Core Area Advisory Board

The Core Area Advisory Board (CAAB) will advise the Bend Urban Renewal Agency on implementation of the Core Area Tax Increment Financing Plan, including oversight of the $195 million of maximum debt that can be issued to invest in projects in the area. The Plan identifies a variety of projects and a funding source (tax increment) to invest in the area over the next 30 years as it transforms into an urban, mixed-use area where people can live, work, and play.

In addition, the board will be able to make recommendations directly to City Council on actions that support implementation of the Tax Increment Financing Plan.

Core Area Advisory Board was formed by the Bend Urban Renewal Agency on November 3, 2021 by Resolution 0001 and the purpose, responsibilities, and membership of the board are outlined in Bend Municipal Code 17.10.005.

Between February 2019 and April 2020, an 18-member board, the Urban Renewal Advisory Board I City of Bend (bendoregon.gov), served as the advisory committee for the Core Area Project I City of Bend (bendoregon.gov), a planning effort to create a common vision and implementation plan for Bend’s Core Area. The board developed Guiding Principles and an Action Plan for the Core Area.  They also evaluated the feasibility of establishing a new Core Area Urban Renewal/Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Area to provide a funding source to invest in the area and ultimately recommended the adoption of a new Core Area Tax Increment Financing District.

In August of 2020, The Core Area Plan was adopted by the Bend Urban Renewal Agency and City Council,  which established a new Core Area Tax Increment Financing District. The Plan has a duration of 30 years and a maximum amount of indebtedness – amount of funding that can be used to finance projects and programs, of $195 million.

Learn more about the City’s Tax Increment Financing/Urban Renewal Program.

Background Documents

• Core Area Report: An action plan for the Core Area
  • Executive Summary
  • Full Report
  • Technical Appendix
• Core Area Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Plan
• Report Accompanying Core Area TIF Plan
• Core Area Urban Design Framework

Guiding Principles

	Create a place where you can live, work, and play.
	This is a walkable area with a balanced transportation system.
	This area removes barriers and connects the East and West sides of Bend.
	This plan leads to direct outcomes, it is implemented.
	Affordability is preserved.
	Public investments incentivize and catalyze private development.
	The planning process is transparent and open to ensure that those affected by the decisions are involved in the process.
	This area incorporates sustainable and low impact development principles and practices.

The responsibilities of Core Area Advisory Board include: 

1. Advise and make recommendations to Bend Urban Renewal Agency and staff on the allocation of Core Area Tax Increment Financing funds and programs to promote and assist with development and redevelopment of the Core Area.
2. Make recommendations on the development of criteria for prioritization and selection of projects to receive Core Area Tax Increment Financing funds.
3. Evaluate applications for projects to receive Core Area Tax Increment Financing Funds and make recommendations to Bend Urban Renewal Agency regarding the allocation of funds, inform the public with information concerning funding available, eligible use of funds, and programs and projects.
4. Conduct public meetings to obtain public input on the use of Core Area Tax Increment Financing funds.
5. Evaluate the success of the Core Area and Tax Increment Financing programs including an annual review of financial statements to provide financial oversight of the Core Area Tax Increment Financing funds.
6. As requested by Bend Urban Renewal Agency, provide recommendations on amendments to the Plan.
7. Core Area Advisory Board may advise the City Council and provide input on City policies and activities, including changes to the Bend Development Code, to support the success and implementation of the Core Area.
8. Other duties and recommendations as assigned by Bend Urban Renewal Area or the City Council.

The Bend Urban Renewal Agency has appointed the following members to the Core Area Advisory Board whose terms end on December 31 of the year indicated below:

• Corie Harlan, Chair – Expertise Member (2028)
• Dale Van Valkenburg – Vested Member (2028)
• John Fischer – Expertise Member (2027)
• Katherine Austin – Expertise Member (2027)
• John Heylin – Vested Member (2026)
• James Teeter – Expertise Member (2028)
• Hank Kamakaala – At-Large Member (2028)
• Dawn Cofer – Vested Member (2028)
• Vacant Seat – Vested or At-Large Member Eligible (2027)

Non-voting representatives:

• Zara Odendal, Bend Chamber of Commerce
• Doug Pigman, Bend-La Pine Schools
• Rachel Colton, Bend Parks and Recreation District
• Nick LeLack, Deschutes County
• Lynne Mildenstein, Deschutes County Community College.

 Council Liaison:

• Gina Franzosa, Councilor

Membership representation requirements for the Core Area Advisory Board are outlined in Bend Municipal    Code 17.10.005.