Council votes to expand
protections against ICE agents
During Monday night’s Legislative Session, the Spokane City Council voted to approve the “Safe and Welcome in Spokane” ordinance, which expands protections against warrantless searches by immigration enforcement in designated nonpublic areas. These areas include public rights of way that are not generally accessible to the public or where access is temporarily restricted, such as during a permitted special event requiring explicit authorization. This initiative directly addresses safety concerns raised by residents and employees regarding security, accessibility and the protection of city assets, according to a news release from the city.
“In passing the ‘Safe and Welcome in Spokane’ ordinance, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a community where everyone feels safe and respected,” said Council Member Paul Dillon. “This measure not only protects the rights of our residents but also ensures that non-public areas remain accessible without the fear of unwarranted immigration enforcement. It’s about standing together as a city and fostering an environment of trust and safety for all, and most importantly, reinforces that in Spokane, we all belong.”
Council votes to support public dollars for public benefit
During Monday’s Legislative Session, the City Council voted to support ordinance 36723 titled “Public Dollars for Public Benefit,” which creates a community workforce agreement and prioritizes hiring to promote training and career opportunities for individuals in the construction trades. It also establishes priorities for hiring residents in economically distressed areas and directs the city’s Finance Department to execute a project labor agreement for public works projects estimated to cost $5 million or more, according to a news release from the city.
“This ordinance is a major move toward not just developing our infrastructure but also strengthening our workforce,” said Council Member Paul Dillon, co-sponsor of this ordinance. “By focusing on local residents and investing in training, we’re preparing our community for long-term success.”
Through this ordinance, the council encourages the Spokane Park Board, the Spokane Library Board and the Spokane Public School Board to adopt the community workforce agreement and priority hire program. Community Workforce Agreements and Project Labor Agreements are known to prevent waste, maximize public benefits and ensure equity while delivering measurable advantages to workers, communities, and taxpayers.
“The labor movement has been at the forefront of fighting for better wages and working conditions for workers. I’m proud to co-sponsor this ordinance encouraging priority hiring practices for contractors to provide quality pay and benefits and making sure our public dollars benefit our local economy first and foremost,” said Council Member Zack Zappone, co-sponsor of the ordinance. “Dollars from these public works projects will provide Spokanites with living wages that reinvest in our local economy.”