Bend Initiated Long-Range Urban Planning Project
The City of Bend has launched a project to guide growth for housing, jobs, and infrastructure over the next two decades.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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The City of Bend has started a long-range planning project titled Bend Made to manage the city's future growth. The initiative aims to address housing, job creation, and transportation needs through an updated Comprehensive Plan.
Why it matters
The city is undertaking this process to determine how best to accommodate ongoing population growth. The resulting updates to the Transportation System Plan and Comprehensive Plan will shape the citys infrastructure development for the next twenty years.
The Bend Made project consists of five phases spanning a total duration of two decades. It includes revisions to both the citys Comprehensive Plan and the Transportation System Plan.
The players
City of Bend
The municipal government body of Bend, Oregon, responsible for local infrastructure, urban planning, and policy implementation.
The details
City officials are currently gathering public input through community discussions and digital surveys. This engagement process allows for both individual and neighborhood-level feedback to inform future growth policy.
Timeline
2026: The planning process project officially begins.
2029: The planning process project is scheduled to conclude.
Political Context
The Bend Made initiative follows the requirements set by the Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 14 for long-term municipal development. Critics often push back against such growth plans, citing concerns over potential sprawl and the impact on local property taxes.
Residents will have the opportunity to participate in community discussions and surveys to voice their preferences for future infrastructure and housing density. This direct involvement can influence how tax dollars are allocated for transportation and urban development in their specific neighborhoods.
The takeaway
Engaging with city planning efforts ensures that municipal growth aligns with the actual needs of those living in the community. Residents should prioritize submitting feedback early in the multi-phase process to help shape the city's long-term trajectory.
Further reading
Learn more about local government initiatives on the Civic Engagement page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bulletin.
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In your area, should the city prioritize infill development over expanding the urban growth boundary?
