Open House

On October 1, 2025, the Bend City Council will consider the Bend Urban Renewal’s Agency’s request to establish one (1) site-specific tax increment finance district in the Southeast Area of Bend at 61105 Ferguson Road. This district, if approved, will allow the Bend Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) to provide tax increment assistance for housing development.

This effort does not raise property taxes on any property owner in the City of Bend.

This online open house will provide three information stations: 1.) An overview of what tax increment finance is 2.) What is the proposed Plan and project, and 3.) Opportunity for public comment.

What is Tax Increment Financing?

Tax increment financing, or previously known as urban renewal, is a finance mechanism used to improve the economic vitality of an area by eliminating blight that contributes to the overall welfare of the community. Oregon Revised Statute Chapter 457 gives municipalities the authority to activate an urban renewal agency with the powers to propose and act on projects in established areas.

Does this raise my taxes?

NO. TIF is a division of the existing permanent rates from taxing districts affected by plan areas. The division only occurs on taxes of new increment. Taxing districts receive the froze base and all special assessments and levies from properties within a TIF area

Station 2: Proposed Area

Emblem Tax Increment Finance Area

The proposed Emblem Area measures is 8.38 acres in size and is zoned Medium and High Density Residential. The reason for selecting the Plan Area is to fund development assistance necessary to cure blight within the Plan. The development assistance will support providing more market rate and workforce affordable housing units as identified in Bend’s Housing Needs Analysis and the Oregon Housing Needs Assessment 2025 Methodology, contributing to the health, safety and welfare of Bend residents. The Plan Area is vacant, does not have adequate development of streets and other rights of way or utilities, and has not been developed commensurate with surrounding lands.

Proposed Project

Emblem Tax Increment Finance Plan

Emblem Tax Increment Finance Plan Report

Station 3: Public Comment & Hearing

To provide public comment on the proposed tax increment finance plans, please email them with your name and residential address to infobura@bendoregon.gov by September 30, 2025.

The public hearing will be held at 6:00 PM at Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street, Bend, Oregon, 97703 on October 1, 2025.