Diesel price spikes begin to bite building industry in Oregon
Rising diesel prices are causing contractors and subcontractors to increase bids and project costs, with megaprojects like the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project at risk of budget impacts.
AGC’s Sandherr to retire in March, Shoaf to serve as next CEO
Stephen E. Sandherr, the CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), on Monday announced he will retire in spring of 2024 after serving in commercial construction leadership for nearly 30 years. The association’s chief operating officer, Jeffrey Shoaf, will step in as the next CEO.
Construction industry adds nearly 20,000 jobs in July, but finding workers is still a challenge
The Associated General Contractors (AGC) announced the construction industry added 19,000 jobs in July while the sector’s unemployment rate increased, according to a recent data analysis. Employers are bumping pay levels up in search of labor which has drawn previously employed workers back into the job market, AGC officials added.
Proposed rule change could bring better fits for construction PPE
Rule changes proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor would seek to clarify the personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry. The proposed change would clarify that PPE must fit each employee properly to protect them from occupational hazards.
Construction jobs, wages climb in September: AGC analysis
Construction jobs rose nearly 4 percent compared to last year and wages had their biggest year-over-year increase in 40 years, analysts for the Associated General Contractors of America said.
Survey: Contractors who use lean methods see better results
A national survey of contractors has found those who use lean construction methods on their projects are more likely to complete their jobs on time and under budget and achieve other goals such as having safe jobsites and producing high quality work.
AGC of America challenges OSHA’s vaccine mandate in court
The Associated General Contractors of America, along with two other construction groups, filed a legal challenge Monday to the Biden Administration's workplace vaccine requirement.
AGC: Labor shortage, rising costs, supply chain delays hindering recovery
A year-and-a-half into the pandemic, contractors are contending once again with a shortage of labor that's compounding supply chain delays and project disruptions.
Industry group calls for public and private response to climate change
The Associated General Contractors of America has launched a climate initiative that pushes for the reduction of carbon-intensive projects.
Report: Challenges persist for U.S. construction industry
Nationally, construction employment fell in May, the industry’s formerly premium hourly earnings are diminishing, and lumber prices remain high, according to an AGC of America report.
Construction supply chain: Where it’s headed
For anyone who follows construction statistics, Ken Simonson’s name is a familiar one. He recently addressed concerns about prices of building materials.
Construction employment shrinks in Oregon, U.S.
Oregon lost 4,000 construction jobs from September 2019 to September 2020, according to federal data, as the coronavirus pandemic took its toll.
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













