Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bend public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in taxes budget
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New council meeting schedule
Staff surveyed councilors and proposed one longer monthly work session with better materials, aiming for changes by late summer 2026.
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.
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.