By Jim Hedrick, GSI WA State Lobbyist and Spokane Regional Advocate Week two of the 2026 short legislative session was marked by intense activity as lawmakers worked within a highly compressed short session timeline. In a short session, bills have only 24 days to be introduced, heard in committee, potentially amended, and voted on before […]
Legislative Session Update: Week 2 (January 19-23, 2026) Read More »
By Jim Hedrick, GSI WA State Lobbyist and Spokane Regional Advocate The first week of the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session is complete, as lawmakers returned to Olympia for what is expected to be a fast-moving, 60-day session shaped by several powerful forces: a sharpened progressive edge following the 2025 special elections, a deeply challenging
Legislative Session Update: Week 1 (January 12-16, 2026) 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 »
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 »
Shoutout to our amazing member partners highlighted in the 2025 Inlander Best of the Inland Northwest Readers Poll! These businesses play a big role in shaping the Spokane region we know and love, and we’re thrilled to see them celebrated by the community. Keep scrolling to see which GSI partners made the list! Best Art
Congratulations to GSI Member Partners – Inlander Best of 2025! Read More »
By Jim Hedrick, GSI WA State Lobbyist and Spokane Regional Advocate The legislature is heading into the final week of the regular session, constitutionally scheduled to end on Sunday, April 27. This week, the majorities introduced a revised revenue package, held public hearings and voted on bills that raise taxes and implement budgets. The legislature
Legislative Session Update: Week 14 (April 14-18, 2025) Read More »
