Council Votes on Pathways to Eviction Prevention for Spokane

Council Votes on Pathways to Eviction Prevention for Spokane

Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, [email protected]

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 12:18 p.m.

Spokane-During tonight's legislative session, Spokane City Council voted 5-2 "Pathways to Eviction Prevention" for Spokane. Sponsored by Council Members Paul Dillon and Kitty Klitzke, this ordinance will expand the City of Spokane's eviction prevention program to prevent homelessness, restore landlord-tenant relationships, and ensure safe and healthy rental housing in Spokane.

"Thank you to all the stakeholders, staff, and my Council colleagues for making Eviction Prevention permanent," said Council Member Paul Dillon. "I hope this program becomes a model for other cities to follow, as it is a win-win for tenants and landlords. As we confront increased housing insecurity, we must do all we can to make sure families have a roof over their heads."

The ordinance will streamline the process for tenants to access eviction prevention funds and require landlords to provide tenants with written notice of all citywide eviction prevention programs at the time of leasing and during any service of a notice to pay or vacate. An updated list of these programs will also be available on the city's website for both tenants and landlords.

"In the last two years of doorbelling and interacting with neighborhood councils and community members, I have heard over and over--the community wants us to invest seriously in preventing homelessness," said Council Member Kitty Klitzke. "It is the most cost-effective method to address the number of unhoused in our city. I am excited to work with housing providers to prevent people from losing their housing when they could have taken advantage of local programs."

The ordinance will also establish a more permanent, city-supported eviction prevention program overseen by Community Health and Human Services (CHHS). This program would streamline access to state funding, rebuild the landlord-tenant relationship, and connect tenants and landlords with service providers who can intervene early in the eviction process.

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