Greater Spokane Inc. D.C. Fly-In Connects Spokane Community with Congress
A regional delegation of business and community leaders will travel to Washington, D.C., May 6–8, 2025, for Greater Spokane Inc.’s (GSI) annual D.C. Fly-In. This year’s event, presented by MultiCare, connects Spokane-area leaders with federal policymakers to advocate for issues critical to the region’s economic vitality and long-term growth.
The delegation represents a broad cross-section of the Spokane region’s economy – including leaders from health care, education, finance, transportation, agriculture, technology, and other key industries. These individuals are united in their mission to bring Spokane’s voice to the forefront of federal decision-making.
Organized by GSI, the D.C. Fly-In includes a full agenda designed to build relationships and drive progress on regional priorities. Participants will engage in Capitol Hill sessions, an Embassy visit, targeted meetings with congressional representatives and federal agency officials, and a Grand Reception at the United States Botanic Garden.
“Our region’s voice needs to be heard in the rooms where decisions are made,” said Alisha Benson, CEO of GSI. “The Fly-In is about advocating on behalf of our region with a unified voice. We’re ensuring our region’s top priorities are elevated and that we are championing the issues and projects essential to our community.”
Key issues on this year’s 2025 Federal Agenda include:
- Advancing health care and research funding – critical to keeping our region and country a driver of innovation such as CHIPS & Science Act and National Institute of Health funding for small business innovation research.
- Promoting trade competitiveness by opposing burdensome tariffs and renewing Trade Promotion Authority to help local businesses access international markets.
- Investing in clean, reliable, and affordable energy investments and taking an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy infrastructure.
- Improving regional infrastructure, including Spokane International Airport priorities through the FAA Reauthorization Act and expanding broadband access.
- Growing the workforce pipeline through reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and expanding access to affordable childcare.
The D.C. Fly-In reflects the Spokane region’s commitment to advancing public policy and economic development efforts at the federal level. GSI works year-round with community leaders to advance policies that support the health of our region. With GSI’s combined role as a regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization, it has the most impact when there is consensus around policy that is good for area employers, the economy, and our community.
Sponsors for the 2025 D.C. Fly-In include:
- Presenting Sponsor: MultiCare
- Executive Sponsor: Providence
- Supporting Sponsor: WSU Health Sciences
- Airline Partner: Alaska Airlines
Association Partners include Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Spokane Partnership.
Visit the GSI website to learn more about GSI’s advocacy work and read this year’s Federal Agenda.
