Category Archives: Daily Journal of Commerce – Oregon

Oregon housing law deserves applause rather than contempt

An article published April 9 on the Daily Journal of Commerce website, “New law touted as triumph for affordable housing … but is it?,” reviewed a new law, Senate Bill 1537. The article’s authors argued that this legislation will do little to help build new housing. We disagree. Source: Oregon housing law deserves applause rather than […]
Read More »

Oregon Legislature tackles ‘escrow account’ rule in short session | Opinion

Last year, my colleague Matthew Berry wrote for the Daily Journal of Commerce an article that described the Oregon Legislature’s failed attempt to address the issues linked to the “escrow account” requirement included in House Bill 2415, which was enacted in 2019. Under that requirement in ORS 701.420(2)(b), retainage on private and public construction projects […]
Read More »

New legislation and rule changes coming to the Oregon CCB | Opinion

Provisions of the new law expand the CCB’s rule-making authority, and make it easier to track and deny new licenses to previously disciplined contractors, as well as add grounds to revoke, suspend, or now condition, licenses. Last year, with little fanfare and few comments, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 228, which made crucial and […]
Read More »

Work on tap at electric-vehicle charging stations in Oregon

The Oregon Department of Transportation will receive $10 million from a federal grant program to pay for electric-vehicle infrastructure repairs and upgrades in the public realm. Eligible projects will involve either repairs of broken EV charging ports or installation of additional Level 2 or DC fast-charging ports at existing stations. ODOT’s Climate Office will oversee […]
Read More »

State land use group’s membership changes

Oregon’s Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) has welcomed a new commissioner, announced a new role for an existing commissioner, and recognized the contributions of two outgoing commissioners. In September, the Oregon Senate confirmed Clatsop County Commissioner Lianne Thompson as an LCDC commissioner to represent Oregon’s coast. Her term began last month and will end […]
Read More »

Construction industry adds nearly 20,000 jobs in July, but finding workers is still a challenge

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) announced the construction industry added 19,000 jobs in July while the sector’s unemployment rate increased, according to a recent data analysis. Employers are bumping pay levels up in search of labor which has drawn previously employed workers back into the job market, AGC officials added. “The construction industry continues to […]
Read More »

Building Blocks: Oregon Supreme Court Building update

PROJECT: Oregon Supreme Court Building update LOCATION: 1163 State St., Salem SIZE: 50,000 square feet START DATE: May 2018 COMPLETION DATE: 2022 (occupancy in 2023) PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE: The 119-year-old Oregon Supreme Court Building is one of the state’s oldest continuously operating government buildings. To preserve the three-story structure and its unique features, the Oregon Judicial […]
Read More »

Another funding piece found for infrastructure puzzle

The Oregon Legislature last week approved legislation committing the $1 billion needed for Oregon’s share of the Interstate Bridge replacement project. House Bill 5005 is now awaiting Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature. The bill authorizes sales of general obligation bonds for the project, beginning with $252 million initially and then $750 million over the next three […]
Read More »

Portland-metro freeway improvements placed on hold

While a key piece of funding was secured to keep the Interstate Bridge Replacement program on track, funding for two other major freeway projects – improvements to Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 – is much less clear. Recently, the Oregon Legislature allocated $1 billion toward the $6 billion IBR program, matching the $1 billion previously […]
Read More »

New law brings aspects of Paid Leave Oregon and OFLA into alignment

Since Paid Leave Oregon was first enacted in 2019, stakeholders – particularly those also covered under the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or both – have raised many questions relating to the interplay (or lack thereof) between Paid Leave Oregon and other leave laws. Specifically, Paid Leave Oregon […]
Read More »