Vacancy tax exploration
Summary
A resident urged the city or county to charge a fee on Bend's roughly 5,000 vacant or second homes, calling them an economic drain on neighborhoods. No council action was taken.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 12, 2026.
Impact analysis
Councilor Franzosa estimated a $5,000 annual fee on half of ~3,000 second homes could raise $7.5 million a year.
Could free up housing stock and fund affordability efforts if adopted.
Owners of vacant and second homes would pay if a fee were enacted; no action was taken.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council Work Session - Aug 12, 2026
The HOME committee didn't recommend a vacancy tax (it was polarizing), but several councilors want it explored anyway — Councilor Franzosa estimated ~3,000 second/fourth homes in Bend could yield millions a year if taxed.
City Council Business Meeting - Jun 17, 2026
A resident urged the city or county to charge a fee on Bend's roughly 5,000 vacant or second homes, calling them an economic drain on neighborhoods. No council action was taken.
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