City of Airway Heights, Washington - Community Parks, Business Growth, Family Events

Facilitating and growing economic prosperity

As the region�s economy slowly recovers, the city of Airway Heights is challenged to manage rapid population growth and reverse staggering unemployment while creating a healthy, economically, and socially sustainable community.

Population growth has risen steadily over the past 10 years. More than 6,400 people currently live in the city, a nearly 25 percent increase since 2000 and well ahead of state�s 19 percent pace during that same period.

At the same time, employment opportunities have shrunk with the national economic recession. Unemployment in the city stands near 9 percent. Though the city�s recent unemployment trend appears flat, it provides little relief for residents who continue to struggle finding work.

Fairchild Air Force Base, dedicated in 1951 (though its history as Spokane Army Air Field dates even earlier), is the region�s largest employer and a significant contributor to the health and vitality of the city and region. Nearly 5,000 airmen and civilian employees support the base�s current primary air refueling mission.

Beyond the base, Airway Heights also enjoys a small assortment of retail, entertainment, manufacturing and light industrial businesses, but sees significant opportunity to grow that mix. Distribution facilities and expanded retail offerings are often cited as natural targets to enhance the city�s roster of businesses.

Assets upon which the city can build include affordable available land and access to major transportation routes. A good-sized inventory of developable land zoned for commercial and industrial uses should prove attractive to companies looking to relocate or expand. Easy access to Interstate 90 and trucking routes, close proximity to the Spokane International Airport and major international shipping routes, and nearby major rail connectivity all make Airway Heights an appealing business location.

A skilled workforce is also high on the list of attributes for new and existing businesses. Fairchild is a source of new and fresh talent both in the form of the highly trained and disciplined airmen leaving military service and the family members that move into the area as a part of the extended Air Force family. A growing industrial and manufacturing presence among the community�s major employers also contributes to the skill set of the city�s available workforce.

Preserving existing businesses and preparing for future growth is an important role the city plays as it works to improve economic prosperity. Collaboration with local and regional stakeholders is a critical component to successfully balancing those sometimes competing interests and meeting the ongoing needs of city constituencies.

Successful cities effectively identify and pursue complementary opportunities that strengthen the local economy. Growth should enhance and build upon the foundation established by existing companies and organizations.

Airway Heights has implemented a three-part economic stimulus plan to reduce unemployment and provide new opportunities for residents. Investments have been made in smart infrastructure street and water improvements, expanding the city�s public sewer system and service enhancements to better meet the needs of commercial customers.

A mix of federal, state and local sources have been tapped to pay for the $8.2 million in improvements, allowing the city to create about 80 construction jobs while planting seeds to attract and accommodate long-term economic and employment growth. The strategy is to lay the ground work while the country pulls itself from the economic recession and use the infrastructure improvements to position Airway Heights to capitalize during the rebound.

Meanwhile, the city is also investing in relationships with important regional stakeholder groups. Airway Heights has a long history as a regional partner that collaborates with leading business advocacy organizations and other community groups.

Airway Height is a long-time active member of Greater Spokane Inc. and the West Plains Chamber. The city also works and interacts regularly with the Spokane International Airport staff and is a member of the Forward Fairchild group that serves as stewards of the long-term interests of the Air Force base.

Healthy cities are always looking for ways to grow businesses and services. To that end, the city supports projects that will further the economic diversity and vitality of Airway Heights, and generate much-needed jobs for our residents.

Discussions are ongoing about projects that would create jobs and give people new and better opportunities to take care of their families. Those come in all shapes, sizes and industries. Regardless of magnitude or origin, the discussion inevitably comes down to a few core criteria:

� Is the project consistent with the vision for a healthy, prosperous and vibrant city?

� Does it offer community members new ways to better meet their ongoing needs?

Distribution center operations have been identified as a good potential fit for the community�s real estate and workforce strengths. Building the city�s retail and hospitality offering is also consistently identified by business and community leaders as natural fit for the needs of Fairchild and surrounding areas.

New industrial, commercial and retail projects benefit residents, businesses and the city. New businesses mean badly needed new jobs for residents. Increased economic activity encourages more local spending and draws additional visitors that can create greater economic opportunities for businesses. New projects can generate tax revenue that funds infrastructure, such as street improvements and repairs, and enhance services.

Commercial and retail services are an important need � and opportunity � for the city and surrounding community. Thriving cities offer those important services for residents and others who commute to Airway Heights for work.

Facilitating quality job opportunities and partnering with businesses big and small will help meet the needs of the future growth of Airway Heights and the surrounding region. Gathering industry, government and community leaders to help identify and support sustainable and smart growth in key sectors that anchor the city is an ongoing process that has already begun.