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Income Tax Proposal Sparks Major Debate in Olympia as Session Nears Final Stretch
Income Tax Proposal Sparks Major Debate in Olympia as Session Nears Final Stretch A busy week in Olympia was capped off today with a hearing on a proposal to enforce the first state income tax in over 90 years. Not only does this call into question the entire tax structure in Washington State, but it…
Read MoreFed Holds Rates Steady as Leadership Change Looms
Fed Holds Rates Steady as Leadership Change Looms The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January meeting, as inflation remains elevated at 2.7%. Economic growth remains in the good-not-great range, as the labor market showed clear signs of cooling during the second half of 2025. Such an economic backdrop would suggest continued easing for monetary policy. The…
Read MoreTop Color Trends for 2026
Top Color Trends for 2026 With the new year starting, everyone is looking ahead to the new year, and a new year means new possibilities. Brands such as Pantone and Behr are also looking to 2026 and announcing their inspirations for next year’s color trends. Whether you’re helping a client with a bathroom remodel or…
Read MoreNew Sales Tax Hits Hard, Causing Confusion and Legal Challenges
New Sales Tax Hits Hard, Causing Confusion and Legal Challenges Businesses across the state are feeling the brunt of far-reaching new taxes on business services such as information technology, website development, security, temporary staffing, advertising, and software. Even nonprofit associations like the Spokane Home Builders Association will have to start charging taxes on certain live…
Read MoreBuilding a Stronger Future: Our New Mission Statement
Building a Stronger Future: Our New Mission Statement At the Spokane Home Builders Association, we know that strong homes create strong communities. That’s why we’re rolling out a renewed mission that puts our focus where it matters most. Our commitment is simple but powerful: Promote Building. Protect Housing. Elevate Communities. Promote Building Building isn’t just…
Read MoreSHBA Remodelers Council Announces 2025 Excellence in Remodeling Award Winners
SHBA Remodelers Council Announces 2025 Excellence in Remodeling Award Winners The Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA) Remodelers Council proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Excellence in Remodeling Awards, celebrating the region’s most outstanding residential remodeling projects and the skilled professionals who brought them to life. This year’s awards showcased innovation, craftsmanship, and quality across a…
Read MorePrimary Election Update
Primary Election Update With virtually all of the ballots counted in Spokane, the head-to-head contests are set for November’s showdown. Let’s take a look at some key races: Governor It’s Bob Ferguson (D) with 45.2% vs Dave Reichert (R) at 27.4% to decide who redecorates the Governor’s mansion for the first time in quite a…
Read MoreCity Council’s Housing Ban Defies Mayor’s ‘All of the Above’ Housing Proclamation
City Council’s Housing Ban Defies Mayor’s ‘All of the Above’ Housing Proclamation In her 2024 State of the City address, Mayor Lisa Brown stated, “We just simply have to build more housing supply at all levels. This is the number one challenge facing our future quality of life in our community.” As local experts in…
Read More2024 Spokane County Elections
2024 Spokane County Elections Wondering who will appear on your ballot this August? Last week, all candidates seeking elected office were required to file with the county elections department. This year brought more action than normal, beginning with the retirement of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. In total, 11 candidates filed for the now open congressional…
Read MoreBuilding Dreams: Another Successful FYF Construction Camp Empowers Tomorrow’s Trades Workers
Building Dreams: Another Successful FYF Construction Camp Empowers Tomorrow’s Trades Workers This past Saturday our 4th Annual FYF Construction Camp helped frame the future for high school students interested in a career in the trades. Nearly 30 students and close to 40 volunteers constructed 5 garden sheds in the sun, wind and rain. Guided by…
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