Recent Articles from Nick Bjork
AGC’s Oregon-Columbia chapter entering leadership transition
Mike Salsgiver will soon retire as executive director of Associated General Contractors' Oregon-Columbia chapter; his successor, Josh Tompkins, is set to join the trade association in May.
New state laws help Woodburn and other cities add housing
House Bill 4035, recently signed into law, includes an amendment that will allow Woodburn to bring 120 acres inside its urban growth boundary. That is expected to lead to construction of hundreds of homes.
$9.2 million multifamily remodel in Portland building permits | April 27, 2026
An alteration permit was issued for a project to improve an apartment building in downtown Portland. The work will include upgrades in housing units.
60-unit housing project in Portland land use review intakes | April 27, 2026
A type 1 procedure is pending for a multifamily proposal in North Portland. A mandatory adjustment is sought for the development.
Federal project in Portland to impact Heron Lakes Golf Club
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District are aiming to improve flood safety in North Portland by replacing outdated infrastructure.
Recalling advantages of placing a Mac on every desk | Opinion
Two members of LRS Architects' staff recently answered questions about the firm's outlook on innovation.
Pacific Northwest projects totaling $5.9 million in top bidders | April 24, 2026
The city of Bend is preparing to award a $2.7 million contract for construction of improvements that will serve pedestrians and bicyclists.
Oak Knoll Golf Course near Salem closes after $6.2 million sale
The century-old, 58-acre property near Salem, was purchased earlier this month. The future use of the site, which includes a 5,000-square-foot building with a restaurant, bar and commercial kitchen, is uncertain.
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 — 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’s 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.
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 — 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



















