The number one question from employers is about worker supply. Major industries in Spokane are impacted by worker shortages. Where are the workers? The reasons are many. Workers are retiring and childcare is a concern.

To use a weather analogy, I believe we are under a 'recession warning” as the Federal Reserve continues its aggressive interest rate increases. I now believe that the risk is high that the economy will be in a recession before the end of 2023.

Comedian Gilda Radner's character Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say in the face of problems 'it's always something.” Certainly, this year, something always seemed to be roiling the economic waters, which are unlikely to calm in 2023.

At this time last year, there was hope that 2022 would ring in more predictable economic activity in the U.S. and Inland Northwest. Sadly, it was not to be so. The disruptions started by the pandemic, notably the labor market and supply chain disruptions,

One year ago, the unemployment rate had fallen to near 4%, output was at record levels, but the inflation rate was blasting through 7%, causing the Federal Reserve to begin to slow its purchases of securities.

As labor shortages continue to impact companies across industries, businesses are shifting their focus to employee retention. According to Bank of America's recent Workplace Benefits Report, 46% of

The Spokane Valley-based water utility company Consolidated Irrigation District No. 19, in Liberty Lake, has requested a permit to build a 2-million-gallon drinking-water storage tank valued at $3.9 million in Liberty Lake.

An Oregon-based company redeveloping a former Days Inn hotel into apartments in downtown Spokane plans a similar redevelopment project on the other side of Interstate 90.