Washington state legislative agendas for the city of Spokane and Greater Spokane Incorporated indicate that their priorities for the 2026 legislative session will focus on clarifying taxes, reducing costs for residents, and improving infrastructure and housing affordability, but lobbying efforts from the two entities face an added challenge due to a tight state budget.

Spokane wealth advisers agree that when it comes to investing, a diversified portfolio is essential for long-term stability as it generally outperforms and protects against inflationary erosion. It’s that confidence in long-term growth that allows them to see the potential benefits of the state investing long-term care funds into a mix of assets, including stocks and corporate and government bonds.

Inland Northwest employers are reevaluating plans to hire international workers after the federal government abruptly raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per worker, local immigration attorneys say.

As funding and programs for refugees and immigrants are slashed, eliminated, or awarded under criteria that could put vulnerable populations at risk, Inland Northwest organizations rally together and use modest resources to continue to serve their populations. 

The historic, 117-year-old Spokane Upriver Dam & Facility building is getting a new interior update.

Rapid growth in Spokane's North Indian Trail neighborhood has prompted the city's Parks & Recreation department to move forward with a priority development project that will improve the southern half of Meadowglen Park.

Nonprofit leaders across Spokane are bracing for the fallout of federal budget freezes, delayed grants, and looming funding cuts that could weaken essential services for thousands of residents in the region.