The new year begins during a time of uncertainty and anxiety about the state of the economy, both nationally and at the state level. Inflation has been rising at worrying rates for the last year, driving up costs for consumers and employers.

The North Spokane Corridor project should be funded fully on its present timeline. Any alternative plan for the $1.49 billion project is unacceptable. Advocates for the project thought funding was a done deal-or as close to a done deal there can be

The city of Spokane is planning about $9.9 million in sidewalk and traffic-calming projects throughout the city this year, says Marlene Feist, Spokane's director of public works. Seven sidewalk projects are valued at $6.3 million and about a dozen

Pacific Land Holdings LLC, of Everett, Washington, plans this spring to build an outdoor recreational vehicle and automobile storage yard, to be located at 12032 W. 21st, in Airway Heights. Environmental documents show commercial buildings totaling 90

A piece of land nestled in a quiet corner of Peaceful Valley is being eyed for a $2 million residential development, says Richard Palmer, owner of Palmer Enterprises LLC. Palmer says he's in talks with a few developers and designers about residential

Real estate investors from Western Washington have shifted some of their focus toward commercial real estate in Eastern Washington and North Idaho, where some commercial markets are expected to provide better opportunities and returns on investments than

Quality Powdercoating Inc., of Hayden, is constructing a new facility in Hayden. Post Falls-based Donohoe Construction is the contractor on the project. Rich Donohoe, owner and manager of the construction company, says the powder coating company plans

The new East Trent Avenue Bridge, which spans the Spokane River near Gonzaga University, is slated to open to traffic this spring, nearly three years after the original bridge was demolished to make way for a replacement, says Jody Qualley

Island Style Food restaurant, which has been operated from a food truck for over two years, will have a permanent home this spring in the former Kabot's Kitchen building, at 2931 N. Division. Owner Nicholas DeCaro says he plans to open Island Style

Sometimes simple concepts explain a lot. So it is with the labor force participation rate. In light of its recent trend in Spokane County, it's smart to pay attention to this measure of economic health. Workforce availability is often the first