Strengthening Rural Construction in 2026: Why Your Voice Matters in the Tri-County HBA

By Angela Wethered, Tri-County HBA 2025 Chair

As the Tri-County region prepares for a new year, the conversation around the future of our construction industry becomes more important than ever. For rural communities like Colville, Kettle Falls, Chewelah, Republic, and Newport, the strength of the building industry depends on local leadership, involvement, education, and consistent engagement.

The Tri-County Chapter of the Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA) is growing—and 2026 will be a pivotal year. To move forward, we need contractors, tradespeople, suppliers, and industry supporters to join us in shaping the future of construction across northeast Washington.

Why Local Leadership Matters for Rural Construction

Rural builders face unique challenges, including:

• Limited access to training

• Workforce shortages

• Fewer networking opportunities

• Long travel distances for required certifications

• Reduced visibility compared to urban markets

A strong Tri-County HBA chapter gives our region a stronger voice. But that only happens when local professionals step up to serve, participate, and lead.

We Need a Tri-County Board of Directors

To effectively serve Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties, the chapter must establish a Board of Directors or at a minimum a "Chair" from each county. This Board will guide:

• Workforce development efforts

• Local outreach events

• Training opportunities

• Committee representation

• Monthly and annual meeting schedules

If you want to elevate the construction industry in your community, your leadership is needed.

How Tri-County Members Can Get Involved in 2026

The SHBA offers multiple ways for rural members to participate and influence decisions that affect the entire building industry.

Tri-County Representation Needed on SHBA Committees & Councils

We need rural voices on committees such as:

• Government Affairs

• Workforce Development

• Education & Training

• Membership

• Trades Councils

• Events & Community Outreach

• Professional Women in Building (PWB)

• Young Professionals (YP)

Having a Tri-County representative on each committee ensures our region’s priorities and challenges are recognized—and addressed.

Building the Rural Workforce: A Vision for 2026

Workforce development is one of the most urgent issues in rural construction. Not every career pathway requires trade school or an apprenticeship. Many tradespeople begin their careers through hands-on, merit-shop training on real job sites.

In 2026, our chapter aims to expand:

• Hands-on training opportunities for new and experienced workers

• Local school partnerships introducing students to construction careers

• Professional development training for contractors and trades

• Outreach programs to promote construction as a high-value career in rural Washington

These initiatives are only possible through local volunteers and leaders.

Upcoming Construction Training in Colville – January 2026

To support our rural workforce, we are preparing to bring essential training directly to Colville, eliminating the need for long-distance travel.

Training Available:

• First Aid / CPR Certification Training

• EPA Lead Renovator (RRP) Certification Course (in scheduling process)

These are required or highly beneficial certifications for contractors, remodelers, painters, and maintenance professionals.

We Need Your Input to Finalize Dates

To bring these courses to the Tri-County region, we must know who is interested.

Your response determines scheduling, location, and class size.

If you or a team member would like to participate in either training, please reach out.

Monthly Meetings and Annual Tri-County HBA Planning

To maintain momentum and communication, the Tri-County Chapter will begin hosting:

• Regular monthly meetings/events

• An Annual Meeting in 2026

These gatherings will include networking opportunities, committee updates, local advocacy discussions, training announcements, and planning for outreach events.

Your participation will directly shape how the chapter grows.

Join Us—Let’s Build Opportunity and Leadership in the Tri-County Region

The Tri-County Chapter has enormous potential, but it cannot grow without local voices and leadership. Whether you want to:

• Serve on the Board of Directors

• Represent our chapter on SHBA committees

• Volunteer for outreach events

• Participate in workforce development initiatives

• Join upcoming trainings in Colville

• Attend monthly meetings

Your involvement matters.

Together, we can strengthen the construction industry across rural northeast Washington, support our workforce, and create lasting opportunities for local contractors and tradespeople.

If you’d like to get involved or learn more, please reach out.

Promote Building, Protect Housing, Elevate Communities.