June 3, 2020: Overall, the regional labor market is showing some signs of moving in a positive direction. As the data in the report indicate, fewer people are applying for unemployment benefits and an increased number are returning to work. That’s the good news. However, record numbers of businesses and workers are still being negatively…

May 29, 2020: It has been a bit of a roller coaster since last week. The overall unemployment numbers looking back at the month of April came in at a new record high, while the numbers of people applying for new unemployment claims rose and then fell, as did people continuing to receive unemployment benefits.…

May 20, 2020: Over the past week, we have started to see more of a shift in the local economy as regular unemployment claims have leveled off, and many businesses are stepping up preparations for reopening, including bringing staff back or recruiting new workers. Click here to read this week’s full report. 

May 13, 2020: Our chief elected officials and Spokane Regional Health District leaders are developing plans that get our economy back in gear – while keeping everyone safe – as we look ahead to enter into Phase 2 of the Governor’s approach to re-opening. Business and community partners are creating strategies to help ensure that…

May 5, 2020: The state has released its phased approach to re-opening our economy, and we are working on plans to open all of our facilities when safe to do so. Currently, the disruption to key parts of our regional economy – including restaurants, retail stores, medical and dental practices, construction, and manufacturing – continues…

April 28, 2020: We have now recorded over 45,000 people applying for first-time unemployment benefits over the past five weeks in Spokane county. Almost every industry has been significantly impacted, and workers and businesses have had to chart a new course, sometimes tapping into the myriad of local, state, and federal resources to help make…

April 21, 2020 – As businesses and workers throughout our region are impacted by the economic disruption caused by the coronavirus, we are helping to meet their immediate needs and provide a connection to local, state, and federal resources. Our workforce system staff are using technology to provide assistance with finding a job or attending…