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.

Internal Initiatives

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. 

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 Program

The Accessibility and Equity Department offers grants and sponsorships aimed at supporting community events, projects or activities that provide direct support to priority populations including:

• Residents of an identified income bracket below the local median income levels or the current U.S. Census Bureau Annual Household Income threshold for poverty,
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color – Asian and Pacific Islanders, LatinX (BIPOC)
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and the countless affirmative ways in which people identify (LGBTQIAS+)
• Houseless community members
• Veterans
• People with Disabilities
• Non-English Speaking Population
• Community Members without U.S. Citizenship

Priority will be given to those grant applicants meeting the following criteria:

• Partnership/coalition with at least one other organization that supports a priority population to foster civic engagement
• Engage the public in community events, projects, or activities
• Strengthen community resilience and safety through programming, relief or logistical efforts that address the needs of impacted vulnerable communities
• Increases priority population community members’ participation and impact in government decision making

For more information about sponsorships visit the sponsorship 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. 

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. 

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