Nuclear power plants unfazed by Irene
Hurricane Irene left millions without power this weekend, but thankfully none of the dozen or so nuclear power plants on the east coast were significantly damaged. The hurricane, which has caused roughly $7 billion in damages, is currently is slowing down and passing into Canada.
As hurricane Irene hits east coast, energy sector holds its breath
The energy sector in the East coast is bracing itself for widespread disruptions and damage as hurricane Irene careens up the eastern seaboard. The most populated region of the United States, the area鈥檚 nuclear power plants, natural gas pipelines, power lines and oil ports are all expected to be hit.
New bacteria strain transforms old newspapers into energy
Scientists at Tulane University in New Orleans announced they have discovered a new strain of bacteria than can break down cellulose, the difficult-to-tear-down fiber present in plants.
Businesses that serve public transit not doing so hot
A study released today by the American Public Transportation Association highlights how private-sector businesses serving public transit needs hit flat or declining revenues over the past year due to a host of challenges.
Portland home builders association racks up 5 awards at national event
The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland was the big winner at the National Association of Home Builders鈥 annual Association Excellence Awards banquet held last week in Florida.
State shells out $40M for affordable housing projects
The Oregon State Housing Council approved last Friday $40 million in tax credits, grants and loans to be shelled out to 24 projects throughout the state. The funds will go toward 810 low-income housing units, 166 of them in Portland.
Lewis & Clark chosen as Sierra Club’s ‘coolest’ Oregon school
Portland's liberal arts conclave Lewis & Clark was the highest ranking school in Oregon on the list 鈥 at No. 37. Kind of surprising, I'd say, for a state that is supposedly synonymous with recycling, organics, light rail and hemp.
Fake land-use notice suggests ball pit for hole in the ground
This fake, albeit well done, 鈥淣otice of Proposed Land Use Action,鈥 was spotted last week hanging on a fence outside the former Vitamilk Dairy site, a three-acre parcel in Seattle鈥檚 Green Lake area that has sat vacant for nearly three years. According to the My Green Lake Blog, the site, which is home to a long stalled mixed-use development project, is often referred to by neighbors as "Green[...]
Washington County land-use policy looks good compared to rest of the world
As Oregon鈥檚 land-use decision board recently approved a new plan to pare down Washington county鈥檚 50 year plan for urban growth, a study published last week details the underlying motivations for urban growth and its global implications.
Citizens committee to pitch design ideas for Sellwood Bridge
A citizens committee will meet tonight to make suggestions for the design of the Sellwood Bridge replacement.The committee is made up of local residents and stakeholders (though I hate that […]
Big tunnel project in Seattle is definitely going to happen
Seattle鈥檚 populace voted on Tuesday to fund a $2 billion, 1.7-mile, 56-foot-wide highway tunnel that will replace the aging Alaskan Way Viaduct near the Puget Sound.
Portland bike share program would increase biking, if that is even possible
Portland City Council announced on Wednesday that the city is looking to fund a slew of transportation projects using federal and city funds, paving the way for better pedestrian, cyclist and freight traffic.
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







