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Council creates play-streets and block-party program; debate over administrative "public rule" language fails to change ordinance
Summary
The Spokane City Council adopted an ordinance to create a Play Streets and Neighborhood Block Party program, including a new municipal code section and provisions for program policies and equipment lending; an effort to require policies be adopted as a public rule failed, but councilmembers emphasized safety and permitting requirements.
The Spokane City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance establishing a Play Streets and Neighborhood Block Party program that adds a new section to the Spokane Municipal Code to enable temporary street closures for neighborhood events.
The ordinance passed 7-0 after public comment and council discussion about program policy transparency, equipment lending, and the process for administrative policies. A motion to suspend the rules and amend the ordinance’s policy language to require a public-rule process failed, but councilmembers discussed using public rules in the future to increase transparency.
Why it matters: The ordinance is intended to make it easier for neighborhoods to host block parties and play-street events by clarifying permitting, providing for safety reviews by police and fire, and exploring equipment lending (barriers, signs) to reduce cost barriers for small neighborhood events.
Public comment and council debate Sherry Barnett asked whether the program would create ongoing public costs and urged the council to consider whether the program would add expense for some neighbors.
Will Hewings strongly opposed the ordinance on grounds that streets exist primarily for transportation; he said the city should focus on higher-priority problems and described the proposal as a "waste" in light of public-safety and homelessness concerns.
Council discussion focused on process and implementation. Council member McCutcard moved to require that the policy be a public rule; the motion to suspend rules to amend the language failed. Council member Klitsky and others said block-party permitting already requires police and fire sign-off to ensure safe ingress and egress, and that the program would provide a low-cost option to increase neighborhood connections. Council member Bigel (who said he owns an events business) supported accessible equipment lending and noted potential mental-health benefits from social connection.
What the council approved - Ordinance C.3676 (creation of play-streets and neighborhood block party program, new SMC section 16A.0.840.09). Passed 7-0. - A failed motion to suspend rules to alter Section C language to require a public-rule process; the council voted down the suspension.
Discussion vs. decision: Council approved the ordinance and left policy specifics (equipment lending, administrative procedures) to the administration. Councilmembers asked for transparency about the policies and noted the need for safe permits processed through police and fire reviews.
What to watch next: whether the administration develops program policies as a public rule or as internal administrative guidance, and where rentable equipment is stored and funded (councilmembers mentioned existing "cop shop" storage as one option).
