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Oregon prevailing wage bill dies in committee
Democrats failed to gather enough signatures by a Tuesday deadline for a discharge petition that would have moved HB 2624 from a House committee to the House floor. Union officials strongly supported the bill, but others worried that it would negate one of the state鈥檚 most powerful economic development tools.
House passes bill to modify manufacturing BETC
A bill that would move the administration of the Business Energy Tax Credit for manufacturing passed the Oregon House this week and is on its way through the Senate.
Oregon legislation could benefit home owners facing foreclosure
Two bills would systemize the loan modification program for all lenders so that borrowers could learn of possible foreclosure plans. Also, the Department of Justice and other state agencies would gain authority to deal with lenders that string underwater borrowers along.
Industrial lands bill moves to Oregon Senate floor
A bill to help create family-wage jobs that was championed by Gov. John Kitzhaber and supported by commercial real estate professionals passed out of the Joint Ways and Means Committee today.
Stakeholders say BETC cuts will halt momentum
The future of Oregon鈥檚 Business Energy Tax Credit has spurred debate in public hearings in the Legislature recently. And at least one thing is certain about the program that provides incentives for conservation, manufacturing and renewable development projects: It will soon be much smaller.
Bill meant to help small businesses could hurt federal funding
A bill passed through the state senate last week is designed to help make sure architectural and engineering firms get paid for the time they spent on successfully bidding an indefinite quantity contract. But while the bill promises to benefit some businesses, the state鈥檚 transportation department is concerned it could put the state at a disadvantage in receiving federal highway dollars.
Rural airports the next hopefuls for urban renewal
Rural airport officials and airport-related business stakeholders are pushing for state legislation that would open the door for a unique use of urban renewal money.
Bill for timely subcontractor payment dies at Oregon Legislature
Senate Bill 890, which would require contractors working on public projects to pay subcontractors in a timely fashion to avoid penalties, was killed on the floor of the Oregon Senate on Tuesday.
Oregon lawmakers propose electric vehicle tax
A bill at the Oregon Legislature would tax electric vehicle drivers starting in 2014. Some people say it鈥檚 too early to tax such a small proportion of the state鈥檚 drivers, but others say now is the perfect time.
Oregon bill would speed permits past environmental review, critics say
An Oregon bill that would expedite the permitting process for certain industrial lands is heading to the Senate. Developers champion the bill, but environmentalists say it will allow industry to skirt the public process.
Retainage issue has industry divided
Senate Bill 657 would reduce retainage from 5 to 1 percent. Some in the construction industry love the idea. Others 鈥� with equal passion 鈥� do not. Both sides descended on the Senate Business, Transportation and Economic Development Committee earlier this week.
Subcontractors take late payment issue to Oregon Legislature
Sen. Chip Shields is working with Oregon subcontractors to promote SB 890, which would require general contractors to pay subcontractors in a timely fashion and prevent those who repeatedly pay late from working on future public projects.
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
