As the focus shifts from containment to recovery in the aftermath of the Spokane Complex Fires, work for Fulcrum Environmental Consultants Inc. has picked up as the group of scientists makes its way around the city testing homes, schools, soil, and air for hazards people often can’t see. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and local crews are continuing to work through properties destroyed by the Spokane Complex Fires, removing potentially dangerous household chemicals, lithium-ion batteries, and other hazardous materials before further cleanup can move forward.

Habitat for Humanity-Spokane has a new $8 million, 25-unit affordable housing development underway at 228 S. Carnahan Road in Spokane Valley.

A new mortgage lender formed by Coeur d’Alene-based Lakeside Cos. and Plano, Texas-based Benchmark Mortgage will target new construction homebuyers in the Inland Northwest. 

An Inland Northwest staffing agency has deployed dozens of workers to help with wildfire recovery efforts, as the recent Spokane Complex Fires have driven up demand for demolition and cleanup laborers.

Eastern Washington University is accelerating its sustainability efforts with a roadmap of projects including the implementation of a solar array, geothermal heating and cooling, carbon capturing, and a microturbine that uses existing steam production to create electricity.

Spokane’s tight real estate market is about to get even tighter. After years of underbuilding, the Spokane area fires destroyed 719 homes, a record for fire damage in Washington state. 

Capitol Bar & Grill in Spokane Valley opened on Friday, Aug. 7, and has been packed with patrons every day since. 

The apartment vacancy rate is above 8% in the Spokane area, but this percentage doesn't capture the actual experience of many multifamily property owners. In reality, the market is split here: some buildings are completely full, while others are struggling with higher vacancy. 

Alisha Benson, CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated, has been named the chair-elect for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, a professional organization that supports, connects, and develops leaders and staff of local, regional, and state chambers of commerce and economic development associations.