Economic Development
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.
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.
- 223 1st Street – 2,160 SF (building)
- 304 1st Street – 3,664 SF (building, former Chase Bank)
- 327 1st Street – 1,300 SF (tenant space, former sandwich shop)
- 706 1st Street – 7,500 SF (retail building with apartment on second floor)
- 809 1st Street – 5,460 SF (building, former restaurant)
- 1902 1st Street – 2,421 SF (retail building)
- 2664 1st Street – 7,050 SF (retail building)
- 1618 Willow Street – 7,000 SF (steel building in Industrial Park)
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.
- City of Cheney Age/Sex Pyramid
- Spokane County & City of Cheney Race/Ethnicity
- City of Cheney Educational Attainment Levels
- Percentage of Population With High School Diploma
- Percentage of Population With Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- Employment Sectors - Spokane County Industry Cluster Bubble Chart
- Population, Households, Annual Growth Rate, and Household Income Graphic Profile
- House and Home Expenditures
- Housing Profile
Major Employers
Consumer Spending and Retail Reports
For additional information or potential opportunities ...
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Mark Schuller
City AdministratorPhone: 509-498-9200
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Brett Lucas
Senior PlannerPhone: 509-498-9240