Free Newsletter
OP-ED: Prepare to comply with Oregon’s new gross receipts tax law
Oregon's new gross receipts tax will have a significant impact on low-margin businesses, such as general contractors.
OP-ED: The grinch that could steal Christmas
Federal and state government agencies have been increasing enforcement efforts to address misclassification of workers as contractors rather than employees. The U.S. Department of Labor has added 250 investigators to […]
OP-ED: Don’t discount a No Further Action Letter
For those familiar with commercial real estate deals, it is well-known that buyers and lenders want to see a No Further Action Letter (NFA) when dealing with property that has […]
OP-ED: How to handle pesky personnel issues
The Pareto principle posits that 80 percent of the effects of something come from 20 percent of the causes. As applied to employers, and more particularly human resource professionals, 80 […]
OP-ED: Federal agency may begin to wade deeper
In spring 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency published its draft 鈥淲aters of the U.S.鈥� rule for public comment. The rule would redefine which waters are subject to federal regulation 鈥� […]
OP-ED: Need new equipment? Buyer beware of successor liability
When purchasing real estate, buyers are always concerned with minimizing potential liability for environmental issues. When clients approach me with a prospective business acquisition, most prefer to structure it as […]
OP-ED: Oregon Supreme Court to decide water rights case
This past winter, in WaterWatch of Oregon v. Water Resources Department, the Oregon Court of Appeals reversed and remanded an Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) order granting a municipal […]
OP-ED: Taking on NIMBY and the agents of CAVE
Battling NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) and the agents of CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) can appear a daunting task more suited to comic book heroes than developers. But taking on these forces ahead of a project can reap rewards for those who know how to present their development well.
OP-ED: In letters of intent, be perfectly clear
The economy’s emerging recovery is causing many businesses to increase the pace of their transactions. In the race to show good faith and serious intent to proceed with deals […]
OP-ED: Who has authority over that traffic signal?
Large retail developments demand signalized access because it provides full turning movements into and out of the site. Land use approvals often require construction of signalized intersections for such […]
OP-ED: Land use legislation not necessarily a 鈥榞rand bargain鈥�
House Bill 4078, signed by the governor on April 1, provides urban growth certainty and opportunity for Hillsboro, Forest Grove and Cornelius. These communities can charge forward with detailed […]
OP-ED: Update employment policies, avoid noncompliance
Oregon employers in 2013 were confronted with a whirlwind of changes from federal and state lawmakers, courts and administrative agencies. The bills and decisions of last year are now […]
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
