Erica Bullock

Credit challenges rise; standards don’t necessarily change in tightening environment

Interest, inflation raise costs, reduce margins

November 9, 2023

Lenders in Spokane say several economic factors have made it increasingly more expensive for borrowers when trying to obtain a loan, including high inflation, high interest rates, and an erosion of COVID-era stimulus funds that allowed many to save, pay off loans, and invest.

Historic buildings face hurdles for energy-law compliance

Some older structures may qualify for exemptions under Commerce’s rules

November 9, 2023

Erica Bullock

Historic building owners may find there are additional challenges to meet Washington state’s upcoming energy-performance standards that nonhistorical building owners won’t have to contend with.

Collaboration takes center stage in Spokane tourism industry

PFD, Visit Spokane, sports commission work together to propel economic growth

November 9, 2023

Erica Bullock

Three Spokane-based organizations that operate as economic drivers in the community have set aside their once competitive policies to adopt a new combined strategic plan to be publicly announced in the spring.

Breast exam volume to increase due to new law

Eliminating out-of-pocket expenses said to reduce some financial barriers to early cancer detection

October 26, 2023

Erica Bullock

An increase in demand for breast imaging examinations is expected in the new year due to a new Washington state law that will eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for patients who require medically necessary exams. Breast screening and imaging is a

Dollars up, donors down at INW universities

Record-setting gift totals at INW universities have originated from fewer contributors

October 26, 2023

Erica Bullock

Despite a record-breaking year for donations at some Spokane-area universities, many higher education institutions are facing a decline in donor numbers-a worrying trend for the continued sustainability of major gifts, some university leaders here say.

Old Interface College building to be converted to rental units

103-year-old structure to be remodeled to house a dozen apartment units

October 26, 2023

Erica Bullock

An office-to-apartment conversion is proposed for a 103-year-old commercial building at 502 W. Second, located on the northwest corner of Stevens Street and Second Avenue, in downtown Spokane, according to city of Spokane pre-development conference

Clean Buildings bill might get messy for commercial property owners

Complying with new law could cost millions; some to make case for rollbacks

October 26, 2023

Erica Bullock

Some Spokane-area building owners will have to spend millions on building upgrades to comply with the energy-use and performance regulations outlined in the Washington state Clean Buildings Act, according to some downtown Spokane real estate advocates.

Home Depot considers South Hill store

Old Shopko site along Regal Street eyed

October 19, 2023

Erica Bullock

The former Shopko store site on Spokane's South Hill could become the new home to a $20 million Home Depot store.

Nearly $40M in upgrades proposed at Plante's Ferry

71-year-old sports complex no longer meets user needs, according to county director

October 12, 2023

Erica Bullock

Newly announced draft plans to improve the Plante's Ferry Park sports complex involve nearly $40 million in upgrades to grow sports tourism and spur economic development, says Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf director Doug Chase.

Airway Heights secures new public safety campus

New facility will house police, fire, City Hall

October 12, 2023

Erica Bullock

The city of Airway Heights is designing a new, $9.3 million public safety campus intended to serve its growing community better and to improve functionality and accessibility of the police and fire departments and City Hall, says Airway Heights city