For Immediate Release             

Date:  March 21, 2019

From: Anne Aurand
Communications Director
541-388-5573, aaurand@bendoregon.gov

Bend City Councilors approved an aggressive package of two-year goals for the City. The 2019-21 goals stay focused on core services provided by the City while addressing emerging issues such as mental health needs and wildfire resiliency. And, reflecting the community’s feedback from a recent statistically-valid survey, the goals place a heavy value on transportation and affordable housing.

The Council Goals 2019-21 fall into four general categories:

• Economic Vitality: Housing, Jobs, Managing Growth

  Strategies in this goal seek to increase opportunities for additional housing and housing types, affordable housing and employment lands through public-private partnerships.

   

• Transportation & Infrastructure

  Strategies aim to maximize access and mobility for all users through a community-accepted funding plan. This requires an investment in transportation projects, including: Neff Road/Purcell Boulevard intersection, Reed Market Road/Bond Street roundabout, Highway 20/Greenwood Avenue sidewalks, Newport Avenue from College Way to 9^th Street, Simpson Avenue/Columbia Street intersection, Butler Market Road/Wells Acres Road roundabout and other improvements.

   

• Public Health & Safety

  Strategies aim to preserve current service levels and response times, address crime, add more support for mental health issues and homelessness and build wildfire resilience. 

   

• Effective & Efficient City Operations

Strategies run the gamut from facility planning to managing data systems better to updating the City’s charter. Work will also include developing an equity, diversity and inclusion program.

City Council Goals influence how discretionary funds are used in the upcoming, two-year budget planning process. The City anticipates requiring up to $5.6 million in additional revenue to implement this biennial work plan. The Council anticipates raising additional money primarily by raising franchise fees and increasing transportation system development charges.

BEND CITY COUNCIL VALUE STATEMENT

We, the City Council, believe that Bend is a unique community that people are drawn to because it is an outstanding place to live.  We desire to demonstrate consistent stewardship of resources and quality of life.  We will be guided in decision-making by following these values as the foundation for public trust and confidence:

INCLUSIVITY ∙ SUSTAINABILITY ∙ PARTNERSHIPS ∙ STEWARDSHIP ∙ RESPONSIVENESS