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Recent Articles from Lee Fehrenbacher
Surprise! Portland Housing Bureau has $106 million surplus
The Portland City Council is grappling with discoveries of substantial unbudgeted funds, prompting oversight hearings and calls for an investigation.
Lloyd Center redevelopment plan faces opposition
Community members urged preserving the mall and indoor ice rink as the project team again appeared before the Portland Design Commission.
Pacific Northwest projects totaling $22.2 million in top bidders | Feb. 6, 2026
The city of Tillamook has awarded a $12.7 million contract for replacement of a water transmission line.
Calm above, chaos below: January’s hidden turbulence | Opinion
For two years, the 鈥淢agnificent Seven鈥� mega-cap tech stocks dominated returns. In January, that dominance cracked.
Portland design review reform debated amid housing crisis
Design commissioners on Thursday pushed back on any blame given to design review for a slowdown in multifamily development as the city studies the process.
GBC Construction: Seven Oak Middle School Gymnasium Seismic Retrofit
Design-Build Scopes & Roofing
What counts as a catch? Replay review of McDonnell Douglas | Opinion
Here is a quick reminder of the McDonnell Douglas framework, the criticism of it by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and why it matters to employers.
Building Blocks: Barbur Apartments
Construction has begun in Portland's Hillsdale neighborhood on Barbur Apartments, a three-building complex that will have 149 affordable units and one unrestricted manager鈥檚 unit.
Oregon lawmakers push UGB exceptions for housing
A bill being discussed by Oregon legislators would allow cities to expand their urban growth boundaries to accommodate more housing.
Salem Health buys former RAM site for parking use
The health care organization paid $1.339 million for the property near Salem Hospital. The new owner intends to use the lot for parking purposes.
Industry-backed research group expands Oregon policy role
The Common Sense Institute is expanding its role in Oregon policy debates, offering data-driven research on the economy, labor and major projects.
Skanska: City of Vancouver – Public Works Operations Campus
MACC #5 Bid Package: BP 03A 鈥� Covered Storage H & J foundations
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
