Government

Washington state's condo law changes could ease restrictions

Some supporters unsure whether new codes will encourage such projects

November 18, 2021

New Washington state legislation has been signed into law with the goal to reduce barriers to condominium construction and development. However, some supporters of the measure say the changes aren't enough to stimulate condominium development

Proposed IRS reporting threshold increased; Bankers still don't like it

Supporters in Congress raise amount required to trigger IRS notification after industry blowback

November 4, 2021

Karina Elias

Weeks after proposing a plan to require banks to report on accounts with inflows and outflows of $600 a year over reported income to the Internal Revenue Service, Congress has raised the proposed reporting threshold to $10,000 and added several exceptions

Making history at the Riverfalls Tower

Two distinctive Riverside District properties placed on Spokane historic places register

November 4, 2021

Erica Bullock

Two properties in Spokane's Riverside District, on the west edge of downtown, have been approved for inclusion on the Spokane Register of Historic Places, says Logan Camporeale, historic preservation specialist for the Spokane City-County Historic

Former HUD administrator joins Washington Trust Bank

Patterson to lead bank's livability initiatives here

October 21, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Washington Trust Bank has hired former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regional administrator Chris Patterson to serve in its newly established role of community solutions adviser. Patterson says that in this new role, he'll work with

Cannabis sales in Spokane County jump 21% in fiscal '21

Countywide activity surpasses $160 million, recent report shows

October 21, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Sales of recreational cannabis in Spokane County increased 21% in fiscal year 2021, falling short of the aggressive surge the industry experienced in fiscal 2020. Data recently released by the Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board shows $163.7

DSP, city extend contract, plan for Business Improvement District expansion

Improvement District pushed southward as part of five-year deal

October 7, 2021

Karina Elias

The Downtown Spokane Partnership and the Spokane City Council have agreed to a five-year contract extension for the DSP's management of the downtown Business Improvement District, says Roy Koegen, DSP chairman. Under the new contract, DSP will work

L&I proposes increase in workers' compensation premiums

Hike said due to boost in pension cost-of-living

September 23, 2021

Virginia Thomas

The Washington state Department of Labor & Industries is proposing a 3.1% overall average rate increase for workers' compensation insurance for 2022. If approved, the increase would be the state's first rate hike in five years. On Sept. 21, L&I

Tax proposals said to affect retirement decisions

Proposed legislation includes provisions that could spur earlier retirements, some say

September 23, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Inland Northwest financial experts have observed an increase in people retiring slightly earlier, and some say the potential for an increase in certain federal taxes is playing a role. John Kessler, senior vice president with Spokane-based Washington

Taxing Concerns: Spokane bankers question proposed IRS reporting mandate

Requirement could burden financial institutions, observers say

September 23, 2021

Karina Elias

Spokane-area community banks and credit unions are unified in opposition to proposed federal legislation that would require them to report to the IRS on the deposits and withdrawals of all business and personal accounts with a balance of more than $600.

Eastern State Hospital steps up during pandemic

Psychiatric hospital recognized for response to keep patients, staff safe early in pandemic

September 9, 2021

Kevin Blocker

In the face of COVID-19, Eastern State Hospital, in Medical Lake, has been recognized by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for setting up separate wards for quarantined patients and COVID-positive patients, despite a temporary funding cutback.