Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bend public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in public safety
Animal sheltering services agreement
A five-year sole source agreement, up to $550,000 total, keeps the Humane Society of Central Oregon providing animal sheltering and impoundment services for the city.
Silver Rail Elementary shooting response and school safety
Six days after a school shooting killed three children and a teacher, the council, police, and school district shared updates on the investigation, the return to school, and community support resources. Residents sharply divided over whether the council should have acted earlier on SRO staffing shortfalls and what security measures should come next.
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.