(Add vid link at bottom)
Some associate the start of school with fresh pencils or backpacks, but do you know what else the first day brings? School zones! When you’re driving around Bend, please slow down, put your phone somewhere you can’t reach it, and watch out for children.
The end of summer, though, does not mean the end of fire season. If you haven’t done so, please sign up for Deschutes Alerts via the link below. Also, check out Own Your Zone to learn more about how you can protect your property from wildfire.
Deschutes Alerts Signups
You’re Invited!
City of Bend Celebrates Welcoming Week
This year’s eighth annual celebration of Welcoming Week will be held from September 12-21. We’re excited to support community partners hosting a diverse slate of events, from community conversations to cultural celebrations.
We proudly support Welcoming Week to foster a welcoming environment for all in Bend. This year’s national theme, Stories We Share, honors the lived experiences of all Bend residents, old and new, by fostering spaces for connection, reflection, and celebration.
You can read more about Welcoming Week and find event information below:
Welcoming Week
Apply Now!
Community Sponsorship & Grant Program
Did you attend the summer Pride event? Or checked out programming for Welcoming Week? These events are supported by the City of Bend Sponsorship & Grant Program. If your organization is planning a community wide event or program for this upcoming year, the September 30 deadline for applications is quickly approaching. The City is interested in hearing about your community events and programs and how they align with the City’s goals.
Learn more about the program and apply here:
Grant Request Form
September Construction Highlights:
GO Bond Projects Advancing Across Bend
September is another busy month for infrastructure improvements in Bend, with several GO Bond transportation projects making great progress. Here are a few highlights:
Bear Creek & 27th Improvements
- When: Roundabout construction dates: July-October 2025*
- What: Constructing a new roundabout, upgrading water and sewer (pedestrian and bicycle upgrades will occur through Spring 2026)
- Why: Make a high-crash intersection safer, voter approved GO Bond project
Project Details & Detour Map
NE Franklin Avenue Safety Improvements
(Fourth through Eighth Street)
- When: September 2025 – Spring 2026*
- What: Improvements to sidewalks, crosswalks, and shared use paths
- Why: Reduce conflict points and calm traffic to improve safety for all users, voter approved GO Bond project
If this is your route, here’s a tip: One direction will always remain open! (The westbound direction will be open at the beginning of the project and, when that side is complete, change to the eastbound direction).
Project Details & Detour Map
Butler Market & Wells Acres Roundabout
and Key Route Improvements
- When: July 2025 – Late Fall 2026*
- What: Constructing a new roundabout, upgrading sewer, plus pedestrian and bicycle upgrades
- Why: Make a high-crash intersection safer for all users, voter approved GO Bond project
If this is your route, here’s a tip: Eastbound traffic will stay open throughout construction!
Project Details & Detour Map
You’re Invited! Open House for the Aune Safety
and Connectivity Project
Explore proposed safety and connectivity improvements at the southern end of Bend’s Core Area by checking out the City’s in-person (or online!) open house.
We are exploring different ways to improve several intersections and streets from the Aune Street undercrossing of the Bend Parkway to and along Third Street up to Burnside Avenue. If approved, these upgrades will:
- Reduce vehicle conflict points
- Enhance accessibility for all users of the existing Aune Street undercrossing to support East-West connectivity
- Improve key routes for cyclists and pedestrians
By implementing complete street connections and safety improvements, the project aims to make driving safer, walking and biking more comfortable, and strengthen connections between the Old Mill District and East Bend.
Open House Details:
- When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 4-6pm
- Where: Campfire Hotel, Outpost meeting space, 721 NE Third St., Bend, OR 97701
Can’t make it in person? An online open house will be available from September 10-24 at bendoregon.gov/aune
Aune Project Information
*Dates subject to change. Stay tuned for updates and plan ahead for detours.
Neighborhood District Spotlight:
Awbrey Butte
In the August Bend Current, we introduced the topic of Neighborhood Districts – starting this month, we’re going to profile each one. While the districts are unique in terms of their locations and membership, they all provide pathways to connect with your community and the City of Bend.
Neighborhood District: Awbrey Butte
Location: Awbrey Butte Neighborhood District is located in Northwest Bend, covering most of the Awbrey Butte area
Member Feature: Land Use Chair Patty McCormick
The Awbrey Butte Neighborhood District would like to introduce you to our Land Use Chair, Patty McCormick. A land use chair for a Neighborhood District functions as a point of contact for developers when certain new developments are proposed within a neighborhood boundary. Land Use chairs often serve an important educational role to a neighborhood about what is happening in one’s neighborhood, and about Oregon’s land use system in general. The Board was very fortunate when Patty responded to our invitation to consider serving the Awbrey Butte Neighborhood District Members.
In addition to her role on the Board, Patty has started a walking project for interested members, and shares her perspective below.
“So my favorite thing about living in the Awbrey Butte ND would be the fact that we have neighborhoods that are high up on the butte, others that are down by the river, others that are by golf courses, and lots of available parks and trail access. Something for everyone!”
“The main thing I wish everyone knew about the Awbrey Butte ND is that while we have a relatively large membership, we still have many homes who are not members; and we cannot effectively represent everybody’s perspectives to the City unless you are a registered member so please sign up, it’s free!”
Awbrey Butte FB Page
Awbrey Butte Newsletter
City Council Recap
Check out this month’s Council Recap to hear Councilor Ariel Méndez talk about an Electrification Policy, upcoming Transportation GO Bond construction projects, this year’s Welcoming Week celebrations, and much more!
Meet K9 Billy
Name: Billy
Birthplace: Germany
Bend PD Handler: Officer Cody Pesio
Years with Bend PD: 2
Job: Apprehension, patrol team and the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team
Stats: Deployed 61 times, 32 captures, recovered three pieces of evidence (2024)
Personality traits: Sweet, social and extremely driven
K9 Billy says: “In case of an emergency, always have a plan for your family and pets!”
Use the link below to discover more information about what pet disaster preparedness involves, including information about what to include in a pet survival kit!
Pet Disaster Plan
Acronym of the Month
ECC – Environment & Climate Committee
The Environment and Climate Committee (ECC) is an advisory body to the Bend City Council, created to support the implementation of the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) and guide the city’s stewardship of natural resources and the environment.
What does the ECC do?
- Develops recommendations to the City Council to implement the CCAP.
- Monitors progress and reports on climate action efforts to the City Council.
- Advises on city policies related to sustainability, environmental justice, and resource stewardship.
- Advocates for climate goals during Council goal-setting and budgeting processes.
Who serves on the ECC?
The ECC is composed of voting members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by Council, selected for their expertise in areas like renewable energy, water resources, forestry, equity in environmental stewardship, and more. The committee may also include non-voting representatives from local partner organizations such as the Bend-La Pine School District, Deschutes County, and Bend Park and Recreation District.
How can you get involved?
ECC meetings are held monthly and are open to the public. Meetings are held in a hybrid format at City Hall and via Zoom, typically on the second Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend, learn, and contribute to Bend’s sustainability journey.
Learn More About ECC
Thank You for Being Water Smart
Bend water customers responded to our call for a voluntary water reduction. In July, for the first time, we reached this important goal that helps us save water and money.
We have a goal to reduce water use community-wide by 7.9 billion gallons by 2040. Per person, that’s 17 gallons per day. City-wide, that’s approximately 41 million gallons a month. This July, our customers used 49 million gallons less than in July 2024, exceeding our goal by 8 million gallons! This milestone is particularly noteworthy because it happened in July – typically our highest water use month.
The City also made strides over the last couple of months toward our own 12% water reduction goal for City-owned landscapes. We’re proud to have exceeded that goal this summer.
But with warmer temps on the way and a little summer left to enjoy, don’t forget these great tips to help keep us on all track with water conservation:
- Running your sprinkler for 2 minutes less each day saves 20 gallons per day.
- Spending 2 minutes less in the shower can save 5 gallons per day.
- By using a shutoff nozzle on your hose, you can save 10-20 gallons per day.
- And swapping out old appliances like toilets, shower heads and faucets for high-efficiency models can save 27 gallons a day.
Everyone has a part to play in our water future, let’s all be water smart!
