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Court decision exposes LLCs’ liability
In February, the appeals court reversed part of a decision by another court in the case of Antonio Cortez v. Nacco Materials Handling Group Inc., ruling that the exclusive remedy provision did not protect members of LLCs from tort liability.
Supreme Court will decide key Columbia River Crossing issue
While city, state and regional government officials last week rejoiced that federal authorities OK鈥檇 acquisition of right-of-way for the Columbia River Crossing project, oral arguments over another aspect of the CRC were presented at the Oregon Supreme Court.
Forest Grove to appeal $6.5M ‘abuse of power’ decision
The city of Forest Grove is appealing a jury鈥檚 decision in September that found the city and two of its employees liable for 鈥渁buse of power,鈥� and awarded David Hill Development $6.5 million in damages.
A footnote creates waves for construction defect litigation
In a construction defect case in March, the Oregon Supreme Court included a footnote in its decision stating that a two-year statute of limitations applies to cases of negligent construction. Prior to that decision, the statute of limitations was understood to be six years. Since March, some trial court judges are following the footnote, and others are following the previous statute, but a forthco[...]
Portland real estate brokers fight city tax
The Oregon Court of Appeals last week ruled in favor of residential real estate brokers Beth Kellan and Diane Rulien who claimed the city of Portland's income based business license tax for brokers breaks state law.
Land-use officials contest court’s urban growth boundary decision
State land-use officials today expressed concern over a recent Court of Appeals decision to overturn McMinnville鈥檚 urban growth boundary expansion, which was approved by LCDC in 2008. The remand adds even more time to a process that McMinnville started in 2000 as part of the state-required review of its comprehensive plan.
Court shoots down McMinnville UGB expansion proposal
The Oregon Court of Appeals late last week sided against recent Land Conservation and Development Commission approval of the expansion, and called into question the inclusion of nearly 800 acres of farmland to accommodate population and job growth. Portions of the proposal now must be re-examined by the LCDC and retooled to receive state approval.
River Plan takes another hit; industry group wants buildable lands inventory
Last week the Oregon Court of Appeals sided with the Working Waterfront Coalition, an industry group that represents water dependent businesses in the Portland Harbor, on its claim that the city needs a new buildable lands inventory. The ruling comes after the state Land Use Board of Appeals halted the city鈥檚 proposed River Plan in January, further diminishing the city鈥檚 chances of new environ[...]
Pro bono renovation brightens CourtCare facility
Local businesses donated their time and money to completely renovate the drop-in child care center in the Multnomah County Courthouse over the Memorial Day weekend.
Multnomah County Courthouse, deteriorating, needs upgrade
For more than 40 years, studies have taken place in an effort to determine whether Multnomah County should renovate or replace its downtown courthouse. Many of the building's mechanical and electrical systems "have reached the end of their useful life," according to a recent study.
Businesses chip in to make over court childcare room
A handful of Portland-area contractors and other businesses are donating money to renovate a tiny space in the Multnomah County Courthouse. Renovation work is being done - for free - to the CourtCare childcare room, the no-cost, drop-in child care center that serves parents who must bring children to court.
Hillsboro, Portland won’t appeal zoning ruling
The city of Hillsboro has decided it will not appeal an Oregon Court of Appeals' decision that new zoning surrounding the Hillsboro Airport is unconstitutional.
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
