Economic growth is projected in North Idaho in 2026 due to a diversified economy and rapid job expansion, however the the availability of attainable housing in the region is expected to pose challenges, some economic development officials say.

Construction activity in Spokane County is expected to remain steady in 2026 while the industry faces uncertainty around interest rates, tariffs, and workforce shortages, industry experts say.

When Beau Burdett visited the Inland Northwest in June to check out Kirishian Imports, a Spokane-based rug retailer and cleaner he was considering purchasing, what he found scared him — in a good way.

At least $577 million in Spokane County manufacturing facility investments, developments, and expansions are planned, underway, or have wrapped up since July by major regional employers including Kaiser Aluminum Corp., Jubilant HollisterStier LLC, and Solstice Advanced Materials Inc.

A new Midwest Motor Express Inc. truck dock is being planned in Spokane's Hillyard neighborhood, according to a State Environmental Policy Act application filed earlier this month.

To meet increasing demand, Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital has converted and relicensed 17 beds from long-term acute care to inpatient medical rehabilitation as part of a joint venture between Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Ernest Health and Coeur d’Alene-based Kootenai Health.

Higher education institutions with nursing programs in the Inland Northwest are reporting high graduation rates, with many graduates landing health care jobs close to home.

A permit application for a new Topgolf facility, full-service restaurant, and bar in Liberty Lake has been filed this month by developers known for their work on other Topgolf locations around the country.

The National Weather Service has predicted the Inland Northwest will see a colder and wetter 2025 winter season, and local ski resorts are expecting to have a particularly successful season because of it.

A 24-unit townhome project has been proposed at 7724 N. Austin Road in the Five Mile Prairie neighborhood of North Spokane.