Government

Opportunity awaits in Spokane's Opportunity Zones

Investors say investments are occurring; how much is unclear

May 23, 2019

A year after 11 Spokane-area neighborhoods were designated as Opportunity Zones, at least one advocate says Spokane is starting to see some investment activity.

Lime scooters, bikes to return to Spokane May 13

Partnerships, popularity, proximity to campuses prompted coming back

May 9, 2019

Virginia Thomas

After a successful pilot study downtown, Lime bikes and scooters soon will return to the streets of Spokane. The distinctive green pedal-assist bikes and electric scooters will be available throughout much of the city starting Monday, May 13

Hope House garners $13 million for downtown project

Low-income apartments, shelter near full funding

May 9, 2019

Virginia Thomas

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission has approved $237 million for construction or preservation of nearly 1,000 affordable apartments throughout the state, including $13 million in tax-credit equity for the 60 units to be built at the planned

AIA promotes architects as advocates

Association leaders say profession is well suited to serve broader role

May 9, 2019

LeAnn Bjerken

When most of us think of architects, we probably think of building designers and creative types, rather than leaders in promoting beneficial social and environmental change.

$122 million dedicated to public projects in Spokane County

EWU, Eastern State, community colleges among top recipients

May 9, 2019

Virginia Thomas

The recently passed state capital budget includes about $122 million for 65 projects in Spokane County that will get underway in the next two years.

Underutilized worker rate likely has declined in Spokane area

Local data is elusive, but indicators suggest fewer are discouraged

April 25, 2019

Virginia Thomas

As unemployment rates have dropped in recent years, the underutilized workforce appears to have declined with it, Spokane-area labor experts say. At the county level, however, it's hard to say conclusively.

The core of downtown Spokane's parking woes

Critics says study drew wide circle, paints rosy picture when issues persist

April 25, 2019

Virginia Thomas

A recent downtown parking study doesn't acknowledge the need for a greater concentration of parking in the city's core, observers say.

Spokane Valley's industrial evolution

City streamlines process to make it easier to develop in part of town

April 11, 2019

Natasha Nellis

The city of Spokane Valley is taking some of the uncertainty out of development on an 840-acre northeast industrial area, near Barker Road and Trent Avenue. The goal is to save developers time and money by providing them with both a traffic analysis and

Two North Spokane Corridor projects to wrap up soon

Next phase to require three-year closure at Wellesley Avenue

March 28, 2019

LeAnn Bjerken

Washington state Department of Transportation is working to wrap up two projects this spring relating to the North Spokane Corridor, and plans to start another this summer, says design project engineer Bob Hilmes.

Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office set to move late this year

County begins permitting process for $10M project

March 28, 2019

Natasha Nellis

Spokane County has begun the permitting process for the planned $10 million renovation of a former carpet and wholesale flooring store at 102 S. Spokane, on the edge of the University District