Against the backdrop of rising housing demand in North Idaho, JMC Idaho Inc. is consolidating its various business ventures under one regional entity and rebranding to Jacklin Northwest, while expanding its development footprint to include residential housing for the first time in its nearly 100-year history.

Since acquiring Spokane-based Kiemle Hagood’s multifamily division in April, Coeur d’Alene-based Widmyer Corp. has expanded its portfolio of managed affordable and subsidized housing in the Spokane region.

Capacity challenges at True Hope Church have prompted a $5.7 million expansion and partial renovation project to add 19,000 square feet of assembly and worship space to the organization's building at 1316 N. Lincoln, in Spokane.

A proposed 36-unit apartment complex just north of Spokane city limits, meant to fill a middle housing role, is under consideration for a conditional use permit.

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.

In 1986, the Spokane real estate market was comprised of a central business district-centric office market, strip center retail with one open-air mall on the North Side, and an industrial sector of older buildings with low ceiling heights that dominated the Spokane Industrial Park. With interest rates in the low teens, new development was limited and most ownerships were local.