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.

Washington state agriculture experienced mixed results in 2025 amid broader economic uncertainty and industry headwinds.

Retail sales in Spokane had a slow start in 2025, with low single-digit percentage growth, says Patrick Jones, executive director of Eastern Washington University’s Institute of Public Policy & Economic Analysis.

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.

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.

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.

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.