Originally published in the Bend Chamber Business Edition – August 25, 2017 At the last council meeting, several downtown Bend business owners expressed frustration when it comes to the safety of the business core area. Due to an influx of transients and homeless people, the area has become less safe for visitors and business owners alike. In the following weeks since the last council meeting, the city of Bend has brought together members from the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA), Bend Police, and the District Attorney’s office to work on a Downtown Public Safety Improvement Plan. City Manager Eric King … Continue reading Safety Improvements Slated for Downtown Bend Area

Originally published in the Bend Business Edition – April 2017 The good news: unemployment is down in Central Oregon. The flip side is a tightening labor market. As the boomer generation moves towards retirement, the demographics of Central Oregon are changing. The long-term trends are challenging but can be solved, according to Workforce Analyst Karla Castillo with the Oregon Employment Department. But in the short term, the region’s supply of available labor is shrinking. Few can dispute the fact Central Oregon is experiencing a growth spurt. Recently released statistics from the Population Research Center at Portland State University (PSU), show Deschutes and … Continue reading Changing Demographics: Central Oregon is Running Out of Employees

Originally published in the Bend Chamber Business Edition – January 13, 2017 Bend’s new Mayor, Casey Roats, wants City Council to get down to business. As his first comment to the new council at yesterday’s City Council Special Meeting at the Administration Building at Simpson Fire Station, the mayor laid down the framework for what will be the new norm for the council. As the new city council takes up position on the dais at City Hall next Wednesday, Mayor Roats is all about making council meetings to stay on track. “One of my main concerns is that we follow the … Continue reading Are City Council Meetings Too Long?

Originally published in the Bend Chamber Business Edition – December 21, 2016 Thanks to input from several local organization, among them the Bend Chamber of Commerce’s EVP Community Affairs Jamie Christman, the Bend City councilors decided to “soften” the controversial 90-day “no cause” eviction ordinance at their December 7 meeting. Introduced at the council work session, the new version leaves the existing 30-day “no cause” ordinance in place, with a 90-day “no cause” eviction requirement taking effect after one year of occupancy. The current local ordinance allows landlords to evict month-to-month renters with a 30-day notice. With a “no cause” eviction, … Continue reading City Council Softens the 90-Day Eviction Ordinance after Input from Community

Originally published in the Bend Chamber Business Edition – March 17, 2017 The expansion of the urban growth boundary was the easy part. Now comes the hard work, figuring out how to build and pay for the expansion. Bend Chamber’s What’s Brewing delved into the many challenges ahead of the city, developers and Bend citizens when it comes to living up to the promises made in the UGB planning document. Moderated by Bend Chamber EVP of Community Affairs, Jamie Christman, the topic of the evening was Bend’s UGB – Moving Forward. The expert panel included City Planning Manager, Brian Rankin, … Continue reading What’s Brewing – Bend’s UGB Moving Forward