Council adopts amendment renaming eviction diversion program to 'eviction prevention' and clarifies resources

The Spokane City Council approved an amendment to Ordinance C36808 that changes program language from "eviction diversion" to "eviction prevention" and clarifies how services will be handled if funding is unavailable.

Councilmember Dillon explained the amendment is intended to align the ordinance title with existing programming and funding sources and to clarify alternatives when immediate funding is not available. Dillon said the amendment also includes references to eviction court mediation as a resource for tenants and landlords when support is needed. The amendment was moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote.

The council did not adopt a detailed funding schedule during the session; questions about funding sources and implementation were acknowledged as part of the ordinance discussion.