SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane City Council is facing internal disagreements following the deferment of a proposed ordinance intended to expand areas where camping is restricted within city limits.
The proposed ordinance, introduced by Council Member Jonathan Bingle, seeks to expand sit-and-lie laws throughout the city. The discussion scheduled for Monday was postponed without any community input.
With tensions high, Julie Garcia, Executive Director and Founder of Jewels Helping Hands, emphasized a shared goal among all stakeholders. “Whether it’s if you believe what I believe, which is people shouldn’t sleep outside, it’s inhumane, or if you believe this is destroying our city and our businesses, either way our common ground is always that people should not sleep outside,” Garcia said.
Bingle expressed frustration over the lack of public engagement on the deferred ordinance, stating, “I think it’s important to note that again the ordinances that we’re bringing continue to get deferred without the public getting to give their peace on the things that we’re bringing forward.”
Both Bingle and Garcia agree on the need for community-wide discussions to address homelessness and emphasize open communication.
Despite her frustration, Garcia stressed the importance of prioritizing getting individuals safely off the streets.
The council’s conservative members, including Bingle, feel their voices are being sidelined. “The council majority continues to defer things like this you know because they want to,” Bingle said.
Efforts to obtain comments from other council members are ongoing.
