It seems Bend and Central Oregon are on a new Top Ten list every week and Deschutes County is right in the middle of the action experiencing the most rapid population growth in Oregon. Two cities in Deschutes County, Bend and Redmond, have been ranked among the best cities to start a business and our region is recognized as the remote worker capitol of the nation.
“Our economy is thriving, and we are one of the most successful business and revenue producers in the state — not to mention our quality of life, access to outdoor recreation and local world-class craft food and beverages,” said Katy Brooks, Bend Chamber CEO. “Our County is diverse across its 3,055 square miles, yet shares some core challenges. We are urban and rural. We are tech businesses, service industry, production and agriculture. We have populations of people across all ages and economic means. And as different as we are throughout the County we all face a housing crisis, childcare shortage, risk of wildfire and rising costs of living and doing business here.”
What exactly does the County do and how well is it doing it?
“Deschutes County provides government services to all unincorporated areas of the county for residents living anywhere outside of Sisters, Redmond, La Pine and Bend,” said Phil Henderson, Deschutes County Commission Chair. “Deschutes County is responsible for land use, roads, Sheriff’s Office services, 9-1-1 and health services. They are responsible as well for elections, community justice and corrections, the County fair, transfer stations and the landfill for the whole county.” Commissioner Henderson was elected in 2016 and lives in Bend.
“At Deschutes County, we are managing for growth as well as the excitement and tension that come with it,” said Tony DeBone, Deschutes County Commissioner. DeBone was elected in 2010 and lives in La Pine.
“We are looking forward to the 100th year celebration of our Deschutes County Fair this year. We are excited to welcome our new Fair and Expo Center director this year that comes to us with a pedigree of county fair experience,” said Patti Adair, Deschutes County Commissioner, Vice Chair. Patti was elected in 2018 and lives in Sisters.
Join us on July 9 to learn about the FY2019 budget highlights and learn about the county’s legislative priorities. Discussion will also cover how the County is addressing affordable housing, the status of the 9-1-1 dispatch service coverage, the sobering center and the next steps in addressing future waste disposal.
Deschutes State of the County Address
July 9 | 5-7pm
10 Barrel East Side Pub
$25 Chamber members, $35 general public ($5 more at the door) bendchamber.org/bend-event/atateofthecounty2019
