Oregon

Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth has hired Dan Deshon, a 27-year bond industry veteran, to help expand its utility practice in the Far West.

A bill that would tax energy-efficient vehicles for using the road is moving through the Oregon legislature, according to local reports.

The Columbia River Crossing project, a $3.4 billion replacement of the Interstate 5 bridge connecting Portland, Ore. and Vancouver, Wash., appears stalled unless Washington state lawmakers approve $450 million soon.

An Oregon delegation led by Treasurer Ted Wheeler met with White House officials last week to discuss a new exchange for regional infrastructure projects.

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber said the $3.4 billion Columbia River Crossing bridge project will die if Washington lawmakers try to kill light-rail from the proposal, according to reports.

Democrats in the Oregon Senate have proposed a bill has been proposed by that would reform the state's public employees pension system.

Sales of municipal bonds in the Far West region grew by almost a quarter in 2012 compared to a year ago, spurred by record low interest rates that led to an increase in refinancing.

An annual report by Oregon's State Debt Policy Advisory Commission urges lawmakers to take 'great caution' when using the state's debt capacity over the next two-year budget cycle.

Oregon will sell $245 million of general obligation debt this week as low rates draw out taxable, second refinancings.

The IRS is auditing $49.67 million of general obligation bonds issued by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education in 2006.

Moody's Investors Service downgraded the Beaverton, Ore. school district’s underlying unlimited tax general obligation bond rating to Aa2 from Aa1.

The IRS is auditing $149.1 million of general obligation bonds issued by Beaverton, Ore. School District in 2007.

West Coast states and British Columbia, have formed a first of its kind partnership to cooperate on financing public infrastructure projects through private investors.

A large majority of Portland Public Schools voters approved a $482 million bond measure to fund facility upgrades.

Fitch placed the A rating of revenue bonds for Medford, Ore. continuing care retirement community Rogue Valley Manor on negative watch due to the potential impact of a lawsuit.

Public Financial Management Group has picked up two Northwest municipal finance veterans to run its 35th office. The new Oregon office will be managed by recently-hired directors Ken Rust, former chief administrative officer for Portland, and Eric Johansen, previously the city’s treasurer.

Hyatt won the recommendation of the Portland Metro Council's staff to build a 600-room hotel next to the city's convention center.

Oregon City, Ore. voters will decide on a measure to require voters to approve future bonds funded by urban renewal districts.

The Portland, Ore. school board voted unanimously on Monday to prepare a $482 million bond measure for the November ballot.

Moody's Investors Service said it has affirmed its Aaa rating on Portland, Ore.'s water system senior-lien revenue bonds.