The Horizon

All the latest updates on our work defending rural lands, creating livable cities and towns and preserving wild lands and water throughout Central Oregon

Cities & Towns CO LandWatch Cities & Towns CO LandWatch

Act Local Challenge!

There are many ways to contribute to your community as an individual, with a group, or through local government. There are larger commitments, as well as simple actions, formal and informal, and all of it adds up to a more Complete Communities in this place we call home. So, how might you act locally? We’ve compiled a list of ideas!

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Cities & Towns CO LandWatch Cities & Towns CO LandWatch

Act Local for Climate and Community

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.

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Cities & Towns CO LandWatch Cities & Towns CO LandWatch

Shaping Bend’s Future

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. 

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See it, feel it, believe it

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!

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The Surprising Truth About Bike Commuting in Bend

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.

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Cities & Towns CO LandWatch Cities & Towns CO LandWatch

The latest from Salem

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.


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Cities & Towns CO LandWatch Cities & Towns CO LandWatch

Three ways to meet Oregon's housing needs

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.

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Cities & Towns CO LandWatch Cities & Towns CO LandWatch

What's next for Bend's tree code?

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.

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