Neighborhood Districts

In Bend, Neighborhood Districts are groups formally recognized by the City of Bend as a forum for community members to address issues and opportunities affecting their neighborhood, especially those related to how land is used. Most Neighborhood Districts work to increase involvement in local decision-making, create a strong partnership between the City of Bend and neighborhoods and provide a space for community events and projects that support strong and thriving neighborhoods in Bend.

Neighborhood Districts are the closest connection between individual community members and the larger Bend community. Because of this, Neighborhood Districts may be concerned with any issue affecting community members, such as:

• How land is used and rules about zoning
• Neighborhood street safety, bike-friendly streets, connected sidewalks, and access to public transit
• Transportation projects and plans
• Crime prevention and wildfire prevention
• Access to parks, schools, shopping, entertainment, and restaurants
• Art in the neighborhood and beautification projects
• Community involvement in local decision-making
• Community building and neighbor-to-neighbor interaction

Yes. Neighborhood Districts are completely run by volunteers, so they are always looking for help from people who can offer their skills and connections. Each Neighborhood District operates differently, and there are many ways to volunteer, from traditional board roles to helping with a single task such as social media, website design, or newsletter creation. Contact your Neighborhood District board to learn how you can volunteer.

To find your Neighborhood District, use the interactive map above on this page. Most Neighborhood Districts have a registration process for community members who want to be involved in neighborhood issues and events.

Yes. The table below explains the differences between a Neighborhood District and a Homeowners Association.

Yes. In Bend, the definition of a Neighborhood District member in Bend Code Section 1.70 includes any community member 18 years or older, as well as renters, property owners, and any legal entity that operates a business, office, government agency, or nonprofit institution within the boundaries of a Neighborhood District. Participation is voluntary and open to anyone who lives or works within the neighborhood boundary area.

Bend is growing quickly. Some expansion areas near the edges of the City are located outside existing Neighborhood District boundaries. If you are in one of these areas and want Neighborhood District representation, contact communications@bendoregon.gov.

Neighborhood Districts are independent groups separate from the City of Bend. The City supports them by formally recognizing them in the municipal code and providing annual funding for their activities. Each year, Neighborhood Districts must submit a report describing their activities and explaining how they used grant funds to remain formally recognized. Funding is based on the annual budget available from the City and the number of tax lots in each Neighborhood District.