Seattle launches emergency command center for homelessness with fed help
One of the last pieces of an ambitious plan to reduce visible homelessness downtown is now up and running in Seattle’s Emergency Operations Center. Known as the Housing Command Center, it’s part of the Partnership for Zero effort that the King County Regional Homelessness Authority announced earlier this year. The partnership, using public money and more than $10 million in private funding, is focused on reducing the number of people living in tents and doorways in Seattle’s downtown core — which includes the neighborhoods of Belltown, Pioneer Square, and the CID — where that population is largest. To get the center off the ground, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development deployed three staff members there last month, a rare move by the federal government to support a region’s local homelessness efforts. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)
Split Whatcom County Council approves formation of Racial Equity Commission
The Whatcom County Council approved the formation of a Racial Equity Commission, a panel to promote diversity and advise elected officials on policy to address disparities that affect people of color in a range of areas, including economic, educational, housing, health care and criminal justice. The vote Tuesday night, Oct. 11, was split 4-3, with Councilmembers Ben Elenbaas, Tyler Byrd and Kathy Kershner opposed. Whatcom County’s new Racial Equity Commission will be composed of elected officials and appointed members who speak for a variety of community interests, including representatives of business and social justice organizations, according to its founding document approved Tuesday night. Dozens of U.S. cities have similar advisory groups or have pledged to create them, according to the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Robert Mittendorf)
Tacoma council passes a homeless camping ban. Here’s what it means and when it starts
An ordinance to create a homeless encampment ban around temporary shelters and protected waters in Tacoma was passed by the City Council on a 6-3 vote Tuesday night. The ordinance restricts homeless camps from being set up within 10 blocks of the city’s temporary homeless shelters. The implementation and enforcement of the ordinance will be determined by Neighborhood and Community Services and Tacoma Police Department, ahead of the Nov. 14 effective date. Deputy Mayor Catherine Ushka was one of the first council members to say she would not support the ordinance. “I can’t pass something that makes an economic challenge a criminal offense,” she said. Council member Keith Blocker, District 3, said the ordinance is off the mark and could cause more harm than good by causing trauma to those in encampments by moving them around. Continue reading at The News Tribune.
Associated Press
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Bainbridge Island Review
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Split Whatcom County Council approves formation of Racial Equity Commission
Capital Press
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Everett Herald
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News Tribune
Tacoma council passes a homeless camping ban. Here’s what it means and when it starts
Pierce County leaders want 2 rural sites scrapped from new airport short list. Here’s why
Seattle Times
What to know about the updated COVID booster in WA
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Seattle launches emergency command center for homelessness with fed help
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Skagit Valley Herald
Friendship House with new executive director
Spokesman Review
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More heat records could be in store for Spokane as balmy October continues
University of Idaho grant will help farms across Idaho adopt better practices for both soil and climate
Former Spokane Police officer who raped women on duty sentenced to 14 years to life
Tri-City Herald
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Washington Post
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Yakima Herald-Republic
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KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
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KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
City-sanctioned encampment offers one-of-a-kind approach in Tacoma
KNKX Public Radio
Tacoma approves polarizing ban on unsanctioned encampments
KUOW Public Radio
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Q13 TV (FOX)
Tacoma City Council passes ban on homeless encampments
Web
Crosscut
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The Stranger
King County’s Housing Crisis Limits Its Efforts to Reduce Crime