by Sara Odendahl, Director of Government Affairs, Bend Chamber Throughout the 2025 session, we are sharing highlights on key issues and Chamber priorities from Salem. This week, we’re focusing on issues to support our recreation and outdoor industry. The 2025...
by Sara Odendahl, Director of Government Affairs, Bend Chamber Advocacy and member engagement are at the core of the Chamber’s mission, “Creating an environment where businesses, their employees and our community excel together through collaboration, advocacy,...
by Sara Odendahl, Director of Government Affairs, Bend Chamber The 2025 Legislative Session is underway, and legislators will be busy working on policy and budget issues for the next 160 days. This year’s session is a “long session” wherein elected consider policy...
City Council approved adding 91 acres in southeast Bend to the city’s urban growth boundary (UGB) on a 4-2 decision. The new site, called Caldera Ranch, will produce 700 units of housing via an expedited UGB process authorized by legislation in the 2024 session.
Earlier this summer, the Bend Chamber signed on to the opposition campaign to defeat Measure 118. With a month remaining until the election the campaign the Defeat the Costly Tax on Sales campaign released its first TV spot on September 27, initiating its statewide...
With less than 60 days until the November 5 General Election, candidates will begin to make a final push to educate and sway voters. The 2024 ballot will have Bend voters considering future City Councilors, State Representatives and a State Senator, and several...
In advance of the 2025 Legislative Session, the Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) has embarked on a statewide roadshow to engage with communities across Oregon. The JTC will be in Bend on Thursday, September 12 for a tour and roundtable discussion with elected...
Summer is upon us, but the work of our local policymakers is still going strong. City Council has an active summer agenda with important policy conversations underway ranging from transportation and mobility projects to electrification policies. Feedback and citizen...
Earlier this week the state’s quarterly economic outlook and revenue forecast was presented to state legislators as they convened for Spring Legislative Days. Throughout the year, state lawmakers receive updates to inform decision making for the biennial budget. This...
Earlier this week City Council gave initial approval to a revised System Development Charge (SDC) methodology and fee schedule. This discussion and vote are the culmination of over a year of work by City staff and stakeholders to revise how SDCs are charged for...
Bend City Council moved one step closer to a city-wide Transportation Utility Fee (TUF) as they passed a new ordinance and fee structure earlier this week. The first phase of TUF will generate $5 million in new revenue to fund street operations and maintenance. The...
In stark contrast to the prior year, the 2024 Legislative Session was quick and efficient. Nearly 300 bills were introduced over the 32-day session of which a third crossed the finish line. As expected, the focus was housing production, Measure 110 reform and...
SDC Methodology Update Earlier this week, city staff presented stakeholder feedback and policy considerations for revisions to the SDC Methodology. The initial proposal, presented in January, generated significant concerns about double and triple digit increases to...
The 2024 Legislative Session is underway and moving quickly towards adjournment on March 10th. Nearly 300 bills have been introduced, of which half or less are moving forward after the first round of deadlines last week. As expected, the focus has been on housing...
On Thursday, February 8, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek announced a broad coalition supporting her housing production bill, which is building momentum in the 2024 legislative session. Senate Bill 1537 received its first hearing this morning before the Senate Committee On...
