Wright Gazaway

1 week ago | katu.com | Wright Gazaway

TOPICS:Oregon HouseLegislationKATU investigationBuilding permitsSmall businessesHousing developersPaul EvansLocal governmentsThe Oregon House overwhelmingly passed a bill supporters said would save money for housing developers and small businesses while making it easier to develop projects. The legislation is a direct result of a KATU investigation into permit requirements in Portland.

1 week ago | katu.com | Wright Gazaway

TOPICS:BillKATUInvestigationPortlandPermitsKamiLawmakersCommitteeThe Oregon House is scheduled to vote on legislation sparked by a KATU investigation this week. The bill—tied to our investigation into costly permit requirements in Portland—is scheduled for a third reading Tuesday. It prohibits local governments from conditioning building permits on improvement projects if those projects are already planned, paid for, or approved.

2 weeks ago | katu.com | Wright Gazaway

An Oregon legislative committee unanimously passed legislation sparked by a KATU investigation that found the City of Portland required a business owner to pay more than $100,000 for costly construction despite an upcoming state project that included the same work. The legislation, sponsored by Democratic Rep.

2 weeks ago | kpic.com | Wright Gazaway

“We think this is an issue that's just common sense. When people hear about it, they say, ‘this isn't right; this shouldn't be allowed to happen,’ and the conversations we've had so far with legislators have all been positive, so we're feeling good about the chances of the bill,” Rogers said. (KATU)

2 weeks ago | katu.com | Wright Gazaway

A KATU investigation left lawmakers shocked, as they debated a bill restricting when local governments can require developers to take on costly construction projects during the permitting process. Our investigation last April highlighted Kami Price’s problem. Price said Portland forced her to spend $100,000 to improve a nearby street corner in order to renovate the inside of her office.