Let’s Talk Bend

Welcoming Week is right around the corner! This month’s guest on Inside Bend is Community Relations Manager Zavi Borja, who is organizing Welcoming Week.

Zavi builds relationships with community members that may not otherwise be heard to help create an inclusive City for everyone. He also explains what he loves about Welcoming Week and how you can get involved with the events.

On this episode we’re joined by Long Range Planning Manager Brian Rankin, who is heading up the Stevens Road Tract Concept Plan. This is a plan that will add 261 acres of land to the Bend Urban Growth Boundary which was made possible by the passing of House Bill 3318 in 2021. The plan outlines the creation of a complete community that will include deed-restricted affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing. There will also be parks, mixed uses buildings, and transportation options that support walking, biking and transit.

In this special episode of Inside Bend, Bend Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Trish Connolly explains how you can Own Your Zone. This episode breaks down defensible space and focuses on Zone Three, giving great tips on what you can do to protect your home and community.

In this special episode of Inside Bend, Bend Fire & Rescue Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki explains how you can Own Your Zone. This episode breaks down defensible space and focuses on Zone Two, giving great tips on what you can do to protect your home and community.

On this month’s episode of Inside Bend, we are joined by Business Advocate Ben Hemson. He breaks down the transient room tax, the revenue it brings into the City and tourism’s impact on the region.

In this special episode of Inside Bend, Bend Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Trish Connolly explains how you can Own Your Zone. This episode breaks down defensible space and focuses on Zone One, giving great tips on what you can do to protect your home and community.

With increased wildfire risk across the West, it’s more important than ever that we do our part to lessen the impact of a potential wildfire.

On this month’s episode of Inside Bend, we chat with Chief Todd Riley from Bend Fire & Rescue. He explains what Bend Fire & Rescue and the City are doing to help mitigate the risk of wildfire and explains how everyone can do their part to help protect our community.

The first project of the voter-approved 2020 Transportation General Obligation Bond kicked off in March with a roundabout starting construction on the Wilson Corridor Improvements Project! 

On this month’s episode of Inside Bend, we speak to Principal Engineer Sinclair Burr about the projects that will be funded by the $190 million bond. The projects aim to improve traffic flow, create better east-west connections, improve neighborhood street safety, and increase pedestrian and bicycle access. He also explains the role of the Transportation Bond Oversight Committee in advising the City Council and City staff on scheduling and building the projects.

This month on Inside Bend we talk to City of Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz to learn more about the development of the Police Chief’s Advisory Council.

Chief Krantz explains what the council is, why it’s important, and what he hopes he and the Bend Police Department will be able to gain from forming the council. Chief Krantz also explains how you can get involved with the council and be a voice for the community.

This month’s episode of Inside Bend features a discussion with three City staff members as we learn more about a topic that is very important to the City and our community: Houselessness.

There is so much that the City is working on and we wanted to give you an update on what is being done to create more shelter options for those who are experiencing homelessness.

Affordable Housing Coordinator Amy Fraley dives into the creation of the City’s First navigation center.

Recovery Strategy and Impact Officer Carolyn Eagan explains what is being done to create outdoor shelters.

And finally, Senior Management Analyst Shelly Smith describes the City’s Safe Parking Program and some of its early successes.