BMPO Policy Board

The Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMPO) Policy Board is the governing body of the BMPO and serves as the primary decision-making body for regional transportation planning in the BMPO area.

Bend MPO Logo.

The Policy Board brings together representatives from the City of Bend, Deschutes County, the Oregon Department of Transportation, and Cascades East Transit to guide transportation policy, funding priorities, and long-range planning efforts that support a safe, efficient, and connected transportation system.

Next Meeting

The BMPO Policy Board typically meets on the third Friday of each month.

Upcoming Meetings
Fri 16
October 16 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

BMPO Policy Board Meeting

Baney Conference Room (ODOT Region 4 Headquarters, Building M)

Agenda

What We Do

The BMPO Policy Board provides leadership and policy direction for regional transportation planning within the BMPO area. The board works collaboratively with partner agencies to support a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process. The Policy Board:

  • Guides regional transportation planning priorities.
  • Evaluates transportation alternatives and investment strategies.
  • Adopts and maintains long-range transportation plans.
  • Approves updates to transportation planning documents and programs.
  • Establishes priorities for regional transportation funding.
  • Provides oversight and policy direction for BMPO programs and activities.
  • Considers recommendations from the BMPO Technical Advisory Committee.
  • Promotes public participation in transportation planning and decision-making.
Traffic circle in southwest Bend via a drone image.

Why This Work Matters

Transportation systems connect people to jobs, schools, healthcare, services, recreation, and businesses throughout the region. Because transportation networks cross community and jurisdictional boundaries, effective planning requires coordination among local governments, transportation agencies, transit providers, and community partners.

The BMPO Policy Board helps ensure transportation investments and planning decisions reflect regional needs, support future growth, and make the best use of available funding. Through long-range planning and public decision-making, the board helps shape how people and goods will move throughout the BMPO area for years to come.

Members and Membership

The BMPO Policy Board consists of representatives appointed by participating member agencies. Voting members represent the City of Bend, Deschutes County, the Oregon Department of Transportation Region 4, and Cascades East Transit in accordance with BMPO Policy Board Bylaws. The Policy Board may also appoint non-voting members representing transportation providers, businesses, freight interests, or other stakeholders that contribute to regional transportation planning.

The BMPO Policy Board includes:

  • Two representatives from the City of Bend.
  • One representative from Deschutes County.
  • One representative from the Oregon Department of Transportation.
  • One non-voting representative from Cascades East Transit.

Representatives are appointed by their respective agencies and serve in accordance with BMPO Policy Board Bylaws. Alternate representatives may be appointed to serve when needed.

  • Chair

    Ariel Mendez

    City of Bend Councilor

    Contact
  • Vice-Chair

    Phil Chang

    Deschutes County Commissioner

    Contact

  • Mike Riley

    City of Bend Councilor

    Contact

  • Emerald Shirley

    ODOT Interim Central Oregon and Lower John Day Area Manager

    Contact

  • Bob Townsend

    CET Director

    Contact

BMPO Committee Vacancies

The BMPO Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and BMPO Budget Committee each include community member representation among their membership. BMPO community member vacancies are listed below.

There are currently no BMPO community member vacancies.

Upcoming Meetings

The BMPO Policy Board typically meets on the third Friday of each month. Meetings are open to the public and conducted in accordance with Oregon Public Meetings Law. Meeting agendas, packets, presentations, and approved meeting minutes are posted online and available to the public.

Meeting Archives

Find agendas, minutes, recordings, and supporting documents below.

Resources and Tools

The following resources provide additional information about the work of the BMPO and the Policy Board:

Accessibility and Accommodations

Accessible meeting locations, language assistance services, sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices, alternate formats, and other accommodations are available upon request. Requests should be submitted in advance to allow for processing time. Meeting notices include accessibility and accommodation information for each scheduled meeting.

Contacts