CELEBRATE SAFELY AND LEGALLY!

We need your help spreading the word to celebrate safely and legally this 4th of July.

Illegal fireworks can cause serious injuries and devastating fire. Here is what you can do to keep our neighborhoods safe: 

• Help us spread the word that illegal fireworks are dangerous and unsafe.  
• Set a good example by celebrating safely with legal fireworks, or even better, find fun alternatives to fireworks. 
• Leave the big show up to the pros.  
• Remind others that Illegal fireworks are subject up to a $750 fine.  
• Help us identify problems by reporting illegal firework activity to 541-693-6911.  
• Only collectively, as a community, can we keep our community safe.

There are many ways to safely celebrate the 4th of July in Bend. Spray freedom from a hose and stay hydrated! Watch this video to see how others celebrate safely.

Illegal fireworks are hazardous for many reasons, and they can be really traumatic on our furry four-legged friends. Watch this video to see how illegal fireworks can be harmful to pets.

Keep your family safe this 4th of July!

Proper disposal of legal fireworks is crucial. Protect your home from an unnecessary fire. Watch this video to see what Bend Fire & Rescue wants you to know about proper disposal of fireworks.

OREGON + GROWTH = HOUSING

Oregon land-use laws require cities to plan for and accommodate increases in population. The State of Oregon and many cities like Bend are seeing significant growth. As a result of supply and demand, housing costs are becoming out of reach for many. People working in retail and hospitality, teachers, nurses, ambulance drivers and many others struggle to afford to live in Bend.

Creating more housing and addressing homelessness are City Council priorities. The 2021-23 Council Goals seek aggressive action toward making Bend a place where people can afford housing. Actions to support this goal include modifying City codes to reduce barriers to developing housing and shelters, and taking action to create more housing and shelters.

The City is working on a number of things to help:

• Considering code changes to provide more housing opportunities for Oregon residents. In 2019 the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 2001 which requires Oregon cities with over 25,000 population to allow the development certain types of “middle housing” such as duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes, within residential zones. The City has been working with an advisory group to draft proposed code amendments. The proposal and more information on Bend’s HB 2001 implementation, including information about public involvement on the proposal, can be found at bendoregon.gov/HB-2001.
• Removing barriers for development of “middle housing.” Work includes changing codes to allow more types of housing all over town. The City recently adopted Micro-Unit Developments and Small Dwelling Unit Developments which will provide more concentrated living opportunities for Bend residents looking for a place to call home. 
• Exploring parking: Reducing parking minimums for new developments was a conversation spurred by lower parking minimums required by HB 2001. In recent weeks parking has become part of many conversations. From new parking districts to parking minimums, parking is interesting, parking is personal, and parking is part of our daily lives. For more information, visit Parking Conversations.

Finding solutions for our houseless neighbors: Staff are working with community members and partner organizations on developing a strategy to allow varying types of shelter and transitional housing Citywide. For more information on shelters, see bendoregon.gov/homelessness.

SUPPORTING OUR UNHOUSED COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Project Turnkey Update

Councilors this week authorized the City Manager to finalize the purchase of the Bend Value Inn if the City is awarded Project Turnkey funding from the Oregon Community Foundation. Project Turnkey helps acquire motels or hotels to use as shelters for people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. The City expects to receive a decision soon on whether the project will be funded by Project Turnkey. If funded, the City could close on the property by end of June. The City is talking with NeighborImpact about managing the facility following renovations.

Follow this page for updates: www.bendoregon.gov/project-turnkey

Low-Barrier Shelter

The City of Bend and NeighborImpact partnered to fund the re-opening of the former winter warming shelter as a low-barrier shelter for unhoused community members. The Shepherd’s House operates the low-barrier shelter located at 275 NE Second Street. Here is the story about the low-barrier shelter partnership.

The Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a purchase and sale agreement for potential acquisition of the property for $2 million, subject to an appraisal and meeting requirements for American Rescue Plan Act funds. Closing is anticipated in September. The intention is to continue to run it as a low-barrier overnight shelter, potentially with additional services.

City Planning for Navigation Center Services

The City has started requesting statements of qualifications from community-based organizations that are interested in providing Navigation Center, shelter and/or support services to community members in Bend. This formal “Request for Qualifications” process is the next step in planning for services that could be provided to unhoused members of our community through a new Navigation Center or shelter. The State has allocated $2.5 million to support a Navigation Center in Bend. More information on the process can be found at bendoregon.gov/government/departments/purchasing.

FEE CHANGES & BUDGET ADOPTION

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OUR WATER

Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 

Interested in learning more about your water, like where it comes from and what lab tests on your drinking water show? The City’s Annual Water Quality Report has the answers and more.

From water quality testing, to treatment and water supply planning, read all about it in our Annual Water Quality Report.  

View the report online at bendoregon.gov/waterreport or request a paper copy.

Update to Utility Bills

The City of Bend Utility Bill has a new look! The new design supports our new Utility Billing software and includes some suggested changes from customers. The Utility Billing department recently completed a software conversion to a new internal utility billing system. Learn more in our New Bill FAQ. 

Water Conservation

With drought conditions across the region and a seasonal increase in water usage for landscape irrigation, the City of Bend is asking customers to be vigilant in conserving water this season.

Learn more water conservation tips.

Backflow Testing Reminder

And speaking of irrigation, have you tested your irrigation backflow system this year? If not, you might want to!

By testing your system annually, you can ensure you are preventing contaminants like fertilizer and pet waste from backing up and entering your household water system through your irrigation pipelines. This not only ensures that your drinking water stays clean, but also your neighbors.

To learn more head to bendoregon.gov/crossconnection

Landscape Field Day

Our WaterWise team will be hosting a Landscape Field Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 27 at Hollinshead Park Barn (1235 NE Jonas Road). The event will provide resources to homeowners to assist them in creating a WaterWise garden in Central Oregon. The conservation team will be joined by several local landscape designers who will display interpretations of sample WaterWise garden designs, irrigation vendors displaying the latest irrigation technology, the Master Gardeners providing tours of the demonstration garden, and some live irrigation demonstrations for people to witness the latest technology and learn about the effects of efficiency on water use.

PARKING NEAR DRAKE PARK

As we head into the summer season the City of Bend wants to remind you of some changes to parking in the area surrounding Drake Park.

While this is a popular summer spot, parking there will be different with the formation of the Old Bend Parking District for residential permit holders only. 

River floaters are encouraged to use the Ride the River Shuttle through the Bend Park and Recreation District. You can park near The Pavilion, hop in the river and ride the shuttle back starting June 26.

You can learn more about parking options at bendoregon.gov/parking

Watch the video.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM

Do you own a property that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or is located in one of Bend’s historic districts? Do you have a restoration project in mind for your property?  

We are happy to announce the 2021 City of Bend’s restoration grant program. The City of Bend has received a grant from the State Historic Preservation Office to assist property owners with needed historic restorations. Visit bendoregon.gov/home/showdocument?id=26204 or contact Heidi Kennedy at hkennedy@bendoregon.gov or 541-617-4524 for more details on this exciting new program available to assist property owners with certain needed historic restorations. 

Projects must be completed by August 15, 2022.

STAY INFORMED

Interested in regular updates on big projects such as the Murphy corridor improvements, or the Columbia roundabouts project? Or would you like to get City news releases or Council meeting notifications sent directly to your inbox? Sign up to receive project updates, event notifications and news from the City of Bend at bendoregon.gov/enews.