Originally published in the Bend Chamber Business Edition – February 2, 2017 With support from Bend Chamber of Commerce, Bend 2030, and the City Club of Central Oregon, a group of Bend citizens have explored the city’s current governance model. Based on input from two citizen meetings last year, the Bend City Governance committee presented their findings in front of the city council last night. According to the report, the citizen’s input group favors a publicly elected mayor as well as the creation of a ward system to give all citizens in Bend fair representation in city council. Presented by … Continue reading Citizen Group Recommends Changes to Bend City Charter

Originally published in the Bend Chamber Business Edition – March 23, 2017 If three words could some up the Bend City Council’s Financial Strategy Meeting Wednesday, it might be Money, Money, Money… With the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) approved last fall, Councilors are in the midst of how to move forward with the “opportunity” and “expansion” areas identified in the plan. In total, more than 90 procurement decisions will fall in the Councilors lap within the foreseeable future. But according to council and staff, there’s not enough funds in the city coffers for all the projects. Bend City Councilors and … Continue reading City Council Float Public/Private Partnerships at Financial Strategy Meeting

Originally published in the Bend Chamber Business Edition – March 2, 2017 Transportation issues loomed large at last night’s city council meeting. The future of the upgraded 14th Street Corridor and approval of Uber and Lyft-type transportation options were approved. And the issue of potholes weaved in and out of the discussions throughout the evening with public frustration topping the visitor section. Uber/Lyft Ride-hailing Services Approved After weeks of heated debate, amendments; and long-winded discussions about horse-drawn carriages and pedicabs, the council finally approved the repeal of the Bend city code regulating taxicabs with updated language that factor in ride-hailing … Continue reading Transportation Issues and Potholes Loom Large at Council Meeting