Program Targets Panhandlers ‘Keep The Change’ Modeled After Other Cities’ Programs

Tue., Aug. 29, 2000

By Mike Roarke mikero@spokesman.com

Spokane police and a local business organization introduced a program Monday intended to slow down “passive panhandling” downtown.

The program, called “Keep the Change,” is modeled after endeavors in other cities.

Police Chief Roger Bragdon said aggressive panhandling has decreased from earlier this year, but problems remain, such as panhandlers sitting on the sidewalk with a change cup or sign.

Bragdon said the “Keep the Change” effort is to let people know that their dollars and cents are better spent at established charities where panhandlers can go to get help.

Anti-panhandling signs and stickers will be provided for store owners.

Downtown business operators have long complained about panhandling. In 1994, the City Council passed an ordinance making aggressive panhandling a misdemeanor offense.

Mike Edwards, president of the Downtown Spokane Partnership, said unchecked panhandling fosters a bad image for downtown businesses.

“Most of the money goes for drugs and alcohol,” Edwards said.

Earlier this year, city staff looked at crafting an ordinance that would allow police to ticket anyone sitting on a sidewalk in a business district during specified hours. The council did not take action.

Bragdon said he still does not support a city ordinance that would ban loitering on sidewalks. He believes panhandling at current levels does not warrant such a measure. Seattle was the first city to enact a tough anti-panhandling law in 1993. Others followed suit. In 1996, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the essence of Seattle’s ordinance.

While police say a dent has been made in the panhandling problem, downtown workers say it remains the same.

“I’m not sure how you attack this problem,” said Steve Mitrovich, owner of Northwest Map and Travel Book Center at Sprague and Howard.

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