Police in Spokane now have more discretion to cite people who are obstructing public property, lighting fires, or harming trees.

Spokane City Council voted unanimously Monday night to pass an emergency ordinance called “Safe and Accessible Public Spaces.”

It gives police more freedom to decide how to handle camping in public or obstruction of property. Connecting people to services is still a priority under the ordinance, but escalating citations are also an option for repeat offenders.

The measure also prioritizes cleaning encampments that are close to parks, daycares, and schools.

District 1 council member Michael Cathcart was one of the driving forces behind the code update, but he thanked each of his colleagues by name on the dais.

“This has truly been the most collaborative proce

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