On March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a safer-at-home order. On March 20,the governor issued additional clarification regarding the scope of activities exempted under the order. This update addresses how most construction is permitted to continue under the California order. Read more.
Real Estate and Land Use
Illinois “Stay-at-Home” Order Permits Many Categories of Construction to Continue
On March 20, 2020, the Illinois stay-at-home order requires residents to stay at home and limits business activities; however construction work is permitted, including housing, to support essential infrastructure and essential businesses as defined in the order. Read more.
Oregon’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” Order; Construction Is Permitted to Continue
On March 23, 2020, Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown issued a state-wide order, Executive Order No. 20-12, directing Oregonians to stay at home unless engaging in certain activities or working at certain businesses; most construction projects, including residential construction, may continue to operate. Read more.
Washington’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Order Permits Only Limited Categories of Construction to Continue
On March 23, 2020, Washington’s Governor Jay Inslee, issued a state-wide order requiring all Washingtonians to stay at home unless engaging in essential activities or working in essential business services. Unless exempted, all non-essential businesses were required to cease operations, starting at midnight on March 25, 2020. This update addresses the extent to which the…
New GSA Website Consolidates COVID-19–Related Acquisition Information and Resources

Contractors can now find OMB- and agency-specific information and guidance related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) on a single government website: https://www.acquisition.gov/coronavirus.
The website has links to recent government guidance and memoranda, including the OMB’s March 20, 2020 memorandum to agencies concerning contract performance issues and emergency acquisition procedures related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The…
California Governor’s Executive Order Aimed at Assisting Borrowers, Tenants, Renters, and Homeowners Affected by COVID-19

California Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-28-20 (order) on March 16, 2020, to assist Californians experiencing financial hardship. The order implements measures specifically aimed at helping those that have lost their source of income due to business closures or layoffs in the wake of COVID-19. The governor’s directives focus on freezing evictions and foreclosures through …
Real Estate Guidance During the Coronavirus Pandemic
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, we are facing stressful and rapidly changing times trying to combat the pandemic. Our advice to clients is evolving with these changes and generally hinges on issue-specific language.
In this update, we prepared a list of real estate issues that employers, developers, landlords, tenants, and lenders may need …
Bay Area COVID-19 Shelter-In-Place Orders Exempt Activities Necessary for Housing Construction
On March 16, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) global pandemic, seven Bay Area counties issued orders requiring residents to shelter in place and mandating closure of many businesses. These shelter-in-place orders exempt activities necessary for the construction of housing, provided social distancing practices are observed.
Services that support housing construction also may be…