Government

Spokane-area businesses received $786M in PPP loans

Lenders: Most borrowers haven't yet submitted loan-forgiveness requests

December 17, 2020

More than $786 million went to 6,755 businesses in Spokane County through the federal Paycheck Protection Program, according to detailed data released earlier this month by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The disclosure comes after several

Spokane City Council passes tax to finance affordable housing

Collection to begin July unless alternative found

December 3, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Spokane City Council has approved a measure that will impose a 0.1% sales and use tax, the revenue from which will be dedicated to providing more affordable housing within the city.

Bill would expand incentives for retirement savings

Proposed act includes automatic enrollment, matching for student loans

December 3, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Proposed federal legislation some are calling SECURE Act 2.0 likely would encourage saving for retirement by expanding on legislation passed in 2019, local financial consultants and planners say.

Extra credit for helping nonprofits is coming

Filers who don't itemize still can get deduction this year for charitable donations

December 3, 2020

Kevin Blocker

As 2020 continues its arduous march to an end, Inland Northwest financial advisers, tax preparers, and heads of nonprofits are reminding clients and benefactors about a charitable giving tax benefit included in the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief,

Potential unemployment tax hikes concern builders group

State's post contrasts association's forecasts

October 22, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Members of the Associated Builders & Contractors' Inland Pacific Chapter have expressed concerns to Gov. Jay Inslee's office about the possibility of businesses experiencing steep unemployment insurance rate hikes in coming years.

Structural issues persist at Spokane Valley City Hall

Forensic architect team studies building this month

October 22, 2020

Kevin Blocker

This article has been updated to include comments from Mark D'Agostino, president of Meridian Construction Inc., and the company's attorney John Black.

Arterial alternative proposed in Airway Heights

Traffic relief could spur even more growth, say West Plains proponents

October 8, 2020

Kevin Blocker

While U.S. 2 has long served as the main arterial in and out of Airway Heights, city planners say they're working on a $20 million plan to alleviate congestion on that busy roadway.

Spokane Valley looks to repurpose old horse arena

City requests ideas for land at virtual open houses

October 8, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The city of Spokane Valley will take public input in the coming weeks as it decides what to do with a no-longer-used portion of Valley Mission Park.

Reimagining of Division Street begins

North Spokane Corridor may reduce traffic along longtime thoroughfare

October 8, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Spokane-area transportation professionals are collaborating to re-envision what Division Street could be once the North Spokane Corridor opens. It's a vision that includes bicycles that were once banned from areas of the street safely zipping down

Friction over frontage road stalls $30 million project

Dealership complex put on hold over disconnect between two cities

October 8, 2020

Natasha Nellis

A dispute between the cities of Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake has brought planning of the proposed $30 million Western States Equipment Co. project to a standstill.