Government

Public plaza envisioned in downtown Spokane

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November 22, 2017

A public plaza will be built along Spokane Falls Boulevard in downtown Spokane, on a site where a 2.2-million gallon combined sewer overflow tank is being installed. The plaza's design team, which includes Los Angeles-based AECOM, Spokane-based Garco Co

Riverfront Park projects move toward next phase

IMAX demolition expected to start early next year

November 22, 2017

The city of Spokane parks department is moving to the next phase of planning and development of renovations at Riverfront Park heading into next year. Meanwhile, Riverfront Park projects that started in 2017 are expected to wrap up during the first half

State's voter-approved sick, safe leave is looming

Employers must be compliant by Jan. 1

November 22, 2017

Amy Mensik and William Symmes

In November 2016, Washington voters approved Initiative 1433, raising the state's minimum wage over the next four years starting Jan. 1, 2017. Initiative 1433's other major component requires employers statewide to provide employees paid sick and saf

Tax bills rise for Spokane County's top taxpayers

Two percent hike lower than previous two years

November 22, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

Tax bills levied on the top 50 property owners in Spokane County for 2017 totaled $52 million, up nearly 2 percent from last year, county records show. The rate of increase was lower than last year's 3 percent hike and the 6.4 percent jump in 2015. Ov

Kevin Twohig: A career of changing skylines

PFD CEO deflects praise as retirement nears

November 22, 2017

Since Spokane Public Facilities District CEO Kevin Twohig publicly announced his retirement, more than a few people have taken it upon themselves to give him credit for changing Spokane's skyline. They've pointed to the fact that during his 16-year t

Urban Outfitters building takes top design award

Mayor's Choice honors connectivity of project

November 9, 2017

Mike McLean

ALSC Architects PS and Centennial Properties Inc., both of Spokane, won the top honor in the 2017 Spokane Mayor's Urban Design Awards for an expansion and remodel project at a retail building now anchored by Urban Outfitters downtown. ALSC also was rec

Work starts on Airway Heights rec center

City to look into options for supplemental funds

November 9, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

The city of Airway Heights is scheduled to break ground this week on its new $13.3 million community recreation center-and now is turning its attention toward fundraising efforts to supplement bond funding for the facility and to support future expansio

Second round of Sprague Avenue makeover is in the works

Next phase to include span from Browne to Scott Street

November 9, 2017

Samantha Peone

Following reconstruction of one of the more downtrodden stretches of east Sprague Avenue, the city of Spokane is turning its attention closer to downtown for another section of improvements along the well-known thoroughfare. The next phase of improvement

Neighborhood commercial buildings to be revived

West Central, Manito areas among those to benefit

October 12, 2017

Kelly Chadwick, owner of Spokane-based Spirit Pruners, says he's eager to begin the process of working with city planners as he prepares to establish a permanent home for his tree pruning business in a West Central neighborhood. Chadwick's effort to

Median household income increase in Spokane County outpaces U.S., state

Analyst says gain is due to increase in jobs, not wages

October 12, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

Household income in Spokane County has increased at a faster pace than statewide and national incomes, data compiled by the Community Indicators of Spokane Initiative show. Countywide annual median household income rose 9.3 percent last year, according t