The Bend City Council is considering changes to its water, transportation, and sewer System Development Charges (SDCs). While some of the changes are designed to positively impact affordable and workforce housing in Bend – such as tiering residential SDCs based on square footage for single-unit and middle housing – the current proposal includes an increase of more than 150% in transportation SDCs for commercial buildings.

The Bend Chamber, alongside partners at the Central Oregon REALTORS Association (COAR) and the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) are strong and outspoken advocates for housing, but we are highly concerned by the potential impact of such a significant increase to commercial SDCs.

On Jan. 17th, the Bend City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed SDC methodology. Our organizations are planning to submit a joint letter to Council prior to the hearing, expressing concerns about the increase. We ask that you join us in providing a voice for the business and commercial real estate industries in Bend by signing a joint letter.

If you are a commercial building owner, tenant/business owner, property manager, or commercial broker and would like your name added to the letter as a co-signer, please click here to complete an interest form. A draft letter will be shared with all of those who sign on prior to submission.

For more information on the proposal, visit the City’s SDC webpage.