Existing buildings are at capacity and at the end of their useful life. Bend's Public Works departments (Engineering, Facilities, Fleet, Transportation & Mobility, and Water Services (Utilities) are dispersed in different locations across Bend, posing challenges to efficient collaboration. City staff compared the costs of investing in existing facilities versus building a new one and recommended that a new campus would be the best, cost-effective approach.  A new campus will allow for all of these departments to be co-located when it's complete. In the meantime, existing operations can continue uninterrupted while the new campus is being built. The new campus is going on land the City already owns in Juniper Ridge.

Bringing together these departments will reduce annual maintenance requirements and allow for better coordination and efficiencies.

The 35.5-acre site will include administrative and employee work spaces, fleet maintenance, shop and warehouse facilities, vehicle wash and storage accommodations, community meeting rooms and more. 

News and Updates

Location

 In 2018, the City began searching for a location that could house the needed departments and associated equipment. In 2021, the Bend City Council approved an area within Juniper Ridge for the new Public Works Campus, because it has adequate space and the City owns land there (which lowers the overall cost). It was also part of a strategy to spur development in this area. 

Schedule

2015: Conceptual planning starts

2021: Location approved

2022: Contracts approved

2022: Planning and design work started

2023: Groundbreaking and construction starts

2025: Projected move-in and opening

Background

The Public Works Campus project was initiated in 2015 with the planning of a new public works building to house our growing workforce and these departments.

Planning and design work began in 2022. When the location for the new campus was approved in 2021, Council also approved the use of a progressive design-build contracting method. Council authorized contracts with Otak Inc. and Kirby Nagelhout Construction Co. in January and April 2022. In June 2023, Council authorized site work construction agreements.

Construction began in fall 2023, with late 2025 as the projected move-in date.

Funding

One-time resources help us invest in this $130 million project including the sale of the Boyd Acres campus, where Utility offices are currently located, and Juniper Ridge land sales. For the remainder, the City will issue long term debt which will be repaid by the departments over time.

Project Documents