Free Newsletter
Land-use challenges to the Columbia River Crossing are likely water under the bridge
For some time now the Columbia River Crossing 鈥� the project to repair or replace the Interstate Bridge between Portland and Vancouver, Wash. 鈥� has generated controversy because of cost […]
More questions than answers: Oregon Supreme Court considers vested rights
As aptly labeled by Ralph Bloemers, attorney for Friends of Yamhill County, those pesky 鈥済hosts of Measure 37鈥� are likely to haunt rural areas for years to come as a […]
Target finalizing lease for downtown Portland store
Target is finalizing its lease agreement to open a store in downtown Portland, according to sources close to the deal. The Historic Landmarks Commission on Oct. 10 unanimously approved alterations to the Galleria Building, which occupies the entire city block bounded by Southwest Morrison and Alder streets and Southwest Ninth and 10th avenues.
Three books lead to a land-use revolution
Recently, Edward Sullivan was asked to speak at a law school conference in Chicago. The conference was to commemorate 鈥淭he Quiet Revolution in Land Use Control,鈥� which was published 40 […]
The trouble with (urban growth) boundaries
Adopting or amending an urban growth boundary has never been easy, but a recent decision by the Oregon Court of Appeals illustrates just how difficult the process can be. As […]
New book relates Oregon planning history: warts and all
Peter Walker and Patrick Hurley have produced an interesting and perhaps controversial analysis of the Oregon planning program in 鈥淧lanning Paradise: Politics and Visioning of Land Use in Oregon,鈥� which […]
A shift in prevailing winds
Identifying sites for new commercial wind developments in Oregon is becoming more difficult, not just because the premier locations are now festooned with towers, but because opponents, with the support […]
Florida takes giant step backward in land-use planning
Oregon has a unique planning program in which the state sets land-use policies, which then must be implemented by regional and local governments through their comprehensive plans, zoning regulations and […]
Oregon bills would regulate wineries
The days of stopping by a roadside stand to buy a few ears of corn or a flat of strawberries from a local farmer have changed. The organic, buy local […]
A new addition to the graveyard of bad land-use ideas
Senate Bill 766 was featured prominently in the press recently. It is a priority bill for the governor and for some segments of the real estate and business community, particularly […]
Anti-Kelo laws shy on substance
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 2005 in Kelo v. City of New London and its aftermath is the subject of an interesting commentary in the February issue of the […]
Portland’s North Reach Plan takes a shellacking at LUBA
On Jan. 21, the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals decided multiple challenges to the Portland North Reach River Plan and, in doing so, handed the city its worst planning […]
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
