Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bend public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Vacancy tax exploration
A resident urged the city or county to charge a fee on Bend's roughly 5,000 vacant or second homes, calling them an economic drain on neighborhoods. No council action was taken.
Business license fee increase paused
The 10% business license fee increase is on hold until January 2027 so the city can rework the fee structure, costing the city about $22,500. A coffee shop owner said fee increases were nearly driving her business to Redmond.
Mountain Laurel Lodge tax exemption
The renewal exemption keeps rents affordable for seniors at 990 SW Yates Drive — roughly $35 a month per unit from the city's share alone.
Airport and facilities funding gaps
The airport can't cover its costs — a gap that started at $300,000 and grew with surprise technology costs — and city hall, police, and fire facilities all need space or repairs. These are flagged as future asks, not today's decisions.
Neighborhood district liability insurance lapse
Council learned that Bend's neighborhood associations have been paying insurance deductions from their city grants since 2018 — without actually having coverage. Akin Butte chair Mark Gentle asked the city to fix the problem for all thirteen districts.