Cheney’s Economy

Once a booming railroad town and the county seat, Cheney was a bedroom community connected to the city of Spokane. Many people live in Cheney to work and shop in Spokane, while more than half the student population of Eastern Washington University commutes daily to classes in Cheney. Cheney has its own unique economic characteristics, but its wealth and economic growth are closely tied to the larger economy of the Inland Northwest. Eastern Washington University is the single largest employer in Cheney, followed by the Cheney School District and city government. In the private sector, healthcare leads the employment base closely followed by agriculture and the main crops of agriculture are dryland graincrops like wheat, barley and peas as well as substantial hay production.

Situated 15 miles (24 kilometers) southwest of Spokane from Cheney, the city has experienced significant growth since the late 1990s, continuing to the current Spokane area. increase. Most of the growth and development occurs in the north part of the city, where Interstate 90 enters Cheney. I-90 is a major thoroughfare between Cheney and Spokane. Over the years this area has seen the development of several new businesses and restaurants including a new shopping center Safeway Supermarket, Blockbuster Video, Pizza Hut, Starbucks Coffee, and Credit Union. Holiday Inn Express has opened a new hotel in Cheney. The city has seen residential growth with several additional apartments and residential complexes.

The city hopes to help attract more businesses and high-tech industries by installing a fiber optic network that will eventually connect all businesses in the city as well as developing technology business parks[1]. The city began renovating its historic downtown, connecting the downtown university with a pedestrian walkway that stretches several blocks between the two.

Eastern Washington University is the fastest growing university in Washington state and has seen several new buildings and remodeled campuses, upgraded and beautified campuses, a new residential hall constructed, and a renovated football stadium .