Washington state legislative agendas for the city of Spokane and Greater Spokane Incorporated indicate that their priorities for the 2026 legislative session will focus on clarifying taxes, reducing costs for residents, and improving infrastructure and housing affordability, but lobbying efforts from the two entities face an added challenge due to a tight state budget.
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs has recently completed the purchase of 41.5 acres of land in northwest Spokane that will provide space to develop a new veterans home.
Spokane County stands to reap the rewards of a robust sports season in 2026 with an estimated $110 million combined economic impact from major athletic events and professional teams in the area.
The Inland Northwest tourism sector is experiencing modest, steady growth this year, and industry experts here and in North Idaho say they expect the trend to continue in 2026.
Interest rates and affordability have been major factors in stagnant commercial and residential real estate markets in Spokane and Kootenai counties this year, according to some industry experts.
After a year of product refinement and fundraising, Blaze Barrier Inc., a Spokane-based maker of wildfire suppression systems, is preparing to start manufacturing at its new West Plains facility.
Jeanette Hauck, the CEO of YWCA Spokane, is retiring after a 14-year career with the nonprofit. The Journal sat down with Hauck to discuss why she chose to work in the nonprofit sector, her proudest moments as CEO, and some of the work that YWCA does in the Spokane community.
For its Economic Outlook episode of Elevating The Conversation, the Journal sat down with Vange Hochheimer, economics and finance professor at Whitworth University and CEO and chief economist at Grand Fir Analytics.
A proposed 36-unit apartment complex just north of Spokane city limits, meant to fill a middle housing role, is under consideration for a conditional use permit.
Construction activity in Spokane County is expected to remain steady in 2026 while the industry faces uncertainty around interest rates, tariffs, and workforce shortages, industry experts say.
Economic growth is projected in North Idaho in 2026 due to a diversified economy and rapid job expansion, however the the availability of attainable housing in the region is expected to pose challenges, some economic development officials say.
As financial institutions look ahead to 2026, Inland Northwest banking leaders say the industry enters the new year with cautious optimism, steady deposit growth, and persistent affordability challenges that continue to shape the behavior of members and customers.
Congratulations to the Spokane Journal of Business on 40 years of exceptional business reporting. While I’m not necessarily thrilled to admit I have worked through the evolution of the financial industry in the region for the last 40 years, it’s been exciting to be a part of and see our industry grow and evolve. Many of the areas the industry has changed in the last four decades will continue, albeit in different ways.
Financial challenges continue for the Inland Northwest service areas of Providence Health & Services-Washington and MultiCare Health System, but Spokane’s two largest health care providers have shown signs of improvement.
Eastern Washington University is moving forward with plans to launch a master’s in dental therapy program, a move that would place the university among a small handful of institutions nationwide offering the credential and expand access to oral health care in rural Washington, says Dawn Lewis-Kinnunen, dean of EWU’s College of Health Science and Public Health.
Higher education institutions with nursing programs in the Inland Northwest are reporting high graduation rates, with many graduates landing health care jobs close to home.
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