Building a Better Bend
One of the toughest parts about tackling social and environmental issues is realizing many huge changes need to be made. It can be difficult to feel like we can make a meaningful difference.
But there are key moments when taking action truly helps bring about the future we want to see.
Right now, there are a few opportunities to do just that for this special place we call home. In this week's blog, you’ll find:
A way to take action for safer streets in Bend
A chance for public input on one of Bend’s future neighborhoods
A new, bike-friendly design for Wilson Avenue
A way to support our Cities and Towns program
Rendering of a Bend city street designed to accommodate cyclists, vehicles, transit, and pedestrian uses.
We’re near the finish line!
Wherever you live in Bend, a more walkable, bikeable, and rollable future is in sight.
Bend City Council will vote on adopting a final GO Bond project package on Wednesday, December 15. This project package lays out when and where transportation improvements will be built throughout Bend over the next five years.
Over a year in the making, this package was unanimously approved by the Transportation Bond Oversight Committee. It delivers an incredible amount of on-the-ground improvements for people who walk, bike, roll, and take transit to every part of our city. If it is approved by Bend City Council, it will be a BIG win for more safe, accessible, and climate-resilient communities in Bend.
TBOC’s recommendation will move forward for Council approval on December 15, with one addition: About $2 million will be allocated in 2026 to start the design for phase two of the Reed Market Corridor projects. Dig deeper into the details here.
Thanks for showing up!
You’ve shown up time and again to make sure this first round of projects prioritizes more safe and accessible ways to get around town that don’t always include a car. Now, let’s make sure this package of transportation projects gets over the finish line!
Take Action Today
Send a message of support to council@bendoregon.gov by 5 p.m. on Dec. 15.
You can also provide your comment via Zoom at the City Council meeting at 7:00 pm on Dec. 15.
Time for workforce housing in Bend
Let’s raise the bar for creative and equitable placemaking
In Central Oregon, growth is on everyone’s mind. At LandWatch, we know a healthy and sustainable future is one where we direct growth inside our towns and cities to create complete neighborhoods. That means more affordable homes, lots of options to get around that don’t always require a car, thriving local businesses, mixed-use developments where people can live and work in the same areas, vibrant public facilities, and green spaces.
The City of Bend is asking for community input on how to develop the Stevens Road Tract, a future neighborhood in Southeast Bend.
Despite LandWatch’s and other land use advocates’ opposition, the legislature passed a bill (HB 3318) earlier this year that exempted the City of Bend from statewide land use law by allowing it to expand its urban growth boundary without demonstrating the need to do so. These one-off waivers erode Oregon’s world-renowned land use system that prevents costly sprawl - and they also cut the public out of key steps of the planning process. But, what’s done is done. Now, LandWatch is committed to making sure the City of Bend plans the nearly 300-acre Stevens Road Tract to provide the most public good possible.
The Stevens Road Tract Concept Plan is the next step in determining how this area will develop. It’s absolutely critical that large, new developments like this raise the bar on quality placemaking, help us grow in ways that stop sprawl onto our farmland and wild places, and preserve our quality of life.
Take Action
Right now, the City of Bend is holding a virtual Open House to gather public input before Wednesday, December 15.
Now is the time to advocate for the future you want to see in Bend. View the Virtual Open House and take the survey by this Wednesday.
A few talking points to consider
Let the City of Bend know that as Stevens Road Tract is developed, this area should:
Increase the amount of workforce and affordable housing provided. Bend is in the midst of a housing crisis. Current plans for this area only dedicate 20 acres of land to affordable housing. It’s simply not enough on these 261 acres of public land. We advocate for 50% or more of the land to be used for more affordable housing options to meet the housing needs for people that live and work here.
Be a “complete community” that has a variety of housing options located near employment opportunities. A “complete community” keeps nature in neighborhoods, provides lots of safe, accessible, and connected options for getting around that don’t always include a car, and provides access to public facilities like libraries and essential services like grocery stores.
Keep nature in neighborhoods. Future development should consider the outside access this area currently provides. Please include an accessible and extensive community trail system that preserves existing trees and vegetation, incorporates green infrastructure, and connects to open, green spaces.
Easily connect to other areas in Bend. Ask the City to “zoom out” and make sure this neighborhood isn’t isolated from the rest of Bend. Consider how this neighborhood can connect to the other Expansion Areas and developments occurring nearby.
The above 9th Street and Wilson Avenue roundabout design is a draft and subject to change: Rendering from the City of Bend
Wilson Avenue is getting an upgrade
Voter-approved transportation projects are starting to happen in Bend’s neighborhoods! Open houses are great opportunities to help ensure these projects set the bar high on improving safe ways to walk, bike, and roll around our city.
If you are excited to see intersection improvements at 3rd St. and Wilson Ave. that help protect bikers along this key route connecting East and West Bend, now is the time for input!
Double your impact for Central Oregon’s Cities & Towns
Central Oregon’s population is growing at an unprecedented pace, increasing the need for smart planning and development strategies that ensure the ongoing livability of our communities. Our Cities & Towns Program is working to ensure Central Oregon has complete and vibrant neighborhoods accessible to all.
Right now, three generous supporters have come together to offer a dollar-for-dollar match for every donation made to LandWatch before the end of the year, up to $60,000. Help us make the most of this match and double your impact for Central Oregon’s cities and towns today!