Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bend public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in business jobs with medium priority
Lonza enterprise zone tax exemption
The city handed Lonza a ten-year property tax exemption on a $251 million lab expansion in exchange for 81 jobs paying at least 150% of county average wage and school support payments in the extended years.
Bend Central District conceptual plan
BURA kicked off a 12-18 month conceptual planning process for the BCD with heavy public outreach, and Perkins wants a First Street civic center/council chambers included.
Small Business Assistance Grant Program
The Urban Renewal Agency is developing micro, small-business, and pre-development loan programs to close financing gaps for newer and underserved businesses in TIF areas, addressing approval disparities for minority- and young firms. Councilors were supportive; details come back later this year.
Proposed multi-purpose public assembly venue
Visit Bend's feasibility study says a 1,000–3,000 seat flexible venue could fill a gap in Bend's event market, bringing an estimated $19.8 million in annual economic output and 247 jobs. Council wants to explore further but hasn't committed a dime — and Councilor Riley is pressing hard on whether the jobs and trade-offs are worth it.
Business license portal problems
A small business owner described being charged a late fee after the city's online renewal portal malfunctioned, and City Manager King committed to personally following up.
Economic Development Strategic Plan
The plan sets five goals — retain and grow businesses, recruit strategically, build resiliency, inclusive prosperity, and growth planning — with heavy emphasis on the 53% of Bend's workforce commuting from outside the city and a 75/25 residential-to-commercial tax imbalance.
Future of the Commercial Parklet Program
Ten downtown parklets generate only about $12,000 a year, but council wants to keep the program while easing costs on businesses, keeping it year-round, and exploring expansion beyond downtown.