Government

SBA lenders encouraged by rebound in volume

Banks hope incentives will embolden more borrowers

February 26, 2015

Some providers of U.S. Small Business Administration-backed loans here are anticipating a second consecutive year of loan growth after the dollar volume bounced upward in fiscal 2014 from a year-earlier decline. Last year, lenders in the SBA's Spokane

Spokane Park Board plans to hire GC/CM adviser in March

Riverfront Park design team also to be sought

February 26, 2015

Judith Spitzer

The Spokane Park Board voted recently to use a general contractor/construction manager approach for the $64.3 million Riverfront Park update project, approved by voters in November, and now the search is on to hire an adviser to help the city select a GC

Senate bill would create justice centers to aid seniors

Spokane, Clark counties could host pilot program

February 26, 2015

Judith Spitzer

Washington state Sens. Andy Billig, D-Spokane, and Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver, Wash., are co-sponsoring a bill that would create two elder justice centers-one in each senator's city-in a pilot program designed to help protect seniors from abuse

Ride-share companies flourishing in Spokane

Taxi companies, however, claiming unfair competition

February 26, 2015

Judith Spitzer

Two of the nation's largest ride-booking service companies, Lyft and Uber, have been operating in Spokane under interim operating agreements they signed with the city in late September, and they appear to be thriving, with drivers saying they enjoy the

Spokane Airports stats show steady climb

Total revenue for 2014 surpassed projections

February 26, 2015

Mike McLean

Revenue, passenger count, and total freight rose at Spokane International Airport in 2014 compared with 2013, also exceeding the airport's projections for last year, according to a preliminary financial report, submitted recently to the Spokane Airport

New state transportation plan pushes North Spokane Corridor funding

Proposal recommends increase in gas tax, fees

February 12, 2015

Katie Ross

The Washington State Transportation Commission has completed its 20-year transportation plan and submitted it to the Legislature for consideration late last month, says Joe Tortorelli, Spokane-based vice chairman of the commission. 'The biggest thing

Cities, Spokane County net $5.6 million in road grants

State, federal funds to go toward fatality reductions

February 12, 2015

Judith Spitzer

The cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley and Spokane County have received more than $5.6 million in state and federal grants to reduce fatal and serious injury collisions on city streets, including $4.1 million in grants to overhaul north Monroe Street, wher

Chris Cargill: Furthering free market

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February 12, 2015

Linn Parish

Five years ago, Chris Cargill traded in his spot behind the news desk at KXLY-TV for a position on the forefront of Washington state politics. As the organization's Eastern Washington director, Cargill has led this outpost of the free-market-backing t

Construction apprentice mandate raises ire

Mayor aims to gather more community feedback

January 29, 2015

Judith Spitzer

Spokane contractor associations are presenting a united front against an ordinance passed by Spokane's City Council last month that mandates an apprenticeship program for contractors and subcontractors working on public works projects costing more than

City of Spokane Valley has high hopes for new City Hall

$14 million facility planned for spring 2017 opening

January 29, 2015

Mike McLean

The city of Spokane Valley is in the process of selecting an architect to design its envisioned new City Hall, and it hopes to have the $14 million project completed in about 14 months, says Mike Jackson, Spokane Valley city administrator. The Spokane Ci