The recent legislative endeavors to address Oregon's housing crisis are marked by an influx of financial investment and nods to cultural initiatives but lack meaningful substance. Many of these proposals overlook innovative approaches to housing affordability and miss crucial opportunities for investments in construction workforce training - a pivotal fac

In a closely divided Congress with razor-thin majorities in both chambers, U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.) emphasized the need for bipartisanship to deliver results on the country’s most pressing issues - including immigration, border security, and passing a new Farm Bill that provides a greater safety net for agricultural producers reeling from nat

In a significant move towards transparency and consumer protection in the real estate sector, the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness voted in favor (4-0, 1 Excused) of House Bill 4058 on Thursday, February 22nd. This bill, which originated from the REALTORS® association, aims to address key concerns within the industry, merging elements from the

The economic and social impacts of having a state capitol located in your city has long been a discussion topic of elected officials and local municipalities. Faced with a significant budget shortfall in the years ahead, the City of Salem is exploring all options to fill a funding gap estimated to be at least $14 million in the next fiscal year, and escal

Ambitious, comprehensive, complicated. Three words that define Gov. Tina Kotek’s effort this legislative session to help address Oregon’s decade-long failure to meet housing goals critical to Oregon’s societal and economic future.

The second-year governor has made it clear from day one of her term that moving the housing debate from conversation to …

Oregon lawmakers are homing in on a set of proposals to combat the state’s drug addiction crisis, including expanding access to treatment and reimposing criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of hard drugs.

The Legislature will consider House Bill 4002 during this year’s short session beginning Feb. 5. A framework for the bill was unveiled pu…

Business & Political Roundtable 

It seems "bipartisanship" long suppressed by zealous partisan hacks, is on the agenda in this short legislative session. 

Senate Minority and Majority leaders Tim Knopp and Rob Wagner seem locked in a unison dance about the prospect of a session buffeted by bipartisan considerations.  I'd hold my applause…

Oregon lawmakers will be seeking solutions to fix the state’s controversial voter-approved drug decriminalization law when they convene for the upcoming short legislative session on Feb. 5.

The question is whether there is enough common ground to address the law’s shortcomings. Legislators’ goal will be striking a balance between draconian punishmen…