(Photo courtesy of City of Bend)
If you’re passionate about climate action and sustainable building, join us at our new Public Works Campus on May 14 to see how Bend is leading by example. Our new Public Works Campus is a real‑world demonstration of what it looks like when a city invests in high‑performance, all‑electric, net‑zero design, and how those choices help us meet our climate action goals.
You’ll be able to explore the campus’s energy‑efficient systems, meet teams who keep Bend running, enjoy local artwork, and see firsthand how thoughtful design supports a cleaner future. The celebration includes an art exhibition, family‑friendly activities, food trucks, and opportunities to meet the artists behind the installations.
A Campus Designed for Bend’s Sustainable Future
Back in 2015, a citywide review made something clear: Bend’s public works departments had outgrown their scattered facilities. With a population of about 80,000 and growing, the City needed a modern, efficient, consolidated space that could support both current operations and future demands.
That vision came to life in late 2025 with the opening of the new Public Works Campus. A three‑story, 45,500‑square‑foot headquarters that brings together Engineering, Water Services, Facilities, Transportation & Mobility, and Fleet. Approximately 300 employees now work under one roof, improving coordination and reducing operational inefficiencies.
The campus was shaped by the City’s Community Climate Action Plan and Strategic Energy Management Plan and is designed to be net‑zero, generating enough solar energy to meet its own needs. Essential vehicles like snowplows and street sweepers are now stored in a warm‑vehicle facility for the first time, improving reliability and reducing energy waste.
This project is more than a building; it’s a tangible example of how Bend is putting sustainability into practice and investing in infrastructure that supports a resilient, low‑carbon future.
Key Sustainability Achievements
Energy Trust of Oregon partnered with the City of Bend from the earliest planning stages, helping ensure the campus would be a model of energy efficiency and long‑term performance.
Key sustainability achievements include:
- The project qualified for Energy Trust’s Path to Net Zero, recognizing exceptional energy performance.
- Energy Trust provided technical expertise, design support, and more than $400,000 in incentives to help the City incorporate efficient lighting, HVAC, ventilation, water heating, and other systems.
- The campus is expected to save approximately 715,000 kilowatt‑hours of electricity each year — enough to power 66 average homes — reducing utility costs by nearly $95,000 annually.
- This building is the City of Bend’s first LEED Gold-certified facility.
Come learn about the other sustainability features of the building during the tour!
Where Sustainability Meets Art
The campus isn’t just efficient — it’s beautiful. In collaboration with Art in Public Places (AiPP), the City commissioned four artists to create installations throughout the site. One standout piece, The Soul of the Desert, transforms the outdoor bike shelter and trash enclosure into a vibrant depiction of regional wildlife. These works reflect the creativity, ecology, and community spirit that define Bend.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities & Language Assistance Services:
You can obtain this information in alternate formats such as Braille, electronic format, etc. Free language assistance services are also available. Please email accessibility@bendoregon.gov or call 541-693-2198. Relay Users Dial 7-1-1. All requests are subject to vendor processing times and should be submitted 48-72 hours in advance of events.
Servicios de asistencia lingüística e información sobre alojamiento para personas con discapacidad:
Puede obtener esta información en formatos alternativos como Braille, formato electrónico, etc. También disponemos de servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Póngase en contacto en correo electrónico accessibility@bendoregon.gov o número de teléfono 541-693-2198. Los usuarios del servicio de retransmisión deben marcar el 7-1-1. Por favor, envíe sus solicitudes con 48-72 horas de antelación al evento; todas las solicitudes están sujetas a los tiempos de procesamiento del proveedor.
