Government

Ag land values increase in Spokane area

Low inventory coupled with strong demand to continue in 2024, market observers say

July 20, 2023

Limited availability and strong demand from developers for agricultural land in Spokane County has contributed to record-high median farmland valuations. The median assessed value of agricultural land for 2024, which was determined by the Spokane

PFD nears agreements for One Spokane Stadium

Trio of anticipated accords with school district needed before soccer-teams deal can be inked formally

July 20, 2023

Karina Elias

Contracts for operational use of the new Spokane Public Schools-owned stadium, One Spokane Stadium, are nearing completion, with a goal of formalizing that arrangement by Aug. 1, says Stephanie Curran, CEO of Spokane Public Facilities District.

Washington Small Business Development Center to move to Spokane Valley

Agency to relocate to Conservation District site

July 6, 2023

Erica Bullock

The Washington Small Business Development Center has leased 5,300 square feet of office space in the Partnership Building on the Spokane Conservation District's Quarry Campus, says Sheryl McGrath, Washington SBDC state director.

Wheatland Bank CEO tabbed by FDIC

Susan Horton agrees to two-year advisory term

June 22, 2023

Erica Bullock

After the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in early March, a representative of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. sought out Susan Horton and asked her to share thoughts and advice for industry reform.

Loosening of housing regulations leads to uptick in permitting

Still, fewer than 50 units approved, in process so far in city this year

June 22, 2023

Erica Bullock

Last June, the fanfare announcing changes to building development standards was at an all-time high and touted by some as a much-needed step forward to help the city of Spokane's housing crisis.

Spokane International Airport plans for fuel facility modernization

Initial project will include improvements to existing tanks, building upgrades

June 8, 2023

Dylan Harris

Spokane International Airport is planning an estimated $12 million project to modernize and expand its fuel facility, a building permit application currently under review by the city of Spokane shows. Todd Woodard, director of marketing and public

City steps away from Premera property

Beggs remains hopeful, however, about prospect of future acquisition

May 25, 2023

Erica Bullock

The city of Spokane has taken action to exit an agreement to purchase the three-building Premera Blue Cross corporate office campus in East Spokane, says City Council President Breean Beggs. Beggs says, however, 'The city is still interested in it

New workforce portal grows in Spokane, statewide

Platform links employers, interns to provide real-life workplace experiences

April 27, 2023

Laura Lawton and Paula Linnen

We're entering internship season, which is both an important time of life for students entering the workforce and a key opportunity for employers. Fortunately, there's an easy way to help make finding these experiences easier and more successful

Workforce crisis calls for community mindfulness

Health care lessons can apply to other industries

April 27, 2023

Meg Lindsay

The Inland Northwest's landscape encourages an environment of diverse industries, from health care to agriculture to technologies. While each sector has its own characteristics, they are all facing the same workforce challenges.

VRB-WHOA!: Cd'A leaders attempt to rein in short-term rentals

Property owners organize to defend against aspersions

April 27, 2023

Keith Erickson

Escalating concerns surrounding short-term rentals, such as those offered through online vacation rental marketplaces Vrbo and Airbnb Inc., have prompted the Coeur d'Alene City Council to consider code changes to better regulate the industry, says