Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bend public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Fiscal Policy Updates
Staff proposed tweaks to the city's fiscal rulebook, including spending 20% of street preservation money on bike/pedestrian/safety projects and letting the City Manager approve new positions rather than the council. Councilors want clearer target language and deeper budget conversations.
Core Area SDC exemption to spur redevelopment
Council is converging on a five-year exemption from system development charges for adaptive reuse projects in the Core Area, with an ordinance due September 16. It's aimed at filling empty downtown-adjacent buildings, but Councilor Riley warns it could create future infrastructure funding gaps.
Prevailing wage and BURA housing subsidies
Union carpenters blasted BURA for structuring housing subsidies to avoid prevailing wage; a BOLI ruling changed the math and staff proposed front-loading assistance to keep four projects alive.
Bend Central District Economic Improvement District assessments rejected
Following a remonstrance hearing where more than 33% opposed, council began repealing the Bend Central District EID, ending the district's assessment program.
Transient lodging tax reallocation under HB 4148
The state legislature gave cities more flexibility on lodging tax dollars (now 50/50 instead of 70/30), kept $207 million in shelter funding intact, and passed housing bills on urban reserves and neighborhood commercial protection. Bend will discuss how to use its new lodging tax flexibility at a May work session.
$9.5 Million Bond Issuance and Water Bond Refunding
Council locked in financing for public works campus closeout, the air traffic control tower match, streets equipment and core area urban renewal projects, plus a water bond refinancing saving $300,000-400,000 a year.
Juniper Ridge land sale proceeds allocation
The city has $10 million from selling Juniper Ridge land and council is deciding how to spend roughly half of it — on street safety, shelters, homeless services, housing loans, and small business grants. Councilors also flagged holding some back for a managed camp and future housing needs.
2026 State Legislative Priorities
The council's Salem agenda puts lodging tax flexibility and shelter funding first, with amendments on complete communities, the 50/30/20 highway fund split, wildfire insurance discounts, and energy reliability.