Archives

August 5, 2020 - Oregon housing trends amidst the pandemic

By Josh Lehner, Oregon office Economic Analysis I am presenting a mid-year forecast for the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland. A summary of my thoughts and a copy of my slides are below. Due to the severe recession and pandemic, our office’s initial expectations were for housing and construction […]


August 4, 2020 - Recovery slower in Portland and Salem

By University of Oregon Economic Indicators An inability to get updated data has delayed the latest release of the Regional Economics Indicators; the Oregon Statewide continues to be released regularly with an update coming this week. While I wait for the delayed data, I want to share some insights gained […]


August 3, 2020 - NLRB allows employers to discipline new union members

By Dennis E. Westlind Bullard Law, NW Law firm Employers may once again use their discretion to discipline employees represented by a newly certified union without first bargaining, the National Labor Relations Board ruled yesterday. The Board’s decision in 800 River Road Operating Company, LLC dba Care One at New Milford reinstates 80 […]


July 31, 2020 - Poll: Alarming news on faltering recovery

By US Chamber, Amid growing concerns about a “second wave” of the pandemic, the small business recovery sputtered in recent weeks, according to a new poll of small business owners taken July 9 – 16 and released today by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and MetLife. After retreating from record […]


July 30, 2020 - Portland businesses plead for peace

By Portland Business Alliance Statement by Portland Business Alliance, greater Portland’s Chamber of Commerce For more information, contact: [email protected] The presence of federal agents in a single block of downtown Portland has led to a near-universal upset and a worsening of conditions on our streets over the last two weeks. […]


July 29, 2020 - Who is benefiting the most from PPP loans?

By Josh Lehner Office of Economic Analysis The U.S. Small Business Administration just released detailed data on the actual Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans/grants across the country. Individual business information is now public for loans in excess of $150,000, while general characteristics (amount, zip code, industry) are available for loans […]


July 28, 2020 - Wyden: Protecting Nonprofits from Catastrophic Cash Flow Strain Act

By United States Senator Ron Wyden, Press Release U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said that House passage of legislation he introduced to help non-profits will help these key community groups to remain financially viable during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Nonprofit organizations in Oregon and nationwide are essential pieces of each community’s response […]


July 27, 2020 - New Harassment & Discrimination Policy Requirements

  By Amy Angel & Makayla Halkinrude-Allmaras Barran Law, Effective October 1, 2020, the Workplace Fairness Act requires employers to adopt a written policy containing procedures and practices to reduce and prevent covered discrimination and sexual assault. The policy must: Provide a process for employees to report prohibited conduct; Identify an individual […]


July 24, 2020 - NFIB: Right to challenge business taxes in court

By NFIB, NFIB filed an amicus brief in the case CIC Services LLC, v. Internal Revenue Service requesting the Court clarify that the Anti-Injunction Act’s scope is limited to its terms and that it does not prohibit pre-enforcement judicial review of tax rules. “Ever-changing federal tax laws have traditionally been […]


July 23, 2020 - Portland delivery fee cap is bad for business

By Rachel Dawson Cascade Policy Institute, Based on the passage of a 10% cap on commission fees collected by third-party food delivery services from Portland restaurants, it’s unclear if Portland City Councilors understand the basic principles of economics. This new rule also bars food delivery companies from making up the […]