Brief Supports the Power of Local Initiative Processes Across the State
Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) and the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) announced the filing of an amicus brief with the Washington State Supreme Court today in support of Spokane’s Proposition No. 1. The brief focuses on issues raised in the case which would weaken the local initiative process used to propose and pass Proposition 1 in 2023. The proposition amends a local ordinance to prohibit camping within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, playgrounds, and licensed daycare centers.
The Amicus Curae, or “Friend of the Court,” brief outlines GSI and the DSP’s interests in protecting the local initiative process and its outcomes in Spokane. Those interests include protecting and enhancing local control for community-based solutions, responsible use of public spaces, and the protection of the economic vitality of the Spokane region.
“The local initiative is a cornerstone of our democratic process. GSI can’t allow it to become collateral damage in the fight over Proposition 1,” said Alisha Benson, CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated. “When I saw arguments being brought to the Court that would weaken this process, I felt GSI had to step in on behalf of our member partners. We will never have a community solution to our neighbors’ homelessness without centering the voice of our community.”
“Preserving the vitality of downtown Spokane and the responsible use of public space in our community is a top priority of the DSP and echoed by Spokane voters who overwhelmingly voted to pass Proposition 1 last year,” said Emilie Cameron, President & CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership. “The DSP partnered in this brief to protect the power of the local initiative process and confirm that Spokane has a necessary tool to intervene when homelessness impacts the ability to ensure safe access to public spaces for everyone.”
A briefing for the media and local businesses with Jackson Maynard, retained counsel and author of the brief took place earlier this week. For more information contact Jake Mayson, Public Policy Director at jmayson@greaterspokane.org.
Click here to view the full brief.
Update on GSI’s Involvement in Proposition 1
Recently, we conducted press and member briefings featuring Jackson Maynard, our retained counsel, which garnered coverage from the Journal of Business, KXLY, and KHQ, among others. We are pleased to inform you that our motion to file the brief was successful, and the brief has been accepted by the court. The parties involved in the lawsuit now have several weeks to respond, and we eagerly await oral arguments scheduled for mid-September.
About Greater Spokane Inc.
Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) is the Spokane region’s business development organization, focused on leading transformative business and community initiatives to build a robust regional economy. GSI is a nonprofit organization that serves as the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Organization that supports the success of businesses of all sizes across the Inland Northwest. GSI is dedicated to creating a vibrant Spokane region by advocating at the local, state, and federal levels, driving strategic economic growth, and championing a talented workforce. Learn more at GreaterSpokane.org.
About Downtown Spokane Partnership
The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) is a private, not-for-profit membership organization that serves as Spokane’s central city advocate and service provider of the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District (BID), dedicated to enhancing the quality and vitality of downtown Spokane as the basis for a healthy region. To learn more, visit DowntownSpokane.org.
