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Oregon due to gain a home mill advantage
A Southern Oregon mill is slated to become the first U.S. manufacturer of cross-laminated timber.
Sam Adams鈥� legacy in shadow of recession
Portland Mayor Sam Adams is just days away from leaving office. When it comes to the development, what kind of legacy will he leave behind? Read what some local industry leaders say, and then weigh in with your opinion.
Contractors: lean and mean in 2011
It鈥檚 no secret that the past few years have been tough for the construction industry. Since 2008, construction spending in the United States has decreased nearly $300 billion and has resulted in a 2 percent reduction in the nation鈥檚 economy, according to the American Institute of Architects. From all accounts, this past year wasn鈥檛 much different.
Portland Public Schools restarts construction bond talks
Portland Public Schools officials are discussing plans that will impact the district鈥檚 next bid for a construction bond. After a $548 million proposal narrowly failed in May, the district is opting for a longer, more inclusive planning process it hopes will stir up more support.
Reactions mixed to Obama’s jobs plan for construction industry
Initial reaction was mixed to President Barack Obama's Thursday night jobs proposal that includes $105 billion for infrastructure and construction spending. Industry professionals say federal spending on construction projects is sorely needed, but they don't believe the jobs will last.
Bidding trend bugs contractors
Along with the down economy comes reverse bidding, the process in which contractors can see the bid from the lowest bidder and then reduce their bids. But some say the practice drives down quality and creates bad relationships.
Intel fab could shift Oregon construction jobs
Construction on Intel's new Fab D1X in Hillsboro could cause 6,000 to 8,000 construction workers to do the workplace shuffle, said John Killin, executive director of the local chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.
Backlog of nonresidential construction rising
The Construction Backlog Indicator, a forward-looking indicator that measures the amount of nonresidential construction work under contract to be completed, is up 27 percent since January, according to new data from the Associated Builders and Contractors.
Prevailing wage a growing concern
With more contractors pursuing public work, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries is urging them to learn about the prevailing wage. Contractors that fail to pay workers the prevailing wage for work done on public projects could not only be fined, but also be prevented from working in the public sector in the future.
UO project sidesteps public bidding process
The development team behind the University of Oregon's athletics facilities expansion plans to bypass the public bidding process, which it says is time consuming and expensive.
New law impacts state solar projects
A bill passed during the Oregon Legislature’s recent special session requires prevailing wage to be paid for private solar projects on public property. Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed House Bill 3651 […]
Builders seek waivers for healthcare law
A law written to keep business associations from dropping health coverage for sick people overreached, association leaders say, and threatens the associations' ability to offer attractive health plans to their members.
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
