Special Report

Providence reorganizes behavioral health staffing

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

As behavioral health patients at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center age and their medical needs grow more complex, the hospital is redesigning its staffing strategy for inpatient psychiatric services.

Whitworth launches new four-year nursing program

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Whitworth University will launch its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in fall 2027 to address the growing need for trained nurses across the Pacific Northwest.

Aging adults exceed capacity for care

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Washington state is on the leading edge of a demographic shift that is placing pressure on senior housing providers, long-term care operators, healthcare systems, and developers as the state's aging population grows substantially faster than the workforce and housing inventory needed to support it.

Strategic partnership reaches into communities

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Ten years ago, when the University of Washington and Gonzaga University announced a strategic partnership to expand health sciences education in Spokane, they were met with community and legislative support.

Secure noncompetes with strategic ownership

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

As of June 30, 2027, Washington state law will prohibit noncompetition covenants in most employment and independent contractor relationships.

Advising needs are ramping up amid silver tsunami

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Driven by a silver tsunami of retiring baby boomers, Spokane-based Stewardship Concepts Financial Services LLC has seen its assets under management surge from $78 million in 2024 to $200 million in April 2026, says Noah Schwab, co-owner and certified financial planner at Stewardship Concepts.

Auto loan volumes increase despite price hikes

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Even as higher vehicle prices, insurance premiums, and borrowing costs continue to squeeze household budgets, Spokane-area lenders say auto loan activity is picking up this year as customers refinance existing loans, stretch payment terms, and hunt for more affordable vehicles.

Guest analysis: Local exports show a tale of two states

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Exporting from the Spokane area is an activity we don’t hear much about these days. One of the reasons lies in the demise of the International Trade Alliance, which for years promoted local businesses to go global. Another reason is that not much has changed in exports over the past 10 years, at least for Spokane.

AI frenzy fuels rise in venture capital activity

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A surge in artificial intelligence investment is reshaping the venture capital landscape, driving record valuations and deal sizes while creating new challenges for startups that aren't centered on AI technology.

CM Development plans two multifamily projects

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based CM Development & Construction LLC, a developer behind several multifamily projects under construction in Spokane, is planning two new apartment complexes valued at a combined $6.8 million.

Microgrid installation activates at MLK Center

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Avista Utilities, the operating division of Spokane-based Avista Corp., has launched the region’s first community-based microgrid at the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center, in Spokane's East Central neighborhood.

Airport begins second phase of TREX program

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane International Airport is in the process of relocating key utilities, setting the stage for the second phase of its Terminal Renovation and Expansion, or TREX program, which aims to build a 255,000-square-foot Central Hall.

SCCU expansion includes new community space

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane City Credit Union is planning a new administrative annex building next to its existing property, at 1930 N. Monroe, that will provide more space for its employees.

Jacklin Northwest plans Post Falls retail center

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Jacklin Northwest is in the planning stages of developing a new shopping center at Jacklin Ranch Commercial Park, an 88-acre site just east of Highway 41 and north of Prairie Avenue in Post Falls.

West Plains business park hits holding pattern

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The developer behind a proposed eight-unit flex warehouse park, at 9870 W. Flight Drive on the West Plains, is placing the project on hold following declining tenant interest due to higher interest rates, rising material costs, and uncertain market conditions this year.

New church building under development in Cheney

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Westside Church Spokane is building a $2.2 million, 12,000-square-foot sanctuary at 11916 W. Melville Road, in Cheney, that will provide a permanent home for the congregation.

Around Town: June 4

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-area builders face higher expenses

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The construction industry is currently facing a significant surge in expenses driven by rising material costs, fuel prices, and complex regulatory requirements leading to challenges in balancing tighter margins with affordability, some builders say.

Public Defender building is under contract

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The city of Spokane is preparing to bolster its general fund by $2.1 million following the sale of its 11,800-square-foot North Monroe Public Defender Building. The deal, which is expected to close this month, is under contract for purchase by Ryan Best, of Spokane-based Best Law PLLC, and Beth Pierce according to a 14 page sale and lease agreement on file with the city.

Entrepreneur turns business success into legacy

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Since launching The Genova Foundation in February 2025, Mike and Sandi Genova have awarded or pledged $1.2 million in grants to nonprofits with initiatives in health care, youth, and economic development.

Spokane nonprofits see giving habits shift

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

While baby boomers currently favor supporting traditional Spokane area institutions such as hospitals and universities, a younger generation of givers is prioritizing social justice and environmental causes, often choosing to donate their time over money, some Spokane-area nonprofit leaders say.

ALSC helps shape city through community lens

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

ALSC Architects PS, of Spokane, has helped shape skylines across the Inland Northwest by pairing its deep-rooted history with forward-looking design for over seven decades, says ALSC President and CEO Indy Dehal.

Spokane's 27 by 2027 takes root in West Central

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

After more than a decade in the works, long-planned infrastructure projects in Spokane’s West Central neighborhood are beginning to take shape, with the first wave of street, sidewalk, and bike network upgrades now complete.

ZBA stays busy due to housing, shelter needs

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

ZBA Architecture PS's niche of designing affordable housing is helping the Spokane-based sustainable design and architectural firm secure a consistent pipeline of work regardless of market conditions.

Saltese Creek development plans change in scope

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The city of Spokane Valley has issued commercial building permits for a six-building, $18.7 million multifamily development located south of Saltese Creek, permit information shows.

State expands property tax relief program

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A newly expanded Washington property tax relief program is expected to lower tax bills for the households of more than 10,000 Spokane County seniors and people with disabilities, with thousands more newly eligible individuals expected to enroll.

Around Town: April 23

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Work begins on Reardan primary care clinic

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Site work is now underway for a new 4,100-square-foot primary care clinic in Reardan, Washington, and the $2.3 million facility is expected to open by Oct. 31.

Single-family residential permit totals concern market leaders

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The housing crisis in the city of Spokane has now reached a dangerous level. The total number of permits for residential housing for 2025 was only 146. The last time we built that few homes was in 1970, around the time the Beatles were still a band.

Davenport native launches new commissioning firm

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

After more than a decade working in the building systems and performance industry, 45-year-old Garrett Husky has launched his own business. Davenport, Washington-based Husky Consulting LLC, which does business as Husky Commissioning, is aimed at helping developers, contractors, and building owners meet state-regulated energy standards for their projects across the Inland Northwest.