Government

Parting Thoughts with Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward

December 7, 2023

The Journal sat down with Mayor Woodward in her last weeks as mayor to discuss her transition, her four-year tenure, and what the future holds.

Housing Code Consequences: Zoning meant to encourage middle housing could complicate market

Conflicting laws said to hinder appraisers, borrowers

December 7, 2023

Karina Elias

SCSO emergency vehicle training course planned

Construction expected to begin in March 2024

November 22, 2023

Dylan Harris

Construction of an emergency vehicle operations course is expected to begin in a few months on the West Plains

Historic buildings face hurdles for energy-law compliance

Some older structures may qualify for exemptions under Commerce’s rules

November 9, 2023

Erica Bullock

Historic building owners may find there are additional challenges to meet Washington state’s upcoming energy-performance standards that nonhistorical building owners won’t have to contend with.

Collaboration takes center stage in Spokane tourism industry

PFD, Visit Spokane, sports commission work together to propel economic growth

November 9, 2023

Erica Bullock

Three Spokane-based organizations that operate as economic drivers in the community have set aside their once competitive policies to adopt a new combined strategic plan to be publicly announced in the spring.

Breast exam volume to increase due to new law

Eliminating out-of-pocket expenses said to reduce some financial barriers to early cancer detection

October 26, 2023

Erica Bullock

An increase in demand for breast imaging examinations is expected in the new year due to a new Washington state law that will eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for patients who require medically necessary exams. Breast screening and imaging is a

Re*Imagine Medical Lake steps in for wildfire victims

Nonprofit pivots focus to residents devastated by summer's Gray Fire

October 26, 2023

Karina Elias

In the aftermath of the Gray Fire that destroyed 240 homes in and around Medical Lake over the summer, Re*Imagine Medical Lake has partnered with the city, churches, businesses, and other nonprofits to coordinate resources available for the victims, says

Clean Buildings bill might get messy for commercial property owners

Complying with new law could cost millions; some to make case for rollbacks

October 26, 2023

Erica Bullock

Some Spokane-area building owners will have to spend millions on building upgrades to comply with the energy-use and performance regulations outlined in the Washington state Clean Buildings Act, according to some downtown Spokane real estate advocates.

Nearly $40M in upgrades proposed at Plante's Ferry

71-year-old sports complex no longer meets user needs, according to county director

October 12, 2023

Erica Bullock

Newly announced draft plans to improve the Plante's Ferry Park sports complex involve nearly $40 million in upgrades to grow sports tourism and spur economic development, says Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf director Doug Chase.

Airway Heights secures new public safety campus

New facility will house police, fire, City Hall

October 12, 2023

Erica Bullock

The city of Airway Heights is designing a new, $9.3 million public safety campus intended to serve its growing community better and to improve functionality and accessibility of the police and fire departments and City Hall, says Airway Heights city