struck down by the state Supreme Court in 2025.

Statistics:

  • The city of Spokane is experiencing a homelessness crisis, with multiple candidates circulating differing solutions to address the issue.
  • Zappone secured 51% of primary election votes in August, while Savage garnered 28.8% of votes.
  • Savage has identified over 20 positions at city hall that he believes are redundant and could be eliminated to fund shelter beds, resulting in $2-3 million in savings.
  • The city is currently experiencing a $13 million budget deficit, leading to the recent announcement of cutting 30 to 50 positions to balance the budget.

Sources:

  • "Spokane City Council candidates on stage, debating homelessness solutions" by Emily White (The Spokesman-Review, Oct 29, 2025)