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
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.
City & Towns Update: City Council adopts new goals!
On Wednesday, March 17th, the Bend City Council adopted six goals with promising strategies to achieve them.
Your Voice, Your Impact
Your voice was heard loud and clear! Last month, we asked you to help us weigh in on the Bend City Council’s goals for the next two years.
BCD Block Party Draws Hundreds to the Wagner Mall
Honey I Shrunk the BCD drew hundreds of neighbors, business owners, developers and community leaders to reimagine the Bend Central District together in a fun and exciting setting last week!
The Transformational Possibilities of Urban Renewal in Oregon
he BCD Initiative advocates for a safe, inclusive, and community-oriented transformation in the Bend Central District. We aren't just here to talk about the community vision - we want to show you how public investment has catalyzed real changes in other cities around Oregon.
Westside Transect Implemented in Discovery West Master Plan
For more than a decade, Central Oregon LandWatch has been concerned about the risk of catastrophic wildfire in the forested area next to the west side of Bend. Most of this land would have been developed at urban levels had it come in with the City of Bend’s 2009 Urban Growth Boundary proposal to expand the city by more than 8,400 acres. Instead, our advocacy helped reduce the approved expansion by 70% by increasing densities inside the existing city boundaries.
Transportation System Plan Update & BCD Visionary Board Applications
The City of Bend has completed Phase 1 of its Transportation System Planning (TSP) process. Phase 1 identified a Citywide Transportation Framework, which includes projects and programs that principally affect the City’s arterial and collector system and transportation patterns in the City as a whole. The Citywide Transportation Framework will serve as the basis for Phases 2 and 3 of Bend’s Transportation Plan.
City appoints BURA Committee & Other Big News for the BCD
As the City of Bend moves forward with its “Core Area" Planning, we are preparing for the next steps in engaging the community to advocate for a vibrant, healthy, and resilient mixed-use neighborhood through the BCD Initiative
City Council To Vote On Changes To The RS Zone On Wednesday
The City of Bend is proposing changes to its Comprehensive Plan that would allow more density in the Residential Standard Zone (RS) by permitting duplexes and triplexes (referred to as "plexes") on smaller lots.
Why we support the Westside Transect Zone for Deschutes County
Thanks in large part to our advocacy, the Westside Transect is a new concept for Central Oregon that is being used to plan development on Bend’s western edge where we are at most risk of wildfire sweeping into town from the Cascade Mountain forests.
What can we learn from California's devastating wildfires?
As development pressures grow in high-risk areas, we must consider every new development in the WUI carefully. Smart planning that takes wildfire risk into account will help avoid unnecessary loss of life and homes, risk to our health, and endangerment of firefighters.
Find out what Millennials think about the BCD
We gave Bend's Millennial leaders the chance to design their ideal version of NE Hawthorne Ave at the Bend Chamber's first ever Young Professionals Summit.
What's Shaping the Bend Central District
As people continue to move here, the Bend Central District is our best hope for Central Oregon to grow into a place we want to keep calling home.
ACTION ALERT: Protect Tumalo Falls!
The City of Bend has applied to continue using its archaic and imprecise method of diverting water from the source spring. With climate change, receding snow packs and glaciers will impact the springs meaning less and less water will flow over Tumalo Falls in the future.
Speak on transportation in Bend!
The City of Bend is requesting public input as they plan their next Transportation System Plan. The Plan will be the guiding document for transportation in Bend over the next 20 years.
City Council Directs Urban Renewal in Bend Central District+ 🎉!
This is a big step toward the BCD's transformation into a healthy, vibrant, and resilient mixed use neighborhood with safe connections between east and west
The BCD Initiative's Top Three Moments of 2017
This spring, we launched the BCD Initiative to build momentum and support for the Bend Central District's transformation into a vibrant, healthy, and resilient mixed-use neighborhood with safe connections between east and west Bend.
Guest column: The truth matters on Tumalo Creek
A recent bombastic opinion column by Victor Chudowsky muddies the water on Tumalo Creek and needs correction.