Issue 2 | January 16, 2026
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What Happens in Olympia Matters in Spokane
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The Washington legislative session is officially underway, bringing with it a familiar blend of ambition, uncertainty, and policy proposals that will shape the state’s business climate well beyond this year. What unfolds in Olympia may feel distant to some, but for communities like Spokane—situated at the crossroads of two state, it carries immediate and lasting consequences.
As lawmakers convene, the direction of fiscal policy once again raises important questions about stability, competitiveness, and long-term economic health. For businesses operating near a state line, policy shifts are never abstract. Decisions made in Washington are weighed directly against neighboring Idaho’s regulatory and tax environment, influencing where businesses choose to invest, expand, and hire.
Uncertainty is costly. Businesses—particularly small and mid-sized employers, depend on predictability to plan for growth, manage payroll, and make long-term commitments. When fiscal policy signals remain unclear or repeatedly reemerge under new labels, it complicates those decisions and chips away at confidence. Washington’s historical advantage has been rooted in consistency. Preserving that advantage matters.
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At the same time, the state’s growing financial obligations deserve careful attention. Long-term debt does not resolve itself quietly. It eventually reaches employers and communities through higher costs, deferred infrastructure, or constrained services. Responsible budgeting may not generate headlines, but it remains essential to a healthy and sustainable economy.
What happens in Olympia does not stay in Olympia. It shows up in balance sheets, lease negotiations, payroll forecasts, and investment plans across Spokane and the region.
The Spokane Business Association will continue to monitor legislation closely, engage directly with policymakers, and advocate for a business climate grounded in common sense, fiscal discipline, and long-term economic vitality. This session is just beginning, but the choices made now will echo for years. We intend to stay engaged, ask hard questions, and press for policies that allow our business community to move forward with confidence, not hesitation.
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Pack your lunch, grab a coffee, and join us.
Now more than ever, it’s imperative that we connect, engage, and show up alongside our community partners. We’re setting the table for meaningful conversation with Avista centered on collaboration, shared priorities, and moving forward together.
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Partnering for Progress
Meet Avista’s Business & Public Affairs Team
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Ryan Bradeen
Director Business & Public Affairs
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Angela Koker
Manager Account Executives
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Ryan Arnold
Regional Business Manager
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Kelsey Solberg
Manager Social Impact
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Wednesday, January 21st
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Find us at Ignite Northwest
518 West Riverside Ave
(upstairs on 2nd level)
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Join us January for a Special Member Meeting
Wednesday, January 28th
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
42 N Hogan Street, Spokane WA (FreshVue)
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
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We’re pleased to welcome Congressman Michael Baumgartner, who represents Washington’s 5th Legislative District and brings a thoughtful, engaged perspective on the issues shaping our region. As a longtime public servant and advocate for Eastern Washington, Representative Baumgartner understands the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses and neighborhoods like East Central. We appreciate his willingness to join us, listen, and be part of a meaningful conversation with our members.
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Downtown Spokane Partnership - Experience live art in real time at First Friday Face-Off, a monthly showdown celebrating Spokane’s local talent. Bringing together featured artists who transform blank canvases into finished masterpieces right before your eyes during a two-hour, high-energy experience.
Featuring:
- Food Trucks
- Live DJ
- Artist Vendors
- Featured Monthly Nonprofit
- Beer and Wine (Starting February)
Come for the creativity, stay for the vibe, and be part of an experience that brings Spokane’s art scene to life — one First Friday at a time.
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The Spokane Police Department maintains an online platform that allows community members to view, and in some cases search, crime statistics data. The platform replaces the department’s previous reporting method and provides user-friendly dashboards that are updated daily.
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Spokane Business Association gives businesses a united voice, direct access to decision-makers, and a seat at the table where real change happens. Together, we advocate, connect, and grow Spokane’s business community.
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www.SpokaneBusinessAssociation.com
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