The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is required under ORS 279C.817(1) to issue prevailing wage determinations to assist interested parties in understanding the wage requirements mandated by law. A critical component of this analysis involves assessing whether the project’s funding source meets the definition of “funds of a public agency” under ORS 279C.810(1) and OAR 839-025-0004(15). Each determination is complex and highly dependent on specific facts in each matter.
In the interest of ensuring transparency and to promote compliance efforts, BOLI launched a new online resource designed to help developers, contractors, public agencies, and community partners better understand which funding sources qualify as “funds of a public agency” under Oregon law. The page delivers a clear, accessible, non-exhaustive list designed to support early planning, reduce confusion, and make it easier for project sponsors to anticipate when prevailing wage requirements may apply.
What the New Resource Covers
The new webpage provides a simple, easy-to-reference list that highlights common funding sources that qualify as public funds and those that do not. While this does not capture every possible funding source, this guidance supports early planning, helping project teams understand funding classifications early in the process and to plan accordingly.
This new resource reflects the agency’s mission to offer clear, accurate tools that help people navigate those complexities with confidence. BOLI is issuing this information to clarify its position regarding various funding sources and their relationship to prevailing wage coverage. This resource is for general information purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Coverage determinations rely on the specific facts of each individual project, and the information below should not be used as the basis for concluding whether a project is subject to prevailing wage requirements.
Individuals seeking clarification on whether a specific project is subject to prevailing wage rate laws are encouraged to submit a request for a coverage determination. All prior coverage determinations are posted on the agency’s website at oregon.gov/boli/employers/Pages/coverage-determinations.aspx .
Supporting Transparency and Fair Pay
Oregon continues to make significant public investments in infrastructure, housing, and other community assets. These investments come with legal responsibilities.
This new resource reflects BOLI’s commitment to transparency, accuracy, and consistency across all projects—helping agencies, developers, and community partners get the clarity they need while upholding the principle that public funds must support good, family‑sustaining jobs.
The new page is available at oregon.gov/boli/employers/Pages/coverage-determinations.aspx.
