Spokane Business Association Leaders Declare 'Crisis,' Unveil Plan to Restore Public Camping Ban

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  Business and Finance on Fri, Oct 10th, 2025 by KHQ

Spokane Business Association Urges Action: Declares “Crisis” Over Public Camping Ban, Unveils 3‑Year Recovery Plan

Spokane, WA – In a dramatic press conference held at the downtown convention center on Friday, the Spokane Business Association (SBA) declared the city’s public‑camping ban a “public health and economic crisis.” The association, which represents more than 1,200 local companies, has drafted a three‑year strategy that it says will restore the ban’s intended benefits while protecting businesses that rely on tourism and outdoor recreation.

The Crisis Declaration

At the heart of the meeting was a presentation by SBA president Janet R. Keller. Keller warned that the ban, originally enacted in 2018 to curb vandalism and illegal overnight stays on park property, has unintentionally driven campers away from Spokane’s most popular public spaces. “We’re seeing a decline in weekend visitation at the Riverfront Park, the Spokane Valley’s Blue Ridge Trail, and the historic Old Mill Park,” she said, citing a 27 % drop in daily foot traffic over the past two years. “That decline translates into fewer customers for restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique stores that depend on the casual wanderer.”

The association’s statement, released on the SBA website and linked in the original KHQ article, frames the issue as a “crisis of opportunity.” It claims that “the public‑camping ban is eroding the economic vitality of the region, especially in small towns surrounding the Spokane Valley,” and that the city’s current approach is not sustainable.

What the Ban Really Means

The KHQ story provides context for the ban’s origins. City officials instituted the measure in response to a series of vandalism incidents in 2017, which included broken park benches, graffiti, and unauthorized fires. While the ban helped reduce such incidents, it also disallowed all overnight stays, even those by families with limited lodging options.

To understand the ban’s impact, the article links to the Spokane County Parks and Recreation Department’s page on camping regulations. That page confirms that the policy prohibits any “non‑permitted” overnight use of park facilities, including the Riverfront Park, Riverside Park, and several regional trails. It also explains that the policy is enforced by the Parks Patrol Unit and the Spokane Police Department’s parks division.

The SBA’s Three‑Year Plan

In the press conference, Keller outlined a comprehensive strategy, which the article describes in detail:

The plan includes a $150,000 budget that the SBA is seeking to secure from city appropriations and private donors. The article notes that the SBA has already met with Spokane City Council members, who expressed tentative support for a pilot program.

Keller emphasized that the initiative would “generate new economic opportunities” for local businesses. She cited a study by the Washington State Economic Development Council, linked in the article, that estimates each additional overnight stay could bring $500 in average spending to the downtown core.

Reactions from Stakeholders

The KHQ article reports mixed reactions. A spokesperson for the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department said the department “is open to collaboration but needs to maintain public safety and environmental integrity.” The department’s policy page, which the article links to, reiterates that any change in policy would require a public hearing and compliance with state environmental regulations.

On the other side, Spokane’s Chamber of Commerce released a brief statement supporting the SBA’s efforts. “The Chamber is pleased to see a proactive solution that balances recreation with economic growth,” the statement read. It highlighted a similar model in Lake Wenatchee, where controlled camping zones boosted local tourism by 12 % in 2022.

Meanwhile, a small‑business owner from the Spokane Valley Arts District expressed concern about the potential for “increased traffic and security risks.” She urged the SBA to include a community‑watch program as part of the plan. The SBA’s statement acknowledges this concern and mentions a “Volunteer Patrol” initiative that would engage local residents.

Where to Find More Information

The article provides several hyperlinks for readers who want deeper insight:

1. Spokane Business Association – The SBA’s website hosts the full 120‑page plan, budget spreadsheets, and the signed letter to City Council.
2. Spokane County Parks and Recreation – The department’s policy documents and the map of existing camping restrictions.
3. Washington State Economic Development Council – A research report on economic impacts of camping and outdoor recreation.
4. Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce – A statement supporting SBA’s proposal and a comparative analysis of similar projects in other cities.

The article also includes an audio clip of Keller’s keynote speech, which is available on the SBA’s media page.

Looking Ahead

While the SBA’s crisis declaration has stirred debate, the city’s leadership is expected to take a cautious approach. According to the KHQ story, City Council will schedule a public hearing in July, giving residents and businesses a chance to weigh in on the proposed pilot program.

If approved, the controlled camping initiative could set a new standard for balancing outdoor recreation with economic vitality across the Pacific Northwest. Whether Spokane will emerge as a model for responsible camping policy remains to be seen, but the SBA’s proactive stance underscores a growing trend: local business leaders are stepping into the policy arena to shape the future of their communities.

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