What's Happening Central Oregon

Bend is changing fast—and not everyone is thrilled. From controversial new power lines and subdivision settlements to evolving street design and a new tallest building on the horizon, this week's local news has it all. 😬

Join us LIVE as we break down the biggest stories making waves in Bend right now:

Pacific Power's proposed transmission line sparks major neighborhood opposition

A settlement shakes up westside development plans

Bend’s street design rules are getting a major overhaul

A 100-foot air traffic control tower is about to redefine the skyline

City leaders identify key industries for Bend’s economic future

Mt. Bachelor’s surprise decision to stay with POWDR Corp

Whether you're a longtime local, thinking of moving to Central Oregon, or just love staying in the know, this stream is for you. Bring your thoughts, questions, and comments—we’re talking real estate, growth, lifestyle, and everything that makes Bend tick (or sizzle 🔥).

💬 Got a hot take? Drop it in the live chat!
👇 Want help buying or selling real estate in Bend or the surrounding area?
My team and I would love to be your local real estate resource of choice.

Bend’s got tree drama, a landfill that’s literally full, and we're crushing it in a national “Strongest Town” competition?! Oh yeah... and the historic downtown post office is becoming a boutique hotel. 👀

Welcome back to What’s Happening in Central Oregon, our bi-weekly podcast and livestream where we unpack the stories shaping the future of Bend and beyond. Whether you’re a lifelong local, a curious newcomer, or someone thinking about relocating, you won’t want to miss this one.

Here’s what we’re diving into today: 🌲 A developer in Southwest Bend says "no thanks" to the city’s strict new tree code—what it means for housing
 🏗️ A massive 371-home project is approved with extra green space—good for trees, bad for affordability?
 🏆 Bend makes the Final Four in the Strongest Town contest—should we start printing the championship shirts?
🚛 The landfill plan collapses after $1.4M spent and zero progress—what’s next for the Moon Pit?
🏨 The historic Bend Post Office is transforming into a boutique hotel—revitalization or gentrification?
💸 A local battle brews over tourism dollars—Visit Bend vs. City Hall
🎿 Local ownership group fails to win the bid for Mt. Bachelor—what's next for the mountain?

🔔 Hit that bell and subscribe if you want to keep up with what’s going on in Central Oregon—news, lifestyle, real estate, and all the in-between.
 💬 Got thoughts? Drop them in the chat—we want to hear from you!
👇 And as always, if you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell in the area, my team and I would love to be your local real estate resource of choice.

In this episode of What's Happening Central Oregon, we dive into the hot topics shaping Bend and the surrounding area. From Ashland’s new pollution fees on natural gas to Bend considering similar restrictions, we break down how electrification could impact homeowners and affordability. Plus, we discuss the controversial wildfire hazard map and why local officials are pushing back. Finally, get the latest updates on Bend’s Central District revitalization, including the relocation of City Hall and the transformation of the old Spoken Moto building. Don’t miss out—hit play and stay informed!

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Explore the latest Central Oregon developments in this episode, where we break down how Bend-Redmond home prices, Mirror Pond dam renovations, and short-term rental licensing in Deschutes County are shaping the future of our community. We also dive into potential System Development Charge (SDC) changes, a push for Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion, the grand opening of Dogwood at the Pine Shed, and the new Parkside Place affordable housing project. Whether you’re a local resident, prospective buyer, or just interested in what’s happening in Bend and beyond, this comprehensive roundup will keep you in the loop.
Topics Covered
Bend-Redmond Real Estate Update – Key insights into January’s home price shifts.
Mirror Pond Dam & Fish Passage – Funding secured for design and conservation efforts.
Short-Term Rental Licensing – Deschutes County’s plan to regulate the cooling STR market.
System Development Charges (SDCs) – City council debates how changes could impact housing costs.
Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) Expansion – A committee’s expedited rezoning request may reshape our region.
Dogwood at the Pine Shed – A new culinary hotspot bringing historic mill charm into modern dining.
Parkside Place Affordable Housing – Addressing Bend’s tight housing market with below-market-rate homes.
Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more Central Oregon news and insights. Hit the notification bell to stay ahead of the curve on real estate trends, community development, and local happenings. Have thoughts or questions? Drop a comment below and join the conversation!

Get the inside scoop on what’s happening in Bend and Central Oregon in this in-depth podcast episode! We dive into some of the most pressing local news and real estate developments affecting life on the High Desert—from downtown Bend’s heated walkability versus parking debate to the revitalized Miller Landing beach access and the Old Mill District’s major expansion plans. Whether you’re a longtime resident, considering relocation, or just looking for the latest buzz around Bend’s ever-evolving landscape, you’ll find value in these discussions.

Here’s a snapshot of what we cover:

1. Downtown Bend Walkability vs. Parking
   The city of Bend is weighing proposals to make the downtown core more pedestrian-friendly and reduce car dependence. Discover how state mandates are influencing local decisions, why many businesses worry about limited parking, and what it could mean for both residents and visitors.
2. Miller Landing Beach Improvements
   Big changes are underway at Miller Landing, a popular spot across the Deschutes River from the Bend Whitewater Park. We discuss the new tiered river access design, how it will benefit kayakers and floaters, and why these enhancements promise to make everyone’s favorite summer pastime safer and more accessible.
3. Sisters Achieves Dark Sky Community Status
   The City of Sisters has become Oregon’s second official Dark Sky Community, an honor that celebrates its commitment to preserving night skies. Learn how reduced light pollution not only benefits stargazers but also helps local wildlife and bolsters Sisters’ charming, small-town feel.
4. CE Lovejoy’s Market Closure
   After 15 years in Brookswood Plaza, CE Lovejoy’s Market is closing its doors. We explore the impact on nearby residents, what this says about Bend’s retail climate, and potential opportunities for a new grocer or boutique market to step into this key anchor location.
5. Old Mill District Expansion: Three New Buildings
   Breaking news! Plans are in motion for three brand-new structures in the Old Mill District, offering fresh retail, restaurant spaces, and even residential units. Get an early look at the renderings, learn where these buildings will go up, and find out why this expansion is set to elevate one of Bend’s most iconic shopping and dining hubs.

Throughout the episode, we also highlight how each of these changes impacts the local housing market and overall quality of life in Central Oregon. Our goal is to help you stay informed and make the best decisions—especially if you’re thinking of buying or selling real estate in Bend, Sisters, or the surrounding areas.

Why Tune In?

• Local Insight: We live and work here, so we share first-hand perspectives on how these updates could shape the region’s future.
• Real Estate Expertise: As your trusted local real estate professionals, we break down the impact of new developments and closures on property values, neighborhood growth, and investment opportunities.
• Community Connection: We love fostering a sense of community, and your voice matters! Share your thoughts on walkability, parking, and more—let us know what you think in the comments or via social media.

Thank you for joining us for another episode of “What’s Happening Central Oregon.” Remember to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform (or catch the video version on YouTube) so you never miss an update. If you have real estate questions or need help buying or selling in the Bend area, reach out—we’d love to be your local resource!

Contact us anytime to learn more about living, investing, and thriving in Bend, Oregon.

In this episode, we dive into Oregon’s updated wildfire hazard maps and their wide-reaching effects on property insurance, land regulations, and wildfire preparedness throughout Central Oregon. Next, we explore Bend’s ambitious Midtown Crossing Project, spotlighting the upcoming Hawthorne Pedestrian & Bicycle Overcrossing designed to boost connectivity and safety. Finally, we discuss the planned upgrades to Reed Market Road’s railroad crossing and how this will influence traffic flow, local commerce, and Bend’s overall infrastructure. Tune in to stay informed on the latest developments shaping Bend, Oregon—from wildfire resilience to innovative community projects.

In this episode, we dive into the latest Central Oregon developments—from the Caldera Ranch UGB expansion and its impact on affordable housing to the Greenwood traffic ‘road diet’ stirring local controversy. We also take a look at Redmond’s brand-new library, discuss the potential of geothermal energy at Newberry Crater, and highlight BasX Solutions’ exciting expansion into Sisters. Plus, we tackle the long-standing claim that Bend enjoys 300 days of sunshine—is it really true?

Whether you’re a Bend Oregon resident, thinking of relocating, or just curious about what’s happening in the high desert, tune in for insightful commentary and the inside scoop on real estate, economic news, and community updates across Central Oregon.

Topics Covered:

• Caldera Ranch UGB Expansion & Affordable Housing
• Greenwood Traffic Diet Debate
• Redmond’s Library Grand Opening
• Newberry Crater Geothermal Projects
• BasX Solutions’ Growth in Sisters
• Bend Weather Myths & Realities

Enjoy the episode and stay connected for more Central Oregon updates, from business news and housing developments to lifestyle tips and local events. Thanks for listening!