Government

Washington's condominium conundrum

Housing advocates say state law makes building condos cost prohibitive

January 17, 2019

The Washington state Condominium Act adds to development costs and liabilities making condo construction an unattractive option for builders seeking to meet the demand for affordable housing, some construction industry professionals here say.

Mann-Grandstaff VA Hospital to adopt health record system by 2020

Spokane facility one of two pilot sites for big overhaul

December 20, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, in northwest Spokane, plans to adopt fully a new electronic health record system by March of 2020, that eventually will be deployed across all VA facilities nationwide.

EnVision Center to open east of downtown Spokane

HUD-designated center receives funds from city

December 20, 2018

Virginia Thomas

A broad menu of social services will be available in a central location on the periphery of downtown when Spokane's EnVision Center opens late next month, those involved in the project say.

Legislative outlook: Spokane advocates seek $160 million-plus for projects, initiatives

Business advocates to fight tax increases first, though

December 20, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Spokane-area interests are seeking funding for education, transportation, health care, and community projects and initiatives valued at more than $160 million during the upcoming state legislative session.

Mental health insurance coverage to broaden soon

System could deliver more holistic care, Frontier CEO says

December 6, 2018

Samantha Peone

Starting Jan. 1, behavioral health services traditionally covered through Medicaid also will be covered by some of the same managed care organizations that currently cover physical health services, says Jeff Thomas, CEO of Frontier Behavioral Health.

Washington state denies HydroOne's acquisition of Avista

Regulators says proposed acquisition wouldn't serve public interest

December 5, 2018

Mike McLean

Washington state regulators denied the proposed acquisition of Avista Corp. by Canada-based Hydro One Limited, finding the merger wouldn't service the public interest. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission determined the proposed merge

City of Spokane approves three land-use change requests

Fourth proposal tabled, fifth withdrawn, refiled

November 21, 2018

Samantha Peone

The Spokane City Council has approved three requests for land-use designation changes and postponed a fourth request, while a fifth request was withdrawn, says Dwight Hume, of Land Use Solutions & Entitlement LLC,

SBA lending in Spokane District reaches $226.7 million

Restaurant, hotel, gas stations account for bulk of activity here

November 8, 2018

Samantha Peone

Total lending backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration in the Inland Northwest rose $8.3 million through fiscal year 2018, data compiled by SBA indicates.

U.S. Pavilion at Riverfront Park concept

ART ONLY

November 8, 2018

Staff Report

This conceptual drawing shows what a walkway within the U.S. Pavilion at Riverfront Park could look like when the $16.5 million renovation of the iconic downtown feature is completed.