Bend Current, Newsletter for the Community, October 2023

2020 GO Bond Update

We’ve got an update for you on the 2020 Transportation GO Bond Projects! 

Check out this video to learn more about the Neighborhood Street Safety Program, the Midtown Crossings and the GO Bond Dashboard that lets you easily track the progress of projects. 

You can learn more about the GO Bond Project at bendoregon.gov/gobond. 

Watch the video. 

The Accessibility Program with Accessibility and Equity Manager Cassandra Kehoe

What does Accessibility mean to you? 

This month on the Inside Bend Podcast we dive into that question with our Accessibility and Equity Manager Cassandra Kehoe.

She explains what her role is and how she’s working to make sure everyone in the community has access to the resources and information they need. 

Listen now at bendoregon.gov/inside-bend or on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify! 

City Council Updates

An Update from Mayor Melanie Kebler

Mayor Melanie Kebler gives an update on some of the work that the City Council accomplished this past month.

Watch the video here.

New Snow Removal Equipment

Council approved the purchase of two Toolcat machines for $198,000 to be used for snow management and two compact sweeper machines for $363,000 which will improve sweeping on bike lanes and pedestrian pathways.

The purchases address increased demands for improved, year-round accessibility to support the Council goals and the transportation system plan visions for multi-modal projects.

Read the issue summary here (Toolcat).

Read the issue summary here (Sweepers).

Money for Middle Income Housing

Council approved $500,000 for three projects that support middle income housing, including:

• $75,000 for Habitat-Hiatus to support a replicable, accessible home at 15th and Wilson.
• $225,000 to Hayden Homes for sewer infrastructure needed on Country Club Drive to support development of 20 lots.
• $200,000 for NeighborImpact down payment assistance, a loan program for first time homebuyers.

Read the issue summary here.

View the Presentation.

Air Traffic Control Tower Update

Bend’s municipal airport is one of the busiest airports in Oregon but has no air traffic control tower.

Council approved a $1.3 million contract to design of the tower.

Funding is anticipated to come from a variety of grants for total estimated project costs about $15 million, and construction is anticipated in mid-2025.

Read the issue summary here.

View the Presentation.

Apply for Openings on Advisory Committees, Commissions and Boards

Community committees are a great way to get involved with City government.

The City has several Council-appointed boards, committees, commissions, and advisory groups that make recommendations to City Council or City administrative staff.

Applications are being accepted for the Bend Economic Development Advisory Board, Core Area Advisory Board, Human Rights and Equity Commission, Landmarks Commission, and Planning Commission.

To view all the committees, visit bendoregon.gov/committees.

Applications Sought For Affordable Housing Funding 

The City of Bend will be accepting proposals for funding for its Affordable Housing Fund and Community Development Block Grant Program.

Funds through the Community Development Block Grant program are also available, with approximately $416,275 to fund affordable housing and community development projects in the City of Bend and approximately $96,600 to fund social services. 

Potential applicants may register for an informational meeting on these available housing and community development resources, which will be held virtually on Monday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m.

Applicants with technical questions should direct them to housing@bendoregon.gov, and please include “2023 CDBG / AHF” in the subject line.

Visit the website for more information.

Tree Trimming 

Believe it or not, Winter is right around the corner, and we need your help to prepare for the snowy season by ensuring our streets are clear of trees and shrubs for snowplows and street maintenance purposes. 

It is the responsibility of Bend residents, per City Code, to: 

• Maintain your driveway entrances and adjacent areas to allow for easy access.
• Keep adjacent sidewalks free of overgrown vegetation, including those pesky low-hanging branches.
• Take action to remove or trim any flammable vegetation within the public right of way.
• Ensure a clear vision area at intersections near your property for everyone’s safety.
• Remember to put leaves into yard waste cans. Please do not blow them into the street.

Thank you for doing your part to help out your streets crews so they can help keep your streets in good shape all winter long!