Get Involved

Attend Public Meetings and Events

Community members can attend City Council meetings, public hearings, open houses and more. These meetings are open to the public and provide opportunities to voice opinions and learn about ongoing projects.

Community Representation in Government

We have various advisory committees, such as the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Bend Economic Development Advisory Board, and Environment and Climate Committee. These committees provide recommendations to the City Council and are a great way to influence local policies.

Join Your Neighborhood District

The Bend Neighborhood Districts provide residents the opportunity to help shape the future of their neighborhood and the City. Neighborhood Associations maintain and improve the quality of life in the city, increase citizen participation in local decision making, and form an effective partnership between the city and neighborhood residents.

Participate in Surveys and Feedback Opportunities

We often conduct surveys and seek community feedback on various issues. Participating in these surveys helps shape our decisions and priorities.

Volunteer

Volunteers will benefit the City by providing a capable resource pool to assist employees and will benefit residents by providing a greater understanding of local government and an opportunity to make a difference. These combined efforts jointly enrich and expand opportunities for the delivery of quality service to the citizens of Bend. We also maintain relationships with other community programs using volunteers and assist in community-wide efforts to recognize and promote volunteerism.

To help recruit and place volunteers, we’ve created a number of programs and partnerships. Our largest programs are listed below but many others exist. You may choose to volunteer in one or more in these areas or in other capacities as supervised and approved by the City.

Environmental Stewardship

Bend Beautification Program is an opportunity for volunteers to improve the esthetics of Bend by improving its appearance through litter pickup, planting native pollinators, and removing non-native invasive plants.

• Adoption of Roundabouts and Corridors: Adopt an area meaningful to your group and help keep it looking great throughout the year, as you are available.  We supply all tools, gloves and bags.
• Sustainable Environment Demonstration Sites: We have many pocket parks, a community garden, and other locations which feature sustainable native landscapes, utilize minimal irrigation, stormwater management, and are maintained entirely though our volunteer program.
• Streams and Rivers: A great project for families or individuals, marking stormwater drains in your neighborhood to remind folks not to pollute.

Franklin’s Corner Garden is an entirely organic community garden, utilizing water wise conservation techniques, and serves the neighborhood in which it is located. This community garden is maintained entirely by volunteers. Share some starts or expertise, pull some weeds, plant some native pollinators, learn about this amazing ecosystem, and be a part of this community effort. We have many opportunities to join or create group activities throughout the season.

Volunteers in Prevention / Bend Fire & Rescue Department

Actively supports the fire and life safety public education programs and events. These events include: Firebusters, Team Teaching, 4th of July in the Park, Cascade Children’s Festival, SPARC program, Code Ready Smoke Alarm program, Safety Outreach for Seniors (SOS) program, Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Programs, Fire Prevention Week, and Car Seat Safety Clinics.