Economic Development

Aerial view of city building with trees in the background

Why Cheney

Businesses locating in Cheney find considerable value in its Pacific Northwest central location, affordable land, good infrastructure, and transportation connectivity. Power resources are reliable and low-cost. Data services are high quality and high capacity.

Low Utility Rates

The City of Cheney has one of the lowest composite utility rates in the Eastern Washington region. We are unique among small cities in that we offer all four major utilities: electricity, water, sewer, and solid waste. Here is general information about our utility rates. The following charts show how the City of Cheney compares with other regional utilities for electricity, water, sewer, and solid waste.

Labor Force

Benefiting from a talented labor force, regional university, steady job market, and low cost of living, Cheney is a thriving city with an attractive demographic of residents. Eastern Washington University's dynamic College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and College of Business and Public Administration provide the ideal opportunity for companies looking for employees to meet their needs.

Location

Cheney is located just 20 minutes from downtown Spokane and less than 20 minutes from Spokane International Airport. Access to I-90 is only 5 miles via State Route 904. Here is a Drive-Time From Cheney Map, indicating the relatively short travel time to Seattle, Portland, and Boise. 

The regional tourism of the greater Spokane area also benefits our city. Here is information about things to do and events in the Spokane area.

Opportunities

Opportunity Centers

The Cheney Industrial and Commerce Park (CICP) is a technologically advanced business park that stands ready to serve the growing needs of the high tech and manufacturing industries in Eastern Washington.

CICP Entrance

Vacant Properties

If you are looking for just the right space for your business, we can help! Here are a few of the vacant business properties in Cheney, ready for you to move in and set up shop.

Property Finder

SelectSpokane.com is the Spokane Region Site Selector Website. It is an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping program that provides enhanced economic development and site selection services to the business community. It allows users to search for available commercial buildings and sites as well as generate site-specific demographic and business analysis reports. It speeds up and simplifies the process of finding the optimal location for a business by providing public access to a range of valuable information.

The site leverages the community's existing investments in GIS to foster economic development, empower developers and investors with information, and improve regional economic development capacity. The project is organized and managed by the Spokane Regional Site Selector Consortium. The City of Cheney is a Consortium member. 

Starting a Business

Here is some information to help you get started. You will find steps and other information specific to your situation.

Commercial Building and Site Requirements

Once you’ve verified your location is zoned for your business use, you will work with the City’s Planning, Building, and Fire divisions to move forward.

Business Licensing

Here's how to obtain a state business license with the City of Cheney.

Fire Inspections and Alarms

All businesses are inspected by the Cheney Fire Department to ensure properties are safely maintained in accordance with state and local codes.

Building Use Changes or Improvements

Learn what to do if you plan on changing the use of a building or making improvements on one, here.

What's Allowed at Your Location

Allowed uses and zoning requirements can be found here.

Community Profile

Demographics

With a growing population, an expanding regional university, attractions for residents and visitors, and a friendly business climate, Cheney is a great place to live, work, and play.

Our current population is 12,410 (April 2019).  The city of Cheney encompasses 4.32 square miles.

Major Employers

Consumer Spending and Retail Reports