Spokane Council Approves Stricter Enforcement of Camping

Strategic Insights -

The Spokane City Council has approved a new ordinance, dubbed "Prop One Plus," that aims to address homelessness by broadening the abilities of city police in addressing homelessness. The proposal, which was met with near-unanimous support from over a dozen speakers, including representatives from the Downtown Spokane Partnership, Greater Spokane Incorporated, Catholic Charities, and Spokane Business Association, prioritizes offering services to homeless people rather than punishment.

The ordinance grants police officers discretion to make an arrest, issue a ticket, offer services, or some combination thereof, depending on the situation. Supporters of the proposal, including local business owner Taryn Coleman and owner of First Avenue Coffee Doyle Wheeler, argued that this approach would make downtown Spokane safer and instill a sense of community. Coleman, who has struggled with addiction in the past, shared her personal story, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding in addressing homelessness.

However, not all homeless individuals are welcoming of the new ordinance. Brianne Holzendorf, 47, has been living on the streets for four months after a series of life-altering events, including the death of her husband and the loss of her job. She has been approached by police officers who are kind and helpful, but she faces obstacles in accessing shelters due to her anxiety and her boyfriend's presence. Amy Melson, 44, who has been living on Spokane's streets since being removed from an Amtrak bus, also shares similar struggles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Spokane City Council has approved a new ordinance, "Prop One Plus," aimed at addressing homelessness by increasing police discretion in addressing homelessness.
  • The proposal prioritizes offering services to homeless people rather than punishment, with police officers having the discretion to make an arrest, issue a ticket, offer services, or a combination thereof.
  • Local business owners and community leaders, including Taryn Coleman and Doyle Wheeler, support the proposal, citing its potential to make downtown Spokane safer and instill a sense of community.
  • However, some homeless individuals, such as Brianne Holzendorf and Amy Melson, face obstacles in accessing shelters due to personal circumstances and may not see the proposal as beneficial.
  • The new ordinance aims to balance compassion and understanding with the need to maintain safe and welcoming spaces for the community.

Statistics:

  • Over a dozen people spoke in favor of the "Prop One Plus" proposal, including representatives from multiple community organizations.
  • The proposal targets homeownership and provides a framework for addressing behaviors that undermine a healthy and welcoming community.
  • Local business owner Taryn Coleman has been homeless in the past and emphasizes the importance of compassion in addressing homelessness.
  • Amy Melson, a homeless individual, relies on daily police outreach and resource lists, but faces barriers in accessing shelters due to her 70-pound dog.
  • Brianne Holzendorf, another homeless individual, has been living on the streets for four months and cites anxiety and lack of shelter options as significant obstacles.

Sources:

  • The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.) - October 28, 2025
  • Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC
  • Creative Commons license
  • Downtown Spokane Partnership
  • Greater Spokane Incorporated
  • Catholic Charities
  • Spokane Business Association