The New Year always brings jubilation for new opportunities. Resolutions abound and Spokane’s forward momentum will continue in 2017 as a flourishing new medical school and Riverfront Park’s renovation propel our Renaissance forward. At the heart of the rebirth though are innovative individuals who dream big and then deliver.

Dreamers like Walt Worthy have delivered a Grand Hotel which shapes our skyline, promising better things. Developers like Jim Frank of Kendall Yards revitalized an abandoned property into an enviable housing development while Ron Wells continues his quest to renovate the deteriorating Ridpath and Jerry Dicker likewise continues his success refurbishing the Bing and other hidden Spokane jewels.

The Italian Renaissance was sustained not just on the dreams of the likes of Leonardo da Vinci but flourished across Europe on innovators from all walks of life who saw solutions rather than problems. So it is for Spokane, where visionaries provide promise of another economic spring. Greater Spokane Incorporated’s Startup Center provides a launch pad for entrepreneurs, an illuminating place called Fellows CoWorking Space offers a communal location for creators to synergize, and a revolutionary place called Toolbox affords inventors a means to build their inventions. All these places are new, and while not as noticeable as the Grand Hotel, they nonetheless fuel our forward economic momentum. In a similar vein, visionary nonprofit leaders like executive director Edie Rice-Sauer of Transitions are making smart changes for the homeless and low-income women they support against a constrained funding environment while still incredibly empowering the women they serve.

Steve Jobs is famously quoted as saying “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and followers.” This January, resolutions may come and go but Spokane’s Renaissance remains resolute as our leaders itch for more and more innovation to make our lives brighter. That is one itch worth scratching.

Col. Brian Newberry, USAF ret. is current executive director of Leadership Spokane and former Commander, 92 ARW, Fairchild AFB.