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5 potential problems with Portland’s urban growth boundary expansion
We may be forgiven for not noticing a report issued in the dog days of August from Metro Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan recommending the addition of 2,658 acres to […]
A few pointers for qualifications-based selections
Qualifications-based selection of consultants and contractors has gained an increasing amount of traction in the last few years. This process has become attractive to owners. The effectiveness of this methodology, […]
5 ways to keep employees happy (in time for Labor Day)
Labor Day typically marks the traditional end of summer, but it should also be a time for employers to reassess the state of labor relations within the workplace. After all, […]
Measure 49 – the sublime and the routine
With the recession, the Gulf oil spill and overseas wars, and battles raging over the future of urban growth in the Portland-metro area, Oregonians may be forgiven for not bringing […]
Are your independent contractors really independent contractors?
Employers that hire independent contractors must be extra cautious to ensure that these workers are classified correctly, because federal and state governments have signaled their intent to more seriously investigate […]
Electric cars vs. NIMBYism
Last week the price of gasoline inched up again – by a nickel. We awoke to the news that China is now the largest energy consumer in the world, eclipsing […]
Florida homeowners cannot stop the beach renourishment
The current U.S. Supreme Court rarely issues unanimous opinions, and that’s especially true for land use and takings. That makes the “sort of” unanimous opinion in Stop the Beach Renourishment […]
Keeping your project scope under control
Scope has a lot of different meanings. To a mariner, it means the amount of anchor line let out to keep a vessel from dragging in a storm. A good […]
Supreme Court rules on texting, sexting at work
Before the U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up its latest term in June, it unanimously held that an employer’s search of a worker’s text messages was reasonable and did not violate […]
RLUIPA issues remain 10 years later
The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act – a federal act said to prohibit, among other things, state and local governments from discriminating against religious uses when processing land-use […]
Columbia River Crossing project needs to move forward
The Columbia River Crossing project between Oregon and Washington is not Portland’s project, but rather Oregon’s project. This $3.6 billion project will have an immediate (thousands of jobs) and direct […]
The hidden landmines of summer internships
It’s finally June, which means it’s time for companies to take on student interns, typically high school or college students, to perform a variety of tasks. In most instances, these […]
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
