07/22/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/22/2021 00:12
SPOKANE, WA - A new report released today by New American Economy (NAE), in partnership with the City of Spokane and the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, underscores the critical role that immigrants in Spokane are playing in filling the region's labor demands, starting small businesses, and supporting the local economy through their consumer spending power.
Between 2014 and 2019 the Spokane population grew by 3 percent, with the immigrant population decreasing by 16.6 percent. Despite this, immigrants and refugees in the City of Spokane held $307.6 million in spending power, and paid over $79 million in federal taxes and $36 million in state and local taxes in 2019 alone. Despite making up 5.6 percent of the city's overall population, immigrants and refugees represent 12.7 percent of manufacturing workers, 10.4 percent of hospitality workers, and 8.7 percent of educational services workers.
The new report was awarded to Spokane as part of the Gateways for Growth Challenge, a competitive opportunity for localities to receive research support and/or technical assistance from New American Economy and Welcoming America to improve immigrant inclusion in their communities. The City of Spokane, the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, and New American Economy presented the new report at a community forum in recognition of the many organizations that support immigrants in the region.
This report will be leveraged in the region's efforts to attract and retain global talent. Following the launch of the report, the city and chamber will be hosting a conversation on how to make the community more welcoming and supportive for immigrant, refugee and marginalized communities.
'As we see the Spokane region continue to grow, the need for workers will continue to increase,' said Mo Kantner, Director of State and Local Initiatives at New American Economy. 'By welcoming foreign-born residents with a unique range of skills, the region can make an important investment in its future.'
'Spokane's efforts to pair data with substantive conversations demonstrate its commitment to community-driven immigrant inclusion,' said Christina Pope, Senior Network Director at Welcoming America. 'By harnessing the full talents and potential of immigrant residents, the entire community of Spokane benefits.'
The new research report, New Americans in Spokane finds:
Read the full research brief here.