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 Inc., we see housing as economic infrastructure. Housing is not just about where people live—it’s about whether they stay and invest locally, whether businesses can hire, and whether communities flourish. That’s why GSI, as part of our Strengthening Workforce Infrastructure cornerstone, is bringing business and civic leaders together for our inaugural State of Housing Summit on July 8.
As prices continue to climb in our region, we need solutions. Housing is more than just shelter; it’s critical infrastructure for a stable, productive community. Young professionals starting their careers need affordable places to build a life. As our economy expands into more complex industries, from biotech to aerospace manufacturing, we need to attract and retain top talent nationwide. That means offering not just good jobs, but vibrant neighborhoods and homes people can afford in a community they want to stay in.
One hurdle we face is public perception. According to GSI’s Pulse survey, only 52% of respondents believe building more housing will significantly impact their quality of life, and only 24% consider that impact “very significant.” Just 47% support building more types of housing in their own neighborhoods. This disconnect poses a challenge: we know more housing is essential for economic health, but community buy-in isn’t matching the need.
A healthy housing inventory brings tangible benefits to all. It provides stable options for families and young workers and helps keep talent local. Additionally, it eases the tax burden by broadening the property tax base, which supports services for everyone.
Builders, buyers, and the community stand to gain significantly from the conversations at the State of Housing Summit. A panel of local industry leaders will discuss the challenges and opportunities in housing, and a keynote address from Washington State Lt. Governor Denny Heck will provide meaningful insight into the future of our region. Lt. Governor Heck has long been a champion for tackling our state’s housing affordability crisis and has been instrumental in shaping policy solutions like the Housing Affordability Crisis Report and the Proposed Housing Action Plan.
We invite you to join us for an in-depth look at Spokane’s housing future and to be part of the conversation about how we move forward together.
