ARTICLE
HBA Member Justin Wood, Chair of the Portland Development Review Advisory Committee which is comprised of builders, developers, neighborhood representatives, and construction related bureau officials and advises the Bureau of Development Services (BDS) on development related issues, addressed the committee on the issue of a worker shortage in the industry at a recent meeting. There has been a record number of building permits issued this year in Portland, but a shortage of employees at BDS that handle permitting processes, approval and reviews as well as building inspections are causing delays in construction. Similarly, in the private sector, there is a lack of qualified workers in construction, engineering and architecture firms to follow up and revise permit applications to keep projects moving forward. As building has sped up post-recession, the workforce has not increased, resulting in a lack of qualified workers. Portland has taken steps to address the slow speed at which BDS issues and tracks building permits, including funding a Portland Online Permitting System. However, the online system is not expected to be operational until next year. The HBA recognizes that lengthy permitting processes, as well as workforce development are two of the key areas currently affecting our industry and we will continue to be involved in discussions to mitigate and find solutions to these pressing issues. Read a full article on the worker shortage in the industry here: https://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/402114-298139-worker-shortage-delays-building-projects