By any objective measure, metro SLC is a much bigger market than metro Spokane. If you'd chosen to make this about Spokane vs. say Modesto, I'd be agreeing with you in spades.

Employers aren't fleeing Spokane because of unfair Washington business rules - otherwise you'd see some major flight out of King County. Kaiser closed shop in a big way long ago. Boeing closed down shop long ago. (or at least both reduced their presence in a huge way). There are no really big, non-governmental employers left in Spokane. Along the Wasatch front there are dozens.