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.

After a year marked by stalled projects and softening job numbers, Spokane’s manufacturing sector is poised to enter 2026 on firmer footing. Industry experts describe a manufacturing landscape that is stabilizing and quietly expanding, even as automation, global market pressures, and federal funding cuts impact the way companies grow.

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.