Council affirms emergency resolution to implement Safe and Accessible Public Spaces ordinance amid SNAP, process debates

The Spokane City Council on Nov. 11 voted 6-1 to ratify and modify an executive order from Mayor Lisa Brown designed to implement the Safe and Accessible Public Spaces ordinance and to authorize limited emergency contracting to expand shelter capacity, eviction prevention and short-term food assistance.

The resolution—identified in the agenda as Resolution 2025-0104—was framed by sponsors as an urgent measure to free funds and open surge beds ahead of winter. Supporters argued the action would enable faster deployment of eviction-prevention funds, surge housing and medication-assisted treatment and cited recent operational strains on bed capacity.

Opponents and many public commenters disputed the emergency rationale. Several speakers, including Will Hewings, said SNAP benefits had already been distributed and questioned whether the city needed an emergency order that reduced council oversight. Council members expressed divergent views: Council member Bridal and Council member Cathcart criticized the scope and timing of the emergency authority and said council oversight risk had been ceded; Council member Dylan, Lambden and others said the measure complements prior homelessness ordinances and provides needed flexibility to get people indoors.

Council discussion also covered the limited food assistance amount in the resolution (council quoted $30,000 for food aid in one version) and whether the emergency designation should be time-limited. The resolution as amended included sideboards the council said would retain an ability to terminate contracts if services were not delivered. The motion passed with six yes votes and one no.

The council asked staff to monitor contract execution closely and to provide periodic updates on use of funds, deployment of surge beds and connections to community providers. The measure does not change underlying state or federal program rules; rather, it authorizes the local execution of certain contracts during the declared emergency period.

Council members said they would continue to seek clearer explanations about fund flows, stronger reporting and explicit end dates for emergency contracting authority where appropriate.