Insufficient labor availability, declining building permit totals, and high building costs have been major factors contributing to a slowdown of Spokane-area construction this year.

Kootenai County’s economy continued to plot a steady path of growth in 2023 and faces a favorable outcome in the coming year.

Retail sales in Spokane are expected to continue to decelerate in 2024, yet remain buoyed by the economy's strong labor market.

Demand for wood products is expected to increase in 2024 by 3% to 4%.

Artificial intelligence is dominating the advanced technology industry in Spokane County and across the globe.

INW job growth is expected to slow in 2024, following a year during which the employment market outperformed expectations. 

The economy here is expected to improve in some metrics here in 2024 although it faces persistent challenges in interest rates, inflation fears, and labor shortages.

Elevated interest rates are behind market slowdowns across both commercial and residential real estate sectors in Spokane and Kootenai counties this year.

A flurry of restaurant closures has marred Spokane’s food scene in recent months, with at least seven Lilac City establishments either closing or announcing plans to close since October.

The state of Idaho is attempting to address workforce shortages by investing in middle and high school career technical education programs.