Free Newsletter
TriMet’s diversity program thriving
TriMet's program to help Disadvantaged Business Enterprise companies has continued to succeed as two contractors set records for money committed to be shared with DBE subcontractors.
Minority firm sets TriMet record
R&R General Contractors set a TriMet record for its work on the new $3 million Civic Drive MAX station.
Contract gives Portland minority, women firms eco-roof work
In a recent contract for a Portland eco-roof program, the city has contracted 30 to 40 percent of the work with Snyder Roofing, Verde and other minority- and women-owned firms to install eco-roofs at prominent minority gathering places.
Rose Quarter agreement difficult to enforce
Communities around Portland's Rose Quarter worry an agreement to give them say in the area's redevelopment lacks teeth. The agreement gives the community power to sue if the developer doesn't meet its minority contracting requirements. But since the city isn't included in the agreement, community members would have to provide their own legal counsel.
Portland firms join to boost minority contracting
R&H Construction and Colas Construction have formed a new company, R&H/Colas Construction, to focus on opening doors to disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses in the private sector.
ODOT allowed to change disparity goals
After a misunderstanding, the Oregon Department of Transportation received word that it can in fact update its 2011-2013 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals.
Firms lose bid over minority requirement
Two contractors have lost a bid for the city of Portland's Fire Station 31 project after failing to meet the requirements of the city's Good Faith Effort program.
ODOT disparity study stuck in past
The Oregon Department of Transportation last month released its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals for a two-year period that begins in 2011, but some contractors say those goals for the future are stuck in the past.
Diversity lacking in engineering, architecture
The city of Portland's difficulty in finding minority evaluators to review bids for city contracts may be a reflection of the industry's lack of diversity.
ODOT project misses minority goals
Bids on a project to repair the roof on Portland's Union Station did not meet the minimum minority participation goals set by the Oregon Department of Transportation. ODOT's requirements are stricter than those of other public agencies, but minority contractors say the goals are attainable.
Rule change hits state contractors
A rule change has made it harder for contractors to meet participation goals for minorities and women on state projects. Starting this month, Oregon Department of Transportation projects have tighter requirements for disadvantaged business enterprise, or DBE, contractors.
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
