SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown declared an emergency Wednesday as families throughout the community run out of federal food assistance benefits while the federal government remains shut down.

The emergency declaration addresses two critical issues facing the city: and the implementation of a that gives law enforcement expanded authority to cite and arrest people living on the streets.

Under the new camping ordinance, individuals experiencing homelessness face two options. They can either access services or face arrest. Brown's administration expects increased demand for shelter beds as enforcement intensifies, contributing to the rationale behind the emergency declaration.

"Declaring an emergency allows us to bypass lengthy contracting processes and get funds out more quickly

See Full Page