SPOKANE, Wash. — Mayor Lisa Brown has a new plan to address homelessness in downtown Spokane, but business owners question whether it will work.

People camp on sidewalks, parking lots and under viaducts from Hamilton Street to Maple Street and beyond. Brown says she wants to help these people and help people feel safe downtown.

"We want those in the throw of addiction or mental health challenges to be connected," Brown said.

Brown wants to end open drug use on the streets and get fentanyl off the streets.

Her plan puts more police officers downtown with a homeless outreach team. Officers could arrest people camping illegally or direct them to daytime shelters. The city council must approve the plan first.

Business owners want stronger enforcement. Gavin Cooley leads the Spokane Busine

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