Government

Exiting WSU chancellor mulls next challenge

Brown foresees health care remaining big focus for her

May 25, 2017

As Washington State University Spokane Chancellor Lisa Brown enters her final months in that position, she says timing and opportunity have intersected to mold her time at the school. 'In some ways, I've just been in the right place at the right tim

Spokane Transit Authority plans $10.8 million complex

Design work under way on West Central facility

May 11, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

Spokane Transit Authority has started planning for the construction of a $10.8 million transit vehicle storage building, parking lot, and fuel storage facility, to be located just northwest of its headquarters in west central Spokane. Brandon Rapez-Bett

City grants amnesty for unregistered businesses

About 3,000 companies said to be in delinquency

May 11, 2017

Linn Parish

The city of Spokane has launched a business registration amnesty program through which unregistered businesses that are located in the city or do business here can come into compliance without any penalties for delinquencies. Margaret Redd, taxes and li

Assessor staffing shortage to delay appraisal notices

County has had difficulty recruiting skilled applicants

May 11, 2017

Mike McLean

The Spokane County Assessor's Office is running behind schedule in 2017 property tax assessments for the 2018 tax year. Due to a shortage of appraisers, the Assessor's Office won't complete 2017 valuations in time to send notices to property owners

First Tee pulls golf project amid road flap

Nonprofit had hoped to build three-hole course

April 27, 2017

The executive director for the nonprofit Inland Northwest Golf Foundation, the parent to The First Tee of the Inland Northwest chapter here, says the organization has withdrawn a predevelopment application before the city of Spokane for a 6-acre, three-ho

Not a lotta lots in Spokane

Land shortage to hinder entry-level homebuyers, builders contend

April 27, 2017

Mike McLean

New-home construction is outpacing the supply of available land to build houses on, and that's contributing to rising home prices and the dwindling inventory of existing homes for sale, some developers here say. Jim Frank, CEO of Liberty Lake-based rea

Next Generation Zone prepares young adults for careers

Spokane center expects another increase in visits

April 13, 2017

Sherman Birdtail says he doesn't know where his life would be without the educational, employment, and emotional support he's received from the staff of Spokane's Next Generation Zone, a career center for young adults. 'I came in at 16 to get my

City's economic development effort gains momentum

Projects in East Sprague, U District show promise

April 13, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

Officials with the city of Spokane say its economic development program is starting to have some noticeable impacts this season, with several key projects starting or expected to start construction soon. City planner, and team lead for the program, Andr

Oil, coal train measure aims for ballot

Some call initiative illegal, worry about taxpayer cost

April 13, 2017

Mike McLean

One proposed ballot initiative that would put restrictions on oil and coal shipments via railroad through Spokane for public safety reasons is in the signature-gathering process, while another that sought to ban such shipments outright by codifying people

Valley Fire Department's protection rating boosted

Update said likely to lower insurance costs for many

April 13, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

A recent upgrade to the Spokane Valley Fire Department's fire protection rating likely will mean reduced insurance premiums for property owners in the cities within its coverage area, officials say. Melanie Rose, the department's community affairs o