$25 million and a plan to keep nature nearby
Rendering of a concept for the Hawthorne Bridge. Credit: City of Bend
An update on the Hawthorne Crossing: $25 million in state and federal funding!
A vision for a safe and accessible way to cross east and west Bend has been years in the making. And we’ve got big news!
The Hawthorne Pedestrian and Bicyclist Overcrossing (also known as the Hawthorne Bridge or Hawthorne Crossing) is set to receive nearly $25 million in funding this year. This incredible support comes from both state and federal sources, thanks to the remarkable efforts of the Bend community and city, state and federal elected leaders.
The federal Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program has contributed nearly $20 million towards this landmark community project. Additionally, the state legislature - with leadership from our entire Central Oregon delegation - has allocated an additional $5 million for the Hawthorne Overcrossing.
This funding is a cause for celebration. The Midtown Crossings, including Franklin Ave, Greenwood Ave, and the Hawthorne Bridge, are vital in catalyzing redevelopment of Bend’s Central District and Core Area. These key areas will accommodate much of Bend’s new growth by creating Complete Communities – places with more affordable housing options near essential services, nature nearby, and safe and easy ways to get around that don’t always require a car. By building the transformative Hawthorne Overcrossing project, we are creating a more equitable, healthy, and climate-resilient Bend, making it truly a place for all.
This additional funding helps deliver the most safe, accessible, functional, and inspiring version of the Hawthorne Bridge to our community, sooner.
Nature in our neighborhoods: Bend’s Tree Code update
Complete Communities are the building blocks of livable cities and towns. They keep nature nearby and in our neighborhoods, and have affordable housing options for everyone. That’s why it’s big news that Bend City Council has embarked on a Tree Regulation Code Update. This update aims to strike a balance between preserving trees and building needed housing. The focus is on updating regulations for managing trees on sites proposed for large-scale development. City Council also wants to explore ways to preserve and expand Bend’s overall urban tree canopy.
Credit: City of Bend
What is an urban tree canopy?
It’s the layer of tree cover provided by trees within cities and towns. It represents the density of trees within an urban environment – along streets, in parks, in backyards, and other green spaces. It provides benefits like shade that reduces the heat island effect, improved air quality, habitat for wildlife, and contributes to a city's overall well-being and livability.
At LandWatch, we’re committed to stepping up and meeting this moment, as the outcome of this work will directly shape Bend’s livability. We’re excited to share that Kristy Sabo, LandWatch’s Environmental Planner & Attorney, has been selected to serve on the newly appointed Tree Regulation Update Advisory Committee (TRUAC). TRUAC will give guidance to the Bend City Council on the future of tree regulation and new development in the city.
Through our research on trees and urban canopy, along with case studies, policies and best practices, we’ve honed in on three key goals for this process:
1. Preserve more trees - especially large, mature trees - while building the housing our community needs.
2. Strategically replace trees that are removed to improve our urban tree canopy over time, particularly in underserved areas of Bend.
3. Manage and invest in our urban tree canopy as a valuable asset and tool in building a climate-resilient, livable, and equitable city.
On the path ahead, there will be key moments to make your voice heard in this process. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
More complete communities ahead
Central Oregon is growing, giving us both a challenge and an opportunity: to grow well and with intention.
To help make this happen, LandWatch’s Cities & Towns Program is here to deliver Complete Communities to Bend and beyond.