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Housing code enforcement case impacting minorities considered by U.S. Supreme Court
Many urban governments in Oregon have adopted housing codes to regulate substandard housing. These local codes ensure that dwellings remain healthy and safe for habitation, and authorize government planning or […]
Oregon land-use board says ‘no’ to paintball in Canby
Lila Gottman is fed up, and I don't blame her. For years, Lila and Curtis Gottman have fought with Clackamas County over a series of changing rules that govern a paintball park they run on their property near Canby, about halfway between Portland and Salem.
Land-use challenges to the Columbia River Crossing are likely water under the bridge
For some time now the Columbia River Crossing 鈥� the project to repair or replace the Interstate Bridge between Portland and Vancouver, Wash. 鈥� has generated controversy because of cost […]
More questions than answers: Oregon Supreme Court considers vested rights
As aptly labeled by Ralph Bloemers, attorney for Friends of Yamhill County, those pesky 鈥済hosts of Measure 37鈥� are likely to haunt rural areas for years to come as a […]
Three books lead to a land-use revolution
Recently, Edward Sullivan was asked to speak at a law school conference in Chicago. The conference was to commemorate 鈥淭he Quiet Revolution in Land Use Control,鈥� which was published 40 […]
The trouble with (urban growth) boundaries
Adopting or amending an urban growth boundary has never been easy, but a recent decision by the Oregon Court of Appeals illustrates just how difficult the process can be. As […]
Fake land-use notice suggests ball pit for hole in the ground
This fake, albeit well done, 鈥淣otice of Proposed Land Use Action,鈥� was spotted last week hanging on a fence outside the former Vitamilk Dairy site, a three-acre parcel in Seattle鈥檚 Green Lake area that has sat vacant for nearly three years. According to the My Green Lake Blog, the site, which is home to a long stalled mixed-use development project, is often referred to by neighbors as "Green[...]
Washington County land-use policy looks good compared to rest of the world
As Oregon鈥檚 land-use decision board recently approved a new plan to pare down Washington county鈥檚 50 year plan for urban growth, a study published last week details the underlying motivations for urban growth and its global implications.
LCDC approves Washington County reserves map
After almost a year of waiting, Washington County finally has a state-approved growth plan outline for the next 50 years.
New book relates Oregon planning history: warts and all
Peter Walker and Patrick Hurley have produced an interesting and perhaps controversial analysis of the Oregon planning program in 鈥淧lanning Paradise: Politics and Visioning of Land Use in Oregon,鈥� which […]
Metro sets target for housing needs
A 鈥渏umping off point鈥� was established for discussions about how much land for housing should be included in an urban growth boundary expansion, if Metro Council were to green-light one.
Washington County land reserves map recommended for approval
The Department of Land Conservation and Development has given a vote of confidence to Washington County and its retooled map of where it can expand its urban growth boundary in the coming 50 years.
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
