The current Deschutes County landfill will be full in 2029. This is a time-sensitive issue for urban renewal is not just for blighted inner cities. With Bend’s fast-paced growth, we have the opportunity to redefine the center of our city as a place that accommodates mixed residential and commercial development, entertainment and community friendly spaces. The City of Bend’s Core Area Planning process is currently identifying how to move these opportunities forward using tools like urban renewal.
This month’s forum will take place on Thursday, August 15, 11:15am-1pm and focus on the Bend Central District (BCD), which has been the impetus for much planning and community advocacy to become a more dense, mixed-use neighborhood. Featured speaker Michele Reeves is a national expert in helping communities recognize and leverage their strengths and accomplish their economic development goals. Michelle will show how other communities have successfully used redevelopment to create vibrancy and provide economic opportunity to a wide cross section of their community, along with pitfalls to avoid.
Case studies will include urban renewal and economic development initiatives that:
- Lower barriers to entry for minority-owned businesses
- Provide wealth-building opportunities for small businesses priced out of a market
- Create district vitality for modest investments
In addition, hear from Allison Platt, senior planner of Growth Management with the City of Bend with a brief update of the current progress in the BCD. Bring your curiosity and questions. This forum is designed to make you more informed and engaged about the future of Bend and its infrastructure.
We will continue the conversation directly following the forum with an extended 30-minute Q&A with the speakers for those who wish to stay.
When: 11:15am-1pm
Where: Riverhouse on the Deschutes Convention Center, 2850 NW Rippling River Court, Bend
Cost: $25 members / $45 non-members. Plated lunch is included.
To register go to cityclubco.org or call 541-633-7163. Registration closes at noon on Monday, August 12. Registration fees must be paid in advance of the forum.
