Special Report

New housing action plan touted by Spokane real estate professionals

Heeding recommendations said key to adding diverse homeownership options

January 13, 2022

A new housing action plan commissioned by the Spokane Association of Realtors details how local governments could increase housing density, implement zoning action and changes, and provide incentives to builders and developers in order to increase the

Fire department plans new boathouse at north end of Lake Coeur d'Alene

Construction timeline said dependent on supply chain, but could start in March

January 13, 2022

Virginia Thomas

The Coeur d'Alene Fire Department is building a boathouse for its fire boat at the foot of Tubbs Hill. Fire Chief Kenny Gabriel says the project will cost about $450,000.

Spokane International Airport moves forward with TREX terminal expansion project

Pre-development plan filed with city; work could begin in summer

January 13, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Plans are progressing at the Spokane International Airport on an upgrade and expansion to one of the airport's terminals, as well as construction of a warehouse near the airport.

Mixed-use development eyed at old Idaho Veneer site

Dual-brand hotel planned on adjacent land to north

January 13, 2022

Karina Elias

A development of over 120 residential living units is planned on the grounds of the former Idaho Veneer Co. mill site. The $20.5 million project, named Millworx, is located at 704 E. Fourth and is being developed by longtime Spokane developer A&A

Zoned Out: Single family-exclusive zoning may become thing of the past

Inslee wants to ban zoning for single homes; some say it's not enough

January 13, 2022

Virginia Thomas

The Washington state Department of Commerce has proposed several changes to its Growth Management Act, and Gov. Jay Inslee has voiced his support for a policy that would essentially ban single-family zoning, but local real estate industry experts say the

Future looks shiny for Silver Valley mining industry

Production of silver, rare earth elements said vital to economy

December 16, 2021

Mike McLean

Mining companies active in North Idaho's Silver Valley are optimistic about 2022 and beyond. Mike Satre, Coeur d'Alene-based Hecla's Mining Co.'s director of governmental affairs, says the company expects to see steady production of silver, gold

Kootenai County hopes to maintain its momentum

In-migration, tourism contributing to growth

December 16, 2021

Mike McLean

Momentum from a decade of strong growth in North Idaho is enabling the region to continue its rapid recovery from the pandemic-induced recession of 2020, claims Sam Wolkenhauer, Post Falls-based regional labor economist for the Idaho Department of Labor.

Tourism recovery expected to accelerate in 2022

Pent-up demand driving sports, convention action

December 16, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Tourism in the Spokane region is expected to roar back in 2022 following two muffled years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eric Sawyer, president and CEO of Spokane Sports Commission, says sports tourism in 2022 could exceed 2019 goals.

Strong real estate demand is expected to continue

Increase in inventory of single-family homes, industrial spaces likely

December 16, 2021

Erica Bullock

Demand for real estate in the Spokane-area market is expected to remain high in 2022, according to real estate industry leaders here. The number of single-family homes sold through this November is 1.3% ahead of sales through the first 11 months of 2020

INW financial institutions are optimistic for strong 2022

Interest rate hikes likely as inflation woes persist

December 16, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Financial industry experts here say 2021 has been stronger than many institutions had expected, and that momentum could carry into 2022, especially if the Federal Reserve raises interest rates. Steve Scranton, chief investment officer and economist at