ARTICLE
As part of a broad based Oregon construction industry coalition, the Oregon Home Builders Association (OHBA) urged the state to take action to protect and help the construction sector. In a letter to state leaders, the Coalition urged several specific actions, including flexibility in license renewals, encouraging the use of electronic systems for permitting, plan review and inspections, and placing a moratorium on any new code changes or other ordinances related to development. OHBA is also advocating for the state to classify housing construction as an essential service so that it can work on ways to safely continue during business closures. Since Oregon will soon be looking for ways to bolster its economy following this pandemic, it is critical that the state take steps to ensure that the construction industry can continue to operate through these difficult times.