Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 9:47 a.m.
During its Legislative Session, the Spokane City Council voted 6-1 passing a new fair chance hiring ordinance. The "Ban the Address" ordinance enhances fair chance hiring practices, ensuring that qualified job applicants are not excluded from consideration based on their lack of a physical address or their housing status.
“I am proud of the compromise and collaboration that got us to make history tonight in Spokane,” said Spokane City Council Member Paul Dillon, representing District 2. “This ordinance represents a major step forward, providing hope, dignity, and opportunity to workers who have faced challenges due to not having a permanent residence. I want to thank Council Member Cathcart and Council Member Navarrete for all their efforts, as well as the heartfelt stories people have shared.”
According to the Spokane Human Rights Commission, houseless job applicants have faced discrimination when they provide the address of a shelter or a P.O. box. “Banning the Address” would discourage employers from inquiring about an applicant's address or residency history until after a provisional offer of employment has been made. The first of its kind in the country, the ordinance adds protections for historically excluded communities by ensuring they have unfettered access to job applications, regardless of their housing status.
“A problem as complex and multifaceted as homelessness does not have a single, overarching solution,” stated Council Member Lili Navarrete of District 2. “This ordinance addresses a specific contributing factor: lack of employment. It aims to help people without a permanent address secure a job. We heard from many constituents who testified that they were denied employment because they lived in their cars or shelters. We listened to their concerns and took action. I hope this ordinance helps remove one more barrier to achieving a successful life for members of our community.”
The ordinance will be forwarded to the Mayor for review, who can either sign the ordinance, not sign it and allow it to become law, or veto it. Assuming the Mayor approves the ordinance, it will be incorporated into the Spokane Municipal Code and become effective 30 days later.
