Projects Preview: Building More Than Infrastructure — Building Relationships

On December 17, 2025, the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) once again brought together key local municipalities, including the City of Spokane, Spokane County, City of Spokane Valley, Spokane Transit Authority, and the Spokane Airport. This gathering was held at the Mirabeau Hotel & Event Center, where representatives from these organizations provided exclusive previews of their upcoming projects, showcasing the collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing infrastructure and community services in the region.

The event has served as an invaluable platform for networking, information sharing, and fostering relationships between municipal leaders and contractors, all of whom play a critical role in the development and maintenance of public works.

One of the key presenters at the event was Jonathan Adams, P.E., who serves as the principal design engineer for the City of Spokane. Jonathan leads the design group dedicated to municipal street and utility projects, where he has been instrumental in the delivery of a wide array of projects, with construction costs that vary significantly, ranging from $100,000 to an impressive $60 million. His extensive expertise not only highlights his technical proficiency but also underscores his commitment to enhancing the infrastructure that supports the community's needs.

Joining Jonathan were Erica Amsden and Robert Lochmiller from the City of Spokane Valley, both of whom brought their unique insights and experiences to the presentation. Erica, who holds the position of Capital Improvement Program Engineering Manager, has an extensive background in managing a variety of infrastructure projects. Her portfolio includes significant undertakings in roadway construction, grade separation projects, airport development, stormwater management, comprehensive water systems, sewer and wastewater treatment facilities, housing developments, and bridge construction. Her multifaceted experience makes her a vital asset in ensuring that Spokane Valley's infrastructure meets the growing demands of its residents. Robert Lochmiller, who serves as one of the Engineering Managers for the City of Spokane Valley, shared his expertise in project management, particularly in the context of public works projects. His focus on effective project delivery and collaboration with contractors has been essential in advancing the city's infrastructure goals, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget while meeting the community's needs.

Another prominent figure at the event was Lisa Corcoran from Spokane Airport. As the Chief Development Officer at Spokane Airports, Lisa oversees a broad spectrum of responsibilities that encompass planning, environmental considerations, design, construction, and land development for key facilities such as Spokane International Airport, Felts Field, the Airport Business Park, and the Rail-Truck Transload Center. Her role is pivotal in steering the airport's strategic growth and innovation, particularly through the implementation of their Capital Improvement Program, which aims to enhance the airport's capacity and service offerings.

NUCA was also pleased to welcome Becky Spangle from Spokane County to the event. With 30 years of experience in the transportation field, including expertise in roadway and bridge construction and design, as well as the operations of transportation infrastructure, Becky brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Having spent the majority of her career with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), she now serves as the Construction Engineer for Spokane County, where she is dedicated to sharing her insights and collaborating with local contractors to improve regional infrastructure.

Lastly, the evening concluded with a presentation from Dan Wells, the Deputy Director for Capital Development at Spokane Transit. Dan is responsible for overseeing all capital improvements related to the transit system, which includes significant initiatives such as Bus Rapid Transit, facilities upgrades, and infrastructure development. His contributions are crucial in ensuring that Spokane Transit continues to evolve and meet the transportation needs of the community effectively.

NUCA members expressed great satisfaction in this event, with

over 60 attendees who actively engaged with the speakers and exchanged ideas with their peers. This annual gathering not only highlights the importance of collaboration between municipalities and contractors but also fosters a spirit of camaraderie and mutual understanding. The positive interactions and discussions that take place during this event are instrumental in promoting good relations and paving the way for successful future projects. As we look forward to next year's event, we are excited to continue building on these valuable connections and enhancing our collective efforts toward community development.