Government

Coeur d'Alene Basin cleanup progresses

Focus is on containing contaminants, restoring wetlands for waterfowl with $24.7M in projects

August 26, 2021

This year, the U.S. Environmental Agency, in partnership with the Coeur d'Alene Work Trust, plans to complete three construction projects throughout the Coeur d'Alene basin area and haul over 500 truckloads of historic mine waste-contaminated material

Tenant, landlord groups wait on new resolution system

Eviction bridge expiration looms, but mechanisms aren't in place in county yet for mandated dispute remedies

August 26, 2021

Virginia Thomas

New laws and an eviction moratorium bridge have created confusion, and more funding for rental assistance is needed, say both landlord and tenant group leaders here.

Private sector takes on public problems in Spokane

Dissatisfied with initial efforts from politicians, business, property owners push conversation on crime, vagrancy

August 26, 2021

Kevin Blocker

Last year, the Hutton Settlement began paying $3,000 a month for private security to protect its 20 Spokane-area commercial properties from graffiti, property damage, and theft.

Cheney lands $21.8 million loan for water reclamation

City hopes to fund most of the project with grants

August 12, 2021

Kevin Blocker

The city of Cheney recently secured a $21.8 million low-interest loan from the Washington state Department of Ecology as part of the city's continuing effort to reclaim water through the city's Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Plant.

City to buy former White Elephant property in Valley

Site expected to serve future law enforcement needs

August 11, 2021

Mike McLean

The city of Spokane Valley will buy the former White Elephant retail store site located at 12614 E. Sprague for $2.2 million, with long-term plans to use the property for law enforcement needs, says Spokane Valley Mayor Ben Wick.

Clearing fuels from our forests urgently needed

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July 29, 2021

Don Brunell

Massive forest fires in western parts of our country are not only choking us with layers of thick smoke but are leaving behind millions of acres of scorched hillsides, ridges, and valleys. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, record wildfire seasons

Journal's View: ARP funds provide regional transformative opportunity

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July 29, 2021

Journal of Business Staff

Government leaders here are faced with the enormous task of deciding what to do with more than $200 million in American Rescue Plan funding coming collectively to Spokane County, the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley, school districts, and other local

Painted Hills developers looking to move forward

Vision includes over 580 residential units in Valley

July 29, 2021

Natasha Nellis

Black Realty Inc.'s planned Painted Hills residential development is looking to move forward with its plans to build over 580 living units at the former Painted Hills Golf Course, at 4403 S. Dishman-Mica Road, in south Spokane Valley. The development

Decolonizing nonprofits

Work involves education, analysis of power structure, hiring practices, experts say

July 29, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Nonprofit organizations are beginning to look inward when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, some observers here say. Tara Ramos, owner of Spokane-based Redfox Consulting and a member of the IÃ±upiat Alaskan Native group, says demand for her

Long-Term Insurance, Short Term Confusion

Advisers say demand for cheaper policies rises as deadline for new state mandate draws closer

July 29, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Some long-term care insurance providers here say Washington state has placed them in a confusing and financially risky position with the impending implementation of the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program, also known as the WA Cares Fund.