Business briefs March 2026

Real Estate & Construction Briefs for March 2026

Port of Benton commissioners face recall in wake of investigation revealing Commissioner Scott Keller’s violations of state law and port policies. Citizens allege nearly $1.8 million in lost revenue due to improper leasing and gifting deals. Recall petitions call for removal of all three commissioners. Legal claims of retaliation have been made by the suspended executive director and former CFO. Meanwhile, the port has formed a committee to address long-term issues at Richland Airport following the investigation.

Those working on the Mid-Columbia’s first inpatient residential behavioral health facility know they are blazing a trail.

As Kadlec and other health care providers work to meet the growing and diverse needs of the region, they’re also trying to navigate perennial and increasingly difficult challenges in the industry related to workforce management, growing costs and shrinking reimbursements for federally subsidized care.

Some Tri-Citians seeking elective care are turning to smaller hospitals rather than large health systems, citing shorter wait times, lower costs, and the perception of more personalized attention. At the same time, providers facing growing burnout are also drawn to these facilities for better work-life balance. The trend is shaping the region’s health care landscape, affecting staffing, patient access and the way local hospitals operate.

Two business owners who met at an awards event honoring them for their entrepreneurship have teamed up to take the reins of a Richland restaurant and bar, bringing a focus on hospitality and French food – along with a new name.

A Richland church recently bought the Uptown Theatre as well as five adjacent commercial spaces for $1 million from the estate of the late business owner and developer Warren Luke. It is already planning improvements.

Anyone who’s ever wanted to try a Lagree workout soon will have more options when the Tri-Cities’ only licensed Lagree Miniformer studio, Bluecarrot, opens two new locations in central Kennewick and west Pasco.

A private East Coast enterprise is teaming up with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to recycle spent nuclear fuel – and the results could power endeavors like space exploration while making spent nuclear fuel less dangerous.