Economic development is reviewed

Cheney's Planning Commission received an overview of economic development activities and conditions - past, present and future - at their final meeting of the summer, July 11.

In a presentation to the commission, city planner Brett Lucas explained that Cheney has rebounded significantly in the number of building permits issued over the past two years. After a high of around 330 in 2009, permits steadily declined, finally bottoming out in 2012-2013 at just fewer than 200 each year.

Permits skyrocketed in 2014 to over 400, and reached 450 in 2015. So far in 2016, permits are just over 200. Two-thirds to three-quarters of the permits issued each year are residential, with recent activity centering on building out the Harvest Bluff single-family subdivision as well as another phase of the Golden Hills subdivision.

On the larger end of the building spectrum, Cheney has issued permits for 28 major projects since 2008, most of which took place around or on Eastern Washington University and in the north end of the city. Those range from large apartment complexes like Eagle Point to the Research and Industrial Park in south Cheney to Cheney Middle School to the Patterson Hall renovation and expansion and the new snyamncut Residence Hall at EWU.

Several new businesses have also sprung up, including 10 restaurants, eight of which are located in the downtown core.

The city has also undertaken a number of initiatives it hopes will encourage more economic development. Transportation projects such as widening of State Route 904, relocation of the Palouse River & Coulee City railroad line through the north end of the city to improving at grade rail separations remain key focuses for officials.

But other initiatives are playing roles too. The city has obtained building pre-certification for sites in its industrial park, places a priority on keeping utility rates low and also works with local organizations such as the Cheney Merchants Association, Greater Spokane Incorporated and Spokane International Airport on economic measures.

Other initiatives include working with consultants and EWU to develop a business incubator related to the university's College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and working with a consultant to identify economic development grant opportunities.

"There are quite a few things going on in economic development as it's a multi-pronged approach," Lucas said.

Lucas also listed economic development approaches taken by other cities in the region. Airway Heights is working on developing an industrial center with pre-certified sites; Colville focuses on "creating a livable, attractive community" while Pullman actively works with local organizations and groups to recruit new business.

As for future opportunities, Lucas said the city will continue to work with local economic organizations, improve its web presence on its own and other websites in the region, keep current businesses in Cheney and use code enforcement as a tool to make the city more attractive.

"As you come in (SR) 904 and Betz, you should see this as a city you really want to do business in," he added.

During discussion, Commissioner Dan Turbeville brought up comments made by Mayor Tom Trulove at the City Council's June 28 meeting. Responding to a Planning Commission recommendation to hire someone in-house or outside to focus on economic development, Trulove said the city was too small and not "flush with cash" to take on such a position.

Turbeville said he understood this, but added that good rail and road access and a highly educated populace, thanks to the university's presence, were elements that could enhance Cheney's status as a business location. He also said the conception of Cheney's proximity to Spokane being a deterrent to business should be switched around.

"I think there are some businesses that would stay here and enjoy this (community)," Turbeville said.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.