Washington's economy is many economies, which vary as much as the state's legendary landscape. We show you how seven scrappy communities are holding on — and holding out hope for the future.

Click on a city on the map to the left to go to the installment for that community. Part One - Moses Lake Part Two - Bellingham Part Three - Spokane Part Four - Longview Part Five - Tacoma Part Six - Tri-Cities Part Seven - Seattle Compiled by Times news researcher Vince Kueter.

	Moses Lake's sweet years end Moses Lake has fashioned the kind of diverse economy that most rural towns dream of. It has cheap power, abundant water, lush farms, a sprawling airport, Interstate 90 and an industrial base that produces everything from air bags to McDonald's French fries. But this desert town, two hundred miles and a world away from Puget Sound, has felt the recession as hard as anyplace. [Jul. 28, 2002]
	Bellingham tackles change head-on The economic mood here should be glum. But Whatcom County is showing its resiliency and a fresh attitude. Stained over the years by its affinity for heavy industry, the county is paying more mind to its natural assets. As the community navel-gazes over its future, the economy has diversified under its nose, relying less on manufacturing and more on tourism. But tourism jobs don't pay nearly as well as heavy-manufacturing jobs, which could make Whatcom County's future more scenic but less prosperous. [Jul. 31, 2002] Related story: Retailers looking for fresh starts
	Spokane still behind, but working to move ahead This is Washington's second-largest city, but it's motto could be "Slow and Steady." Once powered by agriculture, mining and timber, Spokane's economic underpinnings now include high-tech, telecommunications, medical services and a robust service and retail base. But for all the city's advantages, and despite its isolation, the nation's recession has a grip on Spokane. [Aug. 5, 2002]
	Battered industrial city of Longview steels itself for future Ted Trople worked at the Longview aluminum smelter for 34 years, and he planned to work a few more before retiring to a quiet life on his nearby cattle farm. But the plant is now shuttered. [Aug. 8, 2002]
	City of Destiny? Tacoma's nickname is starting to fit Destiny finally may have arrived in this city once known as "the City of Vacant Lots." As much of the Puget Sound area struggles through recession, Tacoma feels it less and is recovering sooner, going about establishing itself as a destination city filled with museums. [Aug. 12, 2002]
	Tri-Cities riding high - for now At a time when much of the state kvetches over a recession, Richland, Pasco and Kennewick are building and booming. The sandy sagelands preferred by jack rabbits are fast being paved over for homes. [Aug. 15, 2002]
	Seattle's long road to economic health At the heart of the Puget Sound area's economy is Seattle, a boom-bust town. From the Panic of 1893 to the Klondike Gold Rush, from the collapse of the supersonic transport to the supercharged dot-com bubble, the region's economic chart is a wildly jagged line resembling the seismic charts of earthquakes that periodically hit the region. [Aug. 18, 2002]

Back to top