By Joey Gunning, Director of Economic Development, Greater Spokane Inc. I recently heard that Fairchild Air Force Base (FAFB) is the #2 destination in the country for retiring military personnel. A quick look at Lightcast’s Population Characteristics confirms that Spokane County has 54% more veterans than the national average for a region our size. In […]
Where Service Turns to Opportunity: Spokane’s Military Legacy Read More »
By Johnathon Somerlott, Public Policy Coordinator If we don’t fix housing, we can’t grow Spokane’s economy. That’s the message we hear across industries—from manufacturers to hospital systems. With the Spokane region needing over 22,000 homes in the next 20 years, the region is at a tipping point: build now, or fall behind. At Greater Spokane
Spokane Region’s Housing Pressures Read More »
By Joey Gunning, Director of Economic Development, Greater Spokane Inc. Cheney, Washington is growing…fast. Since 2019, the population has increased by 6.8%, adding about 1,500 new residents. With projections suggesting another 10.3% growth over the next five years, that’s an influx of about 2,375 additional people. But despite these positive demographic trends, Cheney’s job market
Cheney’s Growth Paradox Read More »
Spokane, WA – June 9, 2025 – Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) is proud to announce that BECU’s Office of Philanthropy has awarded a $30,000 grant to GSI in support of the Spokane Inclusive Business Catalyst (SIBC), a transformative business accelerator for underserved entrepreneurs in Spokane County. With this generous investment, SIBC will expand from two to
SPOKANE, WA — June 6, 2025 —Two of the Inland Northwest’s leading innovation clusters—the Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster and the Inland Northwest Energy Innovation Cluster—have each been awarded $140,000 through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP) Cohort 3. Funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA), this investment supports forward-thinking projects that will advance
By John Somerlott, Legislative Assistant, Greater Spokane Inc. Talk. Vote. Sign. Law. If you wanted to distill the legislative process into four words, these might do it. The talking, voting, and signing wrapped up just one week ago. On May 20th, the Governor had his final day to sign bills into law and make his
2025 State Legislative Wrap-Up Read More »
We just wrapped up another fantastic Peer Networking event on May 13, and what a night it was! Over 120 business and community leaders gathered at the beautiful Centennial Hotel to enjoy their patio overlooking the river and for an evening of connection, collaboration, and community building. These events are a signature part of GSI’s work,
Connections, Community & Collaboration at Peer Networking Read More »
By Nadine! Burgess, Owner, Spokane Gymnastics For the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of joining Greater Spokane Inc. each year for the annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In. I continue to participate because I see the tangible value of showing up, advocating for our region, and staying informed about the issues that impact our community. I
Reflections from the 2025 Washington, D.C. Fly-In Read More »
By John Somerlott, Legislative Assistant, Greater Spokane Inc. As the legislature officially adjourned on Sine Die, April 27, a busy session covering serious challenges was moved to the Governor’s hands. Although the Governor has already signed many bills into law, the fate of the most significant ones—namely, the budget and revenue proposals—remains undetermined. The Legislature
2025 State Legislative Session Read More »
By Jim Hedrick, GSI WA State Lobbyist and Spokane Regional Advocate The 2025 Washington State legislative session has been one of the most tumultuous and emotionally charged sessions in recent memory, marked by significant political tension, major fiscal challenges, and the deaths of two beloved legislators. From the opening days, the atmosphere was fraught with
Legislative Update: Session Wrap-up Read More »
