It might be frigid outside, but the temperature of the Inland Northwest economy is a comfy 74 degrees or so. And though some sectors are expecting to see the mercury fall a degree or two in 2006, theres certainly no need to throw another blanket on the bed.


Job growth in Spokane County is expected to slow to a normal rate of about 2 percent in 2006 after advancing at an unexpectedly rapid pace this year. Additional hiring likely will occur in health care, education, and financial services.


The hot real estate market will continue to sizzle in 2006. Home sales are projected to level off, but at a record level, and the office, industrial, and retail arenas should remain strong. Construction activity is projected to stay solid, despite concerns about soaring building-material costs and rising interest rates.


Kootenai County leaders say the economy there will cool slightly, but thats from a fevered pace that included estimated job growth of 7.4 percent this year. Health care and tourism will gain there, but construction will slow.


The Spokane-area retail sector will be challenged to match this years searing performance, based on worries about rising energy prices and some easing in the construction and housing markets, but currently, theres no sign of a chill. The health-care industry, meanwhile, appears on track to strengthen in 2006, due mostly to improved financial performance at the two major hospital systems this year.


Financial institutions likely will continue to see healthy loan and deposit growth, though rising interest rates could limit those gains.


Smiles are returning to faces in the high-tech industry, as earlier predictions for more capital spending and new areas of telecommunications demand prove to be accurate.


In the mining industry, astounding increases in precious metals prices have turned smiles into downright giddiness. Mining companies here are scrambling to boost exploration and production.


On the farm, high costs and low prices are hurting growers, who are hoping for an upswing in international demand. Beef prices, meanwhile, are good. Wood-products companies expect a modest decline in demand next year, but still are anticipating decent returns.


Tourism in the Inland Northwest is projected to strengthen somewhat next year, but those in the industry are more excited about 2007, when the expanded Convention Center will be fully completed, and Spokane will host the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.