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Recent Articles from John Killin
Large or small, economic waves can offer satisfying ride
Catching an economic construction wave is easy, but sticking with it to the end can be tough these days. In this month's "On the Level" column, John Killin offers some advice to help companies enjoy the ride.
Recovery could be just around the corner
Negotiations between President Obama and Congress regarding the fiscal cliff have us all holding our breath over what the economy will do in the coming year. Will protracted posturing and […]
Real work begins after elections
It鈥檚 been said that 鈥渆lections have consequences,鈥� and that saying is very true. The reason it鈥檚 true is that the decisions made by the people we elect have consequences. Last […]
A call to be ambitious
Remember when success was a good thing? And what it was like before successes and business owners were demonized by political leaders? Remember when people could talk about their successes […]
Taking a stand against discrimination
Labor Day is often recognized as the symbolic end of summer. It鈥檚 a national holiday dedicated to honoring working men and women. One U.S. industry that represents the expertise and […]
Construction industry has a shortage of skilled workers
Almost a year ago, I wrote a column to draw attention to the skilled worker challenges that contractors are likely to face in the near future. To many, the concept […]
Economy improving, but not healthy
Until late last month our local weather has not felt much like 鈥渟ummer.鈥� While sunshine peeked through occasionally in May and June, we鈥檝e been left waiting for the onset of […]
Landscape for health care is changing
In the coming few months the Supreme Court is likely to rule on the constitutionality of federal health care reform passed in 2010. But regardless of whether insurance purchase mandates […]
How to ensure a skilled workforce
Given a choice between keeping loyal, experienced employees or letting them go and training green apprentices, the decision is predictable. Contractors want loyal, hardworking, longtime employees. And so those firms […]
Portland’s permit fee increase is not a surprise
A couple of years ago I wrote about concerns for building and planning departments throughout the region. As large-scale construction projects disappeared from the bidding market, so too did permit […]
Signs point to improving local construction economy
Across the country there are signs that the nation鈥檚 construction economy is slowly beginning to turn around. While the local market continues to be weak, there are positive signs here […]
Prompt payment bill is on the right track
Last month I called attention to an important opportunity for the Oregon Legislature to help the state鈥檚 construction industry in a very meaningful way. This 鈥渋ssue鈥� has since been assigned […]
News
- $960,000 office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 10, 2026
- Two projects in historic districts in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 10, 2026
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
