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Oregon (finally) begins to integrate water and land-use planning
The famous quote 鈥淲hiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over,鈥� attributed to Mark Twain, continues to resonate today. In the American West, water regimes have prompted lawsuits, mayhem […]
Urban sprawl cramping farmlands in Clark County
Farmers in Clark County are being squeezed into smaller spaces as planning efforts continue to support urban sprawl.
The doctrine of unconstitutional conditions redux
At a time when infill development appears to be the only area experiencing growth in an otherwise flat building environment, the Oregon Court of Appeals last month issued an important […]
Affordable housing: the Portland region鈥檚 biggest failure
A recent series of articles by The Oregonian highlights a significant failure of local and regional governments in the Portland region in an area where they share responsibility. The series, […]
Governor reimagines resource lands protection in Southwest Oregon
Gov. John Kitzhaber recently issued an executive order establishing a 鈥減ilot program for regional farm and forest land conservation.鈥� The order recites that it stems from a 2012 legislative decision […]
Land-use accomplishment and disappointment in Jackson County
Jackson County is one of the most politically diverse places in Oregon. Overall, the county favors Republicans and has a somewhat conservative outlook. It heavily supported Measure 37, which purported […]
Urban farming: zoning for growing and distributing food in Portland neighborhoods
The city of Portland is reducing zoning barriers and encouraging the growing and selling of food in urban spaces for the booming business of local, urban food production by formally […]
ODOT withholds $1M from Damascus city planners
Barely a week after Damascus voters passed a controversial land use initiative, a ripple effect extended to the Oregon Department of Transportation. ODOT is putting on hold development of the city鈥檚 transportation system plan 鈥� essentially withholding $1 million that Sen. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., earmarked for that very purpose.
Damascus voters make big decision in how to craft city’s comprehensive plan
Damascus is required by state law to adopt a comprehensive plan, but voters in the city have not yet supported one. A new law, Measure 3-389, could make that process even more difficult, as the law would require any new plan to be accompanied by a financial impact report and be subject to a public vote.
The demise of urban renewal: Current trends to stymie bridges once leading everywhere
? In 1887, with private steam-powered ferries and trolley lines crisscrossing the city of Portland, Willamette Iron Bridge Co. built the first bridge across the Willamette River. Built entirely through […]
Ninth Circuit upholds constitutionality of Measure 49
Bowers v. Whitman (2012) involved challenges to the conversion or termination of Oregon Measure 37 claims by Measure 49. Plaintiffs claimed that the enactment of Measure 49, passed by voters, […]
Southern Oregon counties seek legislative land-use fix
Three southern Oregon counties are hoping to change the way their forest and agricultural lands are classified.
News
- Portland’s Centennial Mills on the verge of demolition
- $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
Commentary
- Expecting a big bang but witnessing only a whimper | Opinion
- 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
