Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bend public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in zoning with medium priority
Century West neighborhood district revival
After a grassroots effort led by Jenny Sutton, the Century West neighborhood gets its association back — restoring representation in city programs and a seat at the neighborhood round table.
Sign code amendments
Proposed sign code updates would simplify permitting but expand illuminated signs, clashing with the city's dark-sky interests. Business groups support the flexibility; the Bend Night Sky Alliance warns of growing light pollution. Council deadlocked 3-3 and will revisit.
Short-term rentals in neighborhood commercial zones
A city-initiated amendment would force five leftover Neighborhood Commercial properties to follow residential STR rules — Type II review, 500-foot spacing, one STR per property — effectively blocking three of them. Neighbors support it; property owners say they invested millions relying on the old rules.
Gas stations near Southeast Bend schools
A Southeast Bend resident wanted the record to show her neighborhood opposes gas stations near elementary schools, citing a child already hit on a bike near the site of an approved gas station. Mayor Kebler confirmed the commercial convenience zone was changed last year to bar auto-dependent uses.