Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bend public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in water utilities with medium priority
Digester 4 and Hauled Waste Project
A ~$115M fourth digester and regional hauled-waste facility at the water reclamation plant, needed by 2030 when the current hauled-waste contractor leaves the industry. Council approved the fast-track CM/GC delivery method.
Azalia and Windsor sewer expansion
Septic-to-sewer conversion continues with a $2.9 million state loan and a $1.9 million construction contract; construction runs April through October with some road closures.
King Hezekiah and Fargo septic-to-sewer conversion
About 42 properties in the King's Forest area will get city sewer connections, replacing aging septic systems. Property owners who commit early get a 50% connection fee discount (about $5,000 in savings). Construction runs April through October.
Solid waste franchise wind-down
Bend's 1980-era trash franchise terms don't fit a city of 100,000+, and mutual agreement with the haulers failed. Council kicked off a six-year wind-down while working with Deschutes County and Redmond on a regional replacement — new agreements, possible competition, and performance standards would arrive around 2031-32.
2025 Stormwater Master Plan
The city adopted an updated 20-year, ~$80 million stormwater plan to reduce flooding and improve runoff quality, with new rain gauges to account for climate change and Bend's microclimates. Rate impacts will be discussed this spring.