Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bend public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in zoning
Neighborhood-Serving Commercial and VMT Goals
A new market analysis found residents don't shop near home and zoning patterns make true neighborhood commercial districts hard to create — which challenges Bend's vehicle miles traveled reduction goals. Council discussed Climate Friendly Areas, allowing commercial on both sides of streets, and adding homes near Juniper Ridge.
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.
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 illumination changes dropped
Council broke a 3-3 deadlock by passing sign code updates without expanding illuminated signage allowances.
Growth plan branding and community engagement
Residents and four councilors say an irrigation canal shouldn't count as open space. The council continued deliberations to July 15, leaning toward granting the block-length deviation, excluding the canal, and aligning the east-west path.
Advisory board code overhaul and TMAC scope
Council weighed expanding the Transportation Bond Oversight Committee's role, refreshing BEDAB's decade-old code, and modernizing AHAC's code. Members pushed back on committees advising on staff operations; all three will return in one package.
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.