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Council advances ordinance to let neighborhoods close streets temporarily for play streets and block parties
Summary
On first reading the council advanced an ordinance to establish a play-streets and neighborhood block party program allowing temporary street closures; supporters framed it as reclaiming public space for community use while some downtown residents opposed the measure as a misplaced priority.
The Spokane City Council advanced, on first reading, an ordinance to create a play-streets and neighborhood block party program that would allow neighborhoods to temporarily close local streets for community events.
The ordinance (first reading of ordinance C36,676) would add Section 16A.84.090 to the Spokane Municipal Code, establishing a process for neighborhoods to request temporary closures for block parties, play streets and similar community activities. Supporters said the program would return streets to people and provide low-cost opportunities for community-building, while opponents said the city should focus on public safety and other pressing needs.
Why it matters: Council members and proponents described the ordinance as a low-cost way to increase neighborhood cohesion and activate public space that is otherwise dominated by cars. Eric Lowe, a neighborhood advocate, said Spokane’s lane miles are excessive for car use in residential areas and urged the city to let neighborhoods experiment with people-first street uses. Sarah Rose, a public commenter, urged prioritizing play streets near schools and libraries.
Opposition and concerns: Will Hewings said streets are designed for transportation and criticized what he called a "tone deaf" policy while others argued it detracts from more urgent public-safety priorities. Council members noted the ordinance was on first reading and that further implementation details, including permitting, signage, traffic impacts and public-notice requirements, would be set by staff or future council action.
Next steps: The ordinance advanced on first reading; the council deferred further action to allow more review of details including permitting process and operational guidance. Supporters urged staff to streamline the application and provide templates and safety guidance to neighborhoods.
Ending: Proponents said pilots and neighborhood take-ups this summer could inform whether some temporary measures become longer-term, while opponents asked council to prioritize enforcement and core city services.
