Accessibility and Equity Department
The City of Bend remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and accessible community for all who live, work, and visit here.
We understand that recent national and local developments have raised questions and concerns about the future of equity programs at all levels of government.
Our work complies with current federal anti-discrimination laws, which have not changed. The Accessibility and Equity Department is an integral part of the City’s intentional culture, and the programs outlined below will continue as part of that ongoing commitment.
The City of Bend is committed to leveraging its tools and resources to cultivate equitable outcomes for all who call our city home, whether they live, work, or play here.
Leading With Equity: Our “Why”
We strive to foster a City of Bend that embraces the intricacies of identity and implements equity-focused responses to ensure that every individual can access and benefit from our services with empowerment and dignity. The 2023-25 City Council Goals lead with equity and reflect our commitment to this work. We want everyone to feel welcome and safe and put that outcome at the center of our decision making and actions.
To us, “equity” is not merely an ideal, but is a tangible goal achieved through understanding how our diverse identities shape our experiences with City services. It’s about acknowledging that different identities can create either distance or closer proximity to accessing and benefiting from these services. We encourage you to learn more about how we define equity below.
The City also has an Accessibility Program. Its mission is to ensure that every program, service, benefit, activity and facility open to the public, operated or funded by the City, is fully accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.
Defining Equity
These definitions were cocreated by City staff and members of the Human Rights and Equity Commission (HREC) in 2023.
Our Working Definition
Working toward fair outcomes for people or groups by treating them in ways that address their unique advantages or barriers. (OHSU Language Inclusion)
Our Aspirational Definition
Equity acknowledges that not all people, or all communities, are starting from the same place due to historical and current systems of oppression. Equity is the effort to provide different levels of support based on an individual’s or group’s needs to achieve fairness in outcomes. Equity actionably empowers communities most impacted by systemic oppression and requires redistribution resources, power and opportunity to those communities. (State of Oregon DEI Action Plan, Roadmap to Racial Equity and Belonging)
Our Work
Explore the projects and programs spearheaded by the Accessibility and Equity Department. From promoting diversity in hiring practices to implementing inclusive policies and practices, discover how we are working to dismantle barriers and create pathways to opportunity for every resident.
We are focused on the following projects and areas of work for the 2023-25 biennium:
Council Goals
The Accessibility and Equity Department’s work aligns closely with City Council’s Goals for 2023-25. These projects include a Supplier Diversity Program, a Language Access Plan and Program, and an Equity Framework.
Community Empowerment
Two advisory groups of committed community members offer important perspectives and input on a variety of topics related to equity and accessibility. The Accessibility and Equity Department provides administrative support to these groups of community representatives:
The City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee (COBAAC) is a group of dedicated volunteers interested and concerned about ensuring that the City of Bend’s programs, services, activities and facilities are accessible to all.
The Human Rights and Equity Commission (HREC) ensures historically marginalized and underrepresented people and communities in Bend have equal access to City programs and services, representation in City decision-making, and a venue to raise concerns and complaints about discrimination.
Workforce and Community Insights
To work towards fair outcomes and address different groups’ unique advantages or barriers, we first must understand where we are. The City of Bend is working on projects that will provide a baseline understanding of equity opportunities in our workforce and in our community. These projects include a Pay Equity Dashboard, a Racial Equity Indicator Report, and work equity.
Language Access
Bend’s demographic makeup continues to diversify, bringing valuable contributions to our community fabric and a need for greater access to materials and services in other languages. You can learn more about the City’s Language Access Program here.
Language Access Needs Assessment
The City of Bend launched an organization-wide Language Access Needs Assessment in Spring 2024 to examine its current service delivery capabilities as they relate to language access and offer recommendations to strengthen and expand these capabilities over time.
Internal Initiatives
The City of Bend offers DEIA training opportunities for City Council, staff, and volunteers to build awareness and understanding on a wide range of DEI topics. Trainings are tailored to meet teams’ specific needs and offered through a variety of platforms.
City staff from diverse backgrounds and departments provide recommendations for organizational policies and employee trainings, and advise on the Accessibility and Equity Department’s work. The committee’s purpose is to embrace and leverage collective differences, experiences, and cultures to create a more equitable organization where all employees feel like they belong.
In 2020, the City hired a consultant to conduct an internal survey and organizational assessment to help identify strengths and opportunities for supporting employees and community members from underrepresented and marginalized groups. The final report and summary became the foundation of action plans and resources over the past several years. For more information, please see the Allyship in Action Report to City Council.
Resources
Access a wealth of resources aimed at promoting understanding, dialogue, and action on issues related to equity and social justice. From toolkits and guides to educational materials and community resources, we provide valuable information to empower individuals and organizations to advance equity in Bend.
Resources for Immigrants, Migrants, and Refugees
The City of Bend offers a comprehensive resource hub for immigrants, migrants, and refugees, providing support services and community connections. The Bend Police Department has several policies to ensure fair treatment, including protections against bias crimes, support for individuals with limited English proficiency, and prohibitions on bias-based policing and immigration enforcement. These policies align with Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act, which limits local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement and upholds the rights of all residents regardless of immigration status. Bend affirms its commitment as a Welcoming City, promoting inclusion, safety, and equal participation for all community members.
Barrier Removal Request
If you are an individual with a disability who has faced a barrier in the City’s public rights-of-way (lifting/heaving sidewalk, curb ramps difficult to use, etc.), please submit a Barrier Removal Request.
Hate Speech and Discrimination
Hate and bias have no place in Central Oregon. If you believe you have experienced a bias crime or incident, know that resources are available. Please visit the Bias Crime and Incidents page or the Resources for Hate Speech and Discrimination.
Our Partnerships
The City of Bend is an active member in the organizations and initiatives listed below. The City also partners with a number of community organizations engaged in local diversity, equity and inclusion efforts through formal sponsorships and participation in their events and programs.
Government Alliance on Race & Equity
Bend is a member of GARE, a national network of government working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. GARE is a joint project of the new Race Forward and the Othering & Belonging Institute. GARE provides best practices, tools and resources to help jurisdictions build, sustain, and collaborate on efforts to achieve racial equity.
Welcoming City
Bend is a Welcoming City and a member of the Welcoming Network. Welcoming Cities are guided by the principles of inclusion and creating communities that prosper because everyone feels welcome, including immigrants and refugees.
Partners in Diversity
The City is a member of Partners in Diversity, a nonprofit organization that seeks to address employers’ critical needs for achieving and empowering a workforce that reflects the rapidly changing demographics of the Pacific Northwest. Partners in Diversity provides educational programs, job postings, and access to multicultural networking events.
COCC Public Employee Training Program
The Public Sector Employee Training Program at COCC was created by Human Resources representatives from several regional public agencies and Central Oregon Community College’s Continuing Education program. Courses focus on building professional, leadership and technology skills, and often include DEI trainings in its offerings.
Get Involved
Find opportunities to get involved and make a difference in promoting equity within our community. Whether volunteering, attending events, or participating in advocacy efforts, discover how to create a more just and inclusive Bend for all residents.
Sponsorship & Grant Program
The City of Bend offers a sponsorship and grant program for community partners to host community events and programs that further City Council goals and City initiatives, including the promotion of equity and inclusion. For more information about the Sponsorship Program visit the Community Sponsorship & Grant Program page.
Welcoming Week
Since 2017, the City of Bend has worked with community groups to host Welcoming Week, a series of events for people of all backgrounds to come together and create a stronger community by building meaningful connections and affirming the benefits of being welcoming to everyone. Welcoming Week is a part of the City’s Sponsorship Program, identified as an Official City Event with dedicated funds budgeted to support Welcoming Week events hosted by local community partners. For more information about how to submit a proposal for a Welcoming Week event, please visit the Welcoming Week page.
Contact Us
Contact our team with questions, feedback, or inquiries about our work. We welcome your input and collaboration as we strive to build a more equitable and inclusive city together.