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Is the US economy nearing a recession?
Financial markets are flashing some big warning signs of an approaching recession, and the global economy is weakening as the U.S.-China trade war intensifies.
Great Recession remains in rearview mirror
As the U.S. economic expansion marks 10 years, business is continuing to hum along in the Portland-metro area.
Architecture firms growing — carefully and thoughtfully
As the economy re-emerges from the recent recession, architecture firms are growing again. But this time it's tempered with a focus on project selection, and a new appreciation for payroll.
A matter of perspective: Great Recession a gift or a curse?
(Editor’s note: This piece originally ran in the June 2, 2011, issue of the Briefly Legal PDX e-newsletter) As the recession left its impressions on businesses throughout the region, it […]
Commission: State should hold off on debt addition
Citing revenue shortfalls, the State Debt Policy Advisory Commission has recommended that 鈥渘o net increase in general fund-backed debt be authorized鈥� for the remainder of the biennium. That could spell trouble for groups seeking state-funded capital financing.
Construction employment up slightly in November
Oregon鈥檚 construction industry added 900 jobs in November, continuing a year-long period of tepid growth.
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.
Contractors to lay off fewer workers this year
More contractors in Oregon plan to lay off workers in 2011, but overall the economic picture for the embattled industry seems to be improving.
Builders cross fingers for 2011
Many local construction companies reluctantly agree that 2011 looks like another flat year for Oregon's construction industry. A lot of smaller firms have already folded, and more will probably follow this year.
Architects look to another tough year in 2011
With the state facing a budget crunch, school districts encountering similar circumstances and other public money pools drying up, architects don't expect 2011 to yield the flood of public work that sustained many firms through 2010.
Engineers look forward to a better 2011
Public projects, such as those for universities, have kept many Oregon engineering firms from folding in the past few lean years; however, most companies still expect business in 2011 to be flat or grow only minimally.
Pacific Northwest construction could rebound quickly
Expect slow but steady growth in the Pacific Northwest construction sector over the next year, says Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors. Nationally, the group expects steady […]
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
