Rapid growth presents us with a challenge and an opportunity: to grow well and with intention so that our communities are more vibrant, affordable, inclusive, and climate-resilient. So let’s take a look at what we can do to act locally for our climate and community.

The future of Bend is happening now.

The City of Bend is beginning work that will guide our community’s growth now and for the next 20 to 50 years. LandWatch’s Cities & Towns team is and will be deeply involved with these efforts on the path ahead—and we’ll make sure our community knows the best times to make their voices heard along the way. 

How do you get around? Be a voice for transportation choices that help Central Oregon thrive.

The revitalization of the Bend Central District — affectionately known as the BCD — into a Complete Community is one of the most promising, broadly supported, and exciting efforts in the entire city. In 2024, the BCD will really start to look, feel, and function differently and we’re so here for it!

Five cyclists with extensive experience with “practical cycling” — the kind of riding that takes us to and from schools, shops, and workplaces — share their advice for people who are curious about bike commuting in Bend.

You will find a number of low-stress routes in Bend to enjoy already, and options will improve in coming years.

Over just 32 days after it began, Oregon’s 2024 legislative session delivered a mixed bag for environmentally-minded housing and land use advocates. Here’s our take on what went well, what could’ve been better, and what we’ll be working on next.

Housing production bills have been front and center during Oregon’s 2024 legislative short session and we’ve heard an encouraging message from lawmakers that our advocacy matters. Proposed Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion provisions are being scaled back.

Looking ahead to the Oregon state legislative session that opens on February 5, 2024, LandWatch will be counting on our members and supporters to voice their support for an approach to development that urgently addresses our housing needs without eroding bedrock laws that are vital to our livability, human health, and a healthy environment.

Trees are a terrific tool for making our city climate-resilient, livable and equitable. Bend is updating its tree code, and we’ve been working to ensure that more trees - especially large, mature trees - are being preserved as we continue to build the housing our community urgently needs.

Here are some exciting updates about how we’re helping make Complete Communities happen in our community, right now.

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!

Take action! Let your elected leaders know that Oregonians are still ready for Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities and that’s why we oppose HB 2659.

After years of sustained advocacy, improvements to the Midtown crossings are coming - and soon!

The City of Sisters is gathering community input on two important projects that guide potential development and zoning changes – changes that will help determine what this community looks like for generations.

LCDC unanimously adopts new rules that will guide future development in Oregon’s largest urban areas.

More climate-friendly and equitable communities are ahead for Oregon’s eight largest metropolitan areas, including Bend.

Oregonians are ready for climate-friendly and equitable communities, but we need all the support we can get to carry this transformative work across the finish line.

Did you know? In Deschutes County, over 50% of daily car trips are less than 3 miles in length.

What if Oregon’s future housing and transportation projects were centered around justice, access, and climate action? They can be, with your help.

Transportation access is also a big piece of the puzzle in creating more equitable communities. We need to create a city where access to a car is not a requirement for holding a job or getting to a grocery store. Take action by February 28!