Spokane Mayor Woodward hears from public about emergency shelters response Woodward explained that the proposed ordinance would jeopardize existing partnerships by requiring resources to be diverted to the expansion of the shelter system. Author: Kelley Collins Updated: 7:28 PM PDT July 7, 2021 SPOKANE, Wash. — Mayor Woodward held a public meeting Wednesday to discuss the city's emergency shelters response after a proposed ordinance from the Spokane City Council that would expand the City's responsibilities dramatically. There were multiple stakeholders in attendance at the meeting including people from Jewel's helping hands, the salvation army and the Guardians Foundation. Woodward started off the meeting by accusing the City Council that they were wanting to move forward with the policy before hearing from stakeholders.