What would it take to create a more favorable economic climate for small businesses? Spokane-area citizens will have a chance to offer their suggestions Monday when the Trade and Economic Development Committee of the Washington state House of Representatives holds a public meeting here.

The session, titled “Economic Development Programs for a Diverse and Prosperous Washington,” will be from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Sasquatch Room at Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St. Committee members will use the information they gather to help them formulate a legislative agenda for the 2005 session in Olympia.

The committee is especially interested in hearing from small business owners about the barriers and challenges they face, said Tracey Taylor, legal counsel for the panel. Last year, committee members held similar information-gathering sessions in their respective districts, Taylor said. This year they are holding two roundtable meetings, one on each side of the state.

Representatives from city and county governments, economic development councils and chambers of commerce have been invited along with the Washington state Economic Development Commission. The meeting also will include a panel discussion involving small business owners.

Traffic scoping meeting. Area residents who are interested in two planned housing divisions south of Spokane can ask their questions and air their concerns at a traffic scoping meeting Tuesday evening at the South Hill Public Library, 3324 S. Perry St.

The meeting will focus on a 94-acre, 371-lot project known as Meadow Point Landing from 5 to 6 p.m. and on a 20-acre, 21-lot project known as Talon Ridge from 6 to 7 p.m. Both projects are located near and south of The Creek at Qualchan Golf Course.