Reality television personality and former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt headlined the Washington Policy Center Spokane Dinner Friday with a passionate message about government accountability, wildfire prevention and political engagement.

The Spokane Home Builders Association and the Building Industry Association of Washington were top sponsors of the event.

"Like all of you, we watched in disbelief as devastating wildfires tore through the Spokane region this summer. Thousands of lives were disrupted in a matter of hours. Families lost homes, possessions, and pieces of their life stories that can never truly be replaced,” said BIAW’s Vice President of Industry Research & Partnerships. “Because a home is never just four walls and a roof. When homes are lost, a community loses part of its foundation.

“That’s why BIAW, alongside incredible local partners like the Spokane Home Builders Association, are proud to support relief efforts ,” he said. “Our keynote speaker knows firsthand what it means to watch a community face disaster and then confront the difficult questions that follow.”

After his home burned to the ground in the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfire, Pratt became an outspoken advocate for wildfire prevention and government reform. His personal experience navigating the rebuilding process helped inspire his campaign for mayor of Los Angeles.

In his keynote, Pratt criticized government policies he believes contributed to the wildfire’s destruction and continue to slow rebuilding efforts. He pointed to costly permits, utility connections, damaged infrastructure and environmental regulations as examples of government standing in the way of recovery.

“Even people who have the money to rebuild start asking themselves, ’Is it worth it? Are we ever coming back?’” Pratt said.

He also challenged California’s approach to wildfire prevention, arguing that better vegetation management, firebreaks and prescribed burns could help protect communities.

Beyond wildfire recovery, Pratt addressed homelessness, public safety and the importance of enforcing existing laws. He emphasized that safe communities and functioning government are essential to economic opportunity and thriving businesses.

Throughout the discussion, Pratt returned to the power of communication and the need to engage voters with clear, compelling messages.

He credited his campaign’s momentum to telling his story, challenging conventional political narratives and giving frustrated residents a voice.

"My goal was just to platform common sense,” he said.

Asked what advice he would give Washington residents seeking meaningful change, Pratt emphasized education, effective messaging and community involvement — particularly reaching younger voters.

He closed with a call for citizens to take action in whatever way they can.

“Not everyone needs to be the person who goes and yells at a city council meeting,” Pratt said. “You fight the way you are best able to fight.”