BCD Update

We've seen an incredible response from the helpers in our community as we face the threat of COVID-19 and its fallout together. In the Bend Central District, Oregon Spirit Distillers stepped up to provide hand sanitizer, Utilitu Sewing + Design is making face masks, local artist Teafly designed socially responsible art to share, and there are many more stories of kindness.

While we work together to address immediate needs, we cannot forget to plan for a better future. The City of Bend is in the final stages of a planning process for the Core Area, including the BCD, to create a framework for an urban center that provides a vibrant mix of housing, jobs, and services. 

This is a long-term, thirty-year plan for the future health of our community. As our population grows, we need well-designed places for people to thrive. The short-term coronavirus crisis does not change that need, but actually highlights the importance of planning for the future (read more: how cities provide resilience during disasters).

A MORE EQUITABLE CORE AREA PLAN

The City of Bend’s draft Core Area Project Report and implementation plan will result in many positive and necessary improvements to the Bend Central District and the rest of the Core Area. These improvements will lead to increased property values, and without a clear strategy, could lead to displacement of Bend’s most vulnerable residents and local businesses.

Central Oregon LandWatch and members of the public submitted a comments asking the Urban Renewal Advisory Board (URAB) to consider the needs of vulnerable populations and existing businesses and residents. We proposed six equity strategies based on policy research and learnings from other communities. 

At their final meeting last week, URAB approved modifications that responded to these comments! Next, the plan will be reviewed by Bend City Council, Bend Parks and Recreation Board, Deschutes County, and other taxing districts over the next few months. 

Please stay tuned for when you can make a difference to support the vision for a vibrant, healthy, and inclusive core of Bend.