We’re coming up on one-year since business restrictions went into effect in Oregon and finally the economic news seems to be trending in a positive direction. Vaccines are rolling out, infection rates continue to drop, we’re even seeing an increase in help wanted ads as businesses look ahead to what will hopefully be a successful late spring and summer.
However, challenges remain, including how to deal with debt that your business may have taken on during the last 12 (very long) months. If you owe, or are owed, back-rent you’ll want to read on for more information on a commercial rent relief program that launched today; plus, details on a City of Bend policy discussion addressing homelessness and summer construction plans.
Oregon Commercial Rent Relief Program
Beginning today, Business Oregon will begin accepting grant applications from landlords to cover rent owed by businesses impacted by the pandemic. This program has $100 million in funding and will accept applications for two full weeks. This will not be first come first serve.
Landlords will have to make the application, but tenant businesses will need to provide information and both parties will sign a grant agreement with the State of Oregon. Allocations are capped at $100,000 per business and $3 million per landlord.
To qualify for rent relief businesses must:
- Be a for-profit business
- Lease property in the state of Oregon
- Be headquartered in the state of Oregon
- Employ 100 or less employees per lease as of February 28, 2021
- Be actively registered to do business in the state of Oregon with the Secretary of State
- Be compliant with all federal, state and local laws
- Not be a publicly traded company
- Be open for business or intend to reopen for business when restrictions are lifted (if applicable) at the leased location.
You can find more information and apply here.
Development Code Changes for Temporary Housing
Tonight, the Bend Planning Commission will consider changes to the Bend Development Code that allow for temporary housing, i.e. dedicated shelters for those experiencing homelessness, in certain commercial zones along Third Street and in Bend’s Central District. You can view a prior work session on the topic here or read an overview of the proposed changes here.
These changes are aimed at allowing for additional shelter capacity as Bend’s homeless crisis has continued to worsen during the pandemic. Proposed requirements for shelters include having 24-hour on-site management, a dedicated intake area and adequate parking. The Bend Economic Development Advisory Board has weighed in as supportive of the changes, noting that the commercial areas along Third Street and in Bend’s Core provide access to needed services nearby.
If you have feedback on this proposal, you can join remotely and weigh in at tonight’s Planning Commission here at some point after 5:30pm or weigh into the Planning Commission via email at cityplanningcommissionall@bendoregon.gov. You can also view submitted feedback here.
Ultimately, changes to Bend’s Development Code come before the Bend City Council for a vote. This topic will be discussed by Councilors at their meeting on the first Wednesday in April. You can always email Council directly at Council@bendoregon.gov.
Infrastructure Update
Construction season is fast approaching, here are a few projects to keep an eye on as things pick up in the spring:
- Each year the Bend Streets and Operations Division repaves miles of road throughout town, you can view the plan for 2021 here. Note that timing for when each area will be paved over the spring, summer and early fall has not yet been finalized.
- A portion of the Newport Avenue Corridor will be reconstructed beginning this spring. You can view more information and participate in a virtual open house here.
- Two roundabouts will be constructed on Simpson Avenue at Colorado and Columbia beginning this month through the summer. Work starts with the intersection of Colorado and Simpson this month. You can view more details here.
