Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bend public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in general with high priority
Employment growth forecast for land planning
Developers say tree rules and process complexity are pushing jobs to neighboring cities. Council rejected full deregulation of industrial land but backed a flat per-acre fee feeding a tree mitigation bank, plus easier mass grading and on-site rock crushing.
Lava/Delaware diverter rework
A dozen Old Bend residents told council the new traffic diverters are funneling cut-through traffic onto narrow streets, sending cars over curbs and through stop signs, and making the neighborhood less safe for walkers and cyclists. Staff promised quick-build barriers, police enforcement and ADA ramps while the two-year pilot continues.
Surveillance technology in legislative priorities
Residents pushed back on language supporting 'expanding responsible technologies'; council agreed to narrow it to sound/photo enforcement with data transparency language.
Future City Hall location and downtown redevelopment
The city is buying a 70,000+ sq ft east-side office building to consolidate staff under one roof, saving roughly $100 million versus new construction. It frees downtown land for redevelopment and possibly a First Street civic center/council chambers.
Tree preservation code annual review and incentives
Bend's tree code only applies to about 3.5% of permit applications, and the urban forest has been declining for decades. Council backed new incentives — fee reimbursements for saving extra trees and breaks for small-lot builders who protect big trees — but refused to loosen the code by counting street trees or exempting right-of-way trees.
Climate Pollution Fee on new gas appliances
A wall of opposition from unions, the gas industry, realtors, and the Chamber asked the council to postpone its February 11 direction vote until Pacific Power and grid-capacity data are in hand.
Firearms prohibited in city buildings
Council finalized a new city code chapter banning firearms in city buildings on a unanimous vote, a public-safety measure affecting anyone visiting City Hall or other city facilities.
City Manager Removal Petition
A petition is trying to get Bend’s city manager removed, which is basically a direct shot at City Hall leadership. It could eventually force the City Council to weigh in, so it’s worth watching if you care about how local government runs.
Advisory Committee Openings
Bend is looking for residents to fill seats on city advisory committees, commissions, and boards. It’s a direct way to influence local decisions, and applications are open now. If you’ve ever wanted a say in how Bend runs, this is a low-barrier entry point.
City Governance Reform
Bend may change how you pick your city leaders: a committee wants voters to elect the mayor directly and create neighborhood wards for council seats. Supporters say it gives residents more say and closer representation; the tradeoff is a big shift from the current at-large system.