Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bend public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in public safety with high priority
Wildfire Defensible Space Code
Bend is entirely high wildfire risk, and a proposed community-wide defensible space code could require work like clearing the first five feet around homes, limiting bark mulch, and non-combustible fencing. Council wants community buy-in via a citizen assembly, faster action on new construction, and a pilot project in a high-risk neighborhood before next fire season. Costs and equity are open questions.
Police staffing shortfall
Bend Police is authorized for 120.5 sworn officers but has only 96.5 deployed, with seven in training. A rigorous background process and slow hiring are the main drag; staff are exploring using community service officers as a training pipeline.
Immigration enforcement concerns in Bend
Mayor Kebler delivered a pointed statement on ICE actions, and the council agreed to draft a resolution supporting immigrant communities plus join a lawsuit challenging federal immigration enforcement tactics.
Neighborhood Street Safety Program contracts
Residents flagged dangerous conditions on Skyline Ranch Road at the Discovery West entrance and on SE Murphy Road near Jewell Elementary, asking for speed humps, traffic calming, and a lower speed limit.
Wildfire evacuation routes in Southeast Bend
A Southeast Bend resident warned that dense new development — like a project expected to generate 4,000 daily vehicle trips at 15th and Wilson — could choke evacuation routes in a wildfire. She asked the city to fund and plan evacuation routes, saying county, state, and city staff have nothing substantial underway.