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Recent Articles from Lee Fehrenbacher
Seasonal hires: when do wage and hour exemptions apply? | Opinion
Employers should carefully review the applicable criteria before determining whether their seasonal employees qualify as exempt under either state law or federal law 鈥� or both.
Barg Singer Hoesly leases office in downtown Portland
The real estate law firm will relocate from subleased space into approximately 3,300 square feet in the 1000 Broadway Building.
Beyond comfort: psychological safety is insufficient | Opinion
There is a growing awareness of psychological safety鈥檚 role in fostering healthy team dynamics. But beware of how it gets nurtured in the workplace, lest it turn into an unintentional liability.
Federal report advances Interstate Bridge megaproject
The final supplemental environmental impact statement has been published for the bridge replacement project between Portland and Vancouver, Washington.
$25 million multifamily project in Portland building permits | April 20, 2026
A new construction permit is under review for the Flatworks project in Southeast Portland. The eight-story building would have 143 affordable housing units and ground-floor parking.
158-unit housing proposal in Portland land use review intakes | April 20, 2026
Early assistance is pending for a proposal to construct a sizable affordable housing complex in two phases on a property in Northwest Portland.
Cascade School District seeks $30 million bond for building repairs
The district southeast of Salem is seeking voters' approval for money to pay for critical repairs and upgrades across six schools. All were constructed at least 50 years ago.
Pacific Northwest outlook: state action on renewable energy | Opinion
Oregon and Washington are moving aggressively to speed up notoriously slow siting and permitting processes, with a clear split between short-term urgency and longer-term structural reform.
Pacific Northwest projects totaling $23.3 million in top bidders | April 17, 2026
The city of Bend is preparing to award a $2.2 million contract for construction of major, crosstown bicycle routes.
Nearly $56 million in Portland Housing Bureau funds allocated
The Portland City Council has approved an ordinance allocating $55.9 million to the Portland Housing Bureau for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The funds will support various housing programs.
Bremik Construction Inc.: Chemeketa Community College – Building 7 Renovation
Abatement, Demolition, Cip Concrete (No Site Concrete), Reinforcing Steel, Masonry, Strutural Steel, Rough Carpentry, Storefront, Skylights, Earthwork And Utilities, Survey
Bull Run project’s sustainability honored by national nonprofit
The Bull Run water filtration project in Multnomah County recently received an award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. The facility is expected to become operational in 2029.
News
- 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
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
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
