Government

Public policy can complicate firing at-will workers

Employers should learn what can be construed as wrongful termination

March 29, 2018

The general rule in Washington is that an employee who isn't subject to an express contract of employment can be terminated at any time, without cause. There are, however, several exceptions to that rule. The terms of an employee handbook or specific tre

Riverfront Park work proceeds

Focus now shifts to design, work on pavilion, promenade

March 29, 2018

The most visible places where the general public can see changes to Riverfront Park downtown are along and around the areas of west Spokane Falls Boulevard and north Washington Street. Along those two streets, and through the southern portion of the park

Curran sees PFD as part of Spokane renaissance

New CEO has front-row seat to city's growth

March 29, 2018

From Stephanie Curran's ground-level administrative office on the south side of Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, the new CEO of the Spokane Public Facilities District has an expansive view of the downtown construction activity that starts right across t

Five Spokane property owners seek zone changes on 17 parcels

Applications to move through docketing process

March 15, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Five Spokane-area developers are seeking changes in land-use designations on parcels they own in Spokane to make them consistent with current or adjacent uses, say consultants who represent the owners in zone-change requests submitted to the city. Land-u

Millwood sets stage to attract business

City plans projects intended to improve safety, walkability

March 15, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

The little city of Millwood is in the midst of a transformation, some say, with several projects in the works that are aimed at improving infrastructure and attracting new businesses. Surrounded by the city of Spokane Valley on three sides, Millwood cove

Tariffs import uncertainties for some Spokane-area manufacturers

Some critics wary measure could hinder U.S. exports

March 15, 2018

Kevin Blocker

Although images show President Donald Trump surrounded by smiling aluminum and steel workers after signing two proclamations imposing tariffs on imports of aluminum and steel, some Spokane-area buyers and manufacturers of steel and aluminum say they aren

Spokane Sportsplex is closer to becoming reality

County commissioners discuss approval of key funding source for $42 million project

March 1, 2018

For years, the idea of building a multipurpose sports complex in Spokane that could host regional and national sporting events has been on the wish lists of sports and economic development proponents alike. A funding mechanism for such a multimillion-dol

Fairchild Air Force Base plans to build $10 million dormitory

Building set to house SERE course students

February 15, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Fairchild Air Force Base is in the design phase of a planned three-story, 79,400-square-foot dormitory to be used by students of the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape course. Plans for the building include 150 double-occupancy, dorm-style rooms,

In most cases, new tax law is good for business

Spokane CPAs outline five biggest changes

February 1, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

The recently passed, voluminous Tax Cuts and Jobs Act contains several big changes, many of which are expected to benefit businesses, Spokane tax advisers say. Anson Avery, accountant and owner of Anson Avery CPA PLLC, says he's already put in over 6

Spokane-area building permit volume breaks record

Valuations top $1.1 billion; city sees biggest increase

February 1, 2018

Samantha Peone

Building permit values for Spokane County, the city of Spokane, and the city of Spokane Valley's combined hit $1.13 billion in 2017, a record high, records indicate. That's greater than the previous record from 2013, which totaled $1.03 billion.