Washington state legislative agendas for the city of Spokane and Greater Spokane Incorporated indicate that their priorities for the 2026 legislative session will focus on clarifying taxes, reducing costs for residents, and improving infrastructure and housing affordability, but lobbying efforts from the two entities face an added challenge due to a tight state budget.

Spokane wealth advisers agree that when it comes to investing, a diversified portfolio is essential for long-term stability as it generally outperforms and protects against inflationary erosion. It’s that confidence in long-term growth that allows them to see the potential benefits of the state investing long-term care funds into a mix of assets, including stocks and corporate and government bonds.

Inland Northwest employers are reevaluating plans to hire international workers after the federal government abruptly raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per worker, local immigration attorneys say.