[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6620675,"mediaKeyId","2804657-d4feddd64e9aa5d3ae8bd8747000e74c","parentId",2804657,"title","Habitat for Humanity unveils universally designed home; city staff credits COBAC input","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",5279385,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804657-d4feddd64e9aa5d3ae8bd8747000e74c&start=5279&end=5279","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804657-d4feddd64e9aa5d3ae8bd8747000e74c/thumbnail_5279385.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6620675/Bend/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Habitat-for-Humanity-unveils-universally-designed-home-city-staff-credits-COBAC-input","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6620675-07215259ae38732e726631ce02316f13/orig.mp4?Expires=1770779178&Signature=RS8ZLkXu1-Qd2EUynJphkTX1PLp0w0~Drt2nKpHrPHFSAXtuJNjIDEMoGkpqRD8vZ3nqMqJe-o1D99kEulszUhDvX35RKqqYR938EI2Xwil2w4d0~blLNdok-k0363w-xwE2-XpaR5kZx3PD6uWyQe-5jQm8ZZKq2hCoRfjJj6yaX6XDQr5LDbAg84uNxfdJj7qKHXJut72tgXwnun-dwoHjbXcriuFBVFt7ScR8IoWcGW6uvs7~vL23YA6Bo7AFnlTKjLYuUKV2ybUKleKhAWHKxL5J5BBSbAkGP0DXi5Sg-kGT1cZ3MTAnXl43K2Sq5d4ZTtAX9beSKCRA5bjI7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Bend, OR","date","2025-03-28T03:57:35.753Z","article","Andres Portela, the city’s equity and inclusion director, told the committee that Habitat for Humanity recently unveiled a universally designed home that incorporated feedback previously shared by COBAC.

Portela said the Habitat project included multiple universal-design features — from convection cooktops to outward-opening ovens and other accessible elements — and that the Habitat team indicated willingness to share its approach with other builders. \"They took all the feedback that was given, all the discussion that was had here at COBAC and then relayed in a project,\" Portela said, calling the home \"beautiful\" and praising the collaboration between Habitat and the committee.

Why this matters: Universal-design practices in new housing can reduce the need for costly retrofits and improve long-term accessibility for residents with disabilities. Portela said the Habitat example could serve as a model builders can adopt or adapt.

Committee members welcomed the update and thanked Portela for sharing the example; no formal action was taken.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - 03/27/2025 - 1:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","City equity director Andres Portela reported that Habitat for Humanity unveiled a universally designed home that incorporated COBAC's earlier guidance on universal design and accessibility.","taxTitle","Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon","taxId",2850,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6620678,"Cascades East Transit service hours to expand in June; committee reviews logo for accessibility",1920,2525225,4446115,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804657-d4feddd64e9aa5d3ae8bd8747000e74c&start=2525&end=4446","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804657-d4feddd64e9aa5d3ae8bd8747000e74c/thumbnail_2525225.jpg","/articles/6620678/Bend/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Cascades-East-Transit-service-hours-to-expand-in-June-committee-reviews-logo-for-accessibility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6620678-37e4263b647dfce521858cf69453b426/orig.mp4?Expires=1770779178&Signature=TPxIBiUi5H8y8LABCIR077-QN2gYOP8wnTaDR2SDPs-TFBYcvfZFqnSZP0gR~J~MbNMhwJpcmk0aXp~U4~6fYNaY2pRyyw~Jz0hN5DyuQBGWEHG9Gv9tExAN3Q8d7mcX8V3lEFZyYaj-i-aEsN5byPMI5XAKgRNM~ZN8VT~ylCbMXb0kpWom9cY8T0LyroNNrYjkRP8qPuMIFXZTutwh4Vjr5NpmD94KRXJ6RVLBygxRDNotHPlqSWNpTH1l0BPyoyL6W-3T9pmmXenGQ9tdbARR-SNkA0Bis70bAmJD55cuWbLH-Bxv~K7psVAdQ1FMvPAiZkgkuBW2UOUtqwdjVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Derek Hoffbauer and other committee members discussed upcoming changes to Cascades East Transit service and asked COBAC to review a preliminary transit logo for accessibility.

Hoffbauer said fixed-route hours will expand starting June 2 to run earlier and later, with weekday service stretching roughly from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. within Bend; he said regional connector schedules will generally be adjusted to match. The expansion coincides with a planned outreach week that will encourage riders to try the service once new hours are implemented.

Hoffbauer also said CET plans to reintroduce fares using a transit card system so the agency can collect fares without relying on cash, an effort the council liaison said is intended to help the service reach a goal of roughly 25% fare recovery over time. Councilor liaison Ariel Mendez and committee members noted legislative and federal funding uncertainties could affect service plans.

Committee members reviewed sample logo designs for the regional transit network. Several members raised contrast and legibility concerns: one member said options 3, 4 and 6 lacked sufficient contrast for low-vision users. Liz Deeth Martin offered to run color combinations through accessibility checkers. Equity staff confirmed the design will be presented to the COIC board and that the committee’s feedback will be included in the vetting process.

Why this matters: expanded hours and a fare-card rollout change rider behavior and access; logo contrast and readability affect the transit system’s usability for people with low vision and color-vision deficiencies. Committee members recommended accessible contrast checks and simpler iconography.","COBAC members heard that Cascades East Transit (CET) plans expanded weekday service hours beginning June 2, and reviewed preliminary logo options for accessibility and color-contrast concerns.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6620683,"COBAC approves Walk-and-Roll event, agrees to Sprout Film Festival participation",3824,278310,4102677,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804657-d4feddd64e9aa5d3ae8bd8747000e74c&start=278&end=4102","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804657-d4feddd64e9aa5d3ae8bd8747000e74c/thumbnail_278310.jpg","/articles/6620683/Bend/Deschutes-County/Oregon/COBAC-approves-Walk-and-Roll-event-agrees-to-Sprout-Film-Festival-participation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6620683-1bb9e4e26c61fc4a67b84f6241cd3b2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770779178&Signature=SvfILZPMRzl8mA4CDJecWKE8C6b3-699RU9UvBSXtyqxgcEUHXQD23vpX1UrIK~sAN1JmHiqXWC-HFpsbnVldMqZeIWeRJyblgFSgpIAeg0ye9QYrqPPY7NdpuFB9UOmFO9OJpeY-CDBXrDePSz9ReL7NBuge5Fzo6Hl3kdHjWfQFsPbhA5-1usE6iDSzJK5DrIdV5~R7valVMyGR9o0fPXVqbLs53j9tKfmiYuJn2CqupZvNbFoSTKOZgkpmRWeq6BvszHciPMq0~qL46tI9HIA7q0GXZ-cCu30-NF5zCOwOS-1-xmzf25l5gnZ0PlbpQ4lrhEaBervRZXmvyWKAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Bend Accessibility and Advisory Committee (COBAC) on March 27 approved three procedural items: February 27 meeting minutes, committee participation in the Sprout Film Festival, and a Walk-and-Roll accessibility tour for the Bend Central District.

The committee unanimously approved the February 27 meeting minutes after a motion and second; the chair announced \"unanimous approval of the minutes.\" The committee then discussed a quarter-sheet pamphlet about COBAC to distribute at the Sprout Film Festival. Equity and inclusion staff said the city will purchase tickets for members who request them. A motion to participate in Sprout was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

COBAC also debated and approved a Walk-and-Roll event intended to highlight accessibility features and redevelopment near Hawthorne Station. The subgroup proposed a route starting at Hawthorne Station, passing Juniper Park and parts of Franklin Street, and finishing near the Dogwood food carts. The committee approved a motion with a preferred date and time of May 8 and a proposed walking-tour window of 4–5 p.m., with the caveat that staff would poll for alternate dates if needed.

The committee emphasized transit access to the event and asked planning and transit staff to coordinate displays during CET’s Hawthorne Station open house. Equity and inclusion staff said the city would check councilor and staff availability and share alternate date options if May 8 proves impractical.

Votes at a glance

• Approval of minutes (February 27): motion moved and seconded; result announced as unanimous approval.

• Participation at Sprout Film Festival: motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved (voice vote). City staff offered to purchase tickets for members who RSVP.

• Walk-and-Roll event (route approved; preferred May 8, 4–5 p.m., caveat for alternate dates): motion moved by a committee member, seconded, and carried by voice vote. Staff to confirm final date/time with committee and city staff.

Why this matters: the Walk-and-Roll is intended to spotlight accessible infrastructure and inform planning for the Bend Central District redevelopment. The Sprout participation and pamphlet are outreach measures to raise awareness of COBAC’s role and services to community members who may benefit from accessibility information.

Committee members asked staff to circulate meeting photos and to return with updates on ticket purchases, pamphlet drafts and the final Walk-and-Roll date.","The City of Bend Accessibility and Advisory Committee voted to approve participation in the Sprout Film Festival, approved its prior meeting minutes, and approved a Walk-and-Roll route (preferred May 8 date) to showcase accessibility improvements and area redevelopment.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6620688,"Bend emergency management outlines hazards, asks accessibility committee for input",1353,328914,1682175,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804657-d4feddd64e9aa5d3ae8bd8747000e74c&start=328&end=1682","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804657-d4feddd64e9aa5d3ae8bd8747000e74c/thumbnail_328914.jpg","/articles/6620688/Bend/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Bend-emergency-management-outlines-hazards-asks-accessibility-committee-for-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6620688-505f32a0422b2aba560137fe8054966c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770779178&Signature=gxHE509EPwVJrBD7mBAUfrVsKPkUm0MAG-bReFcHyBgrASRsLbw3J6hjunSr70yM7jxTIF-Lxb6i0nLW4a2NV0oOR9uIEMme~ggEgr4Cb672-oaiRkR6ZJGB-pDJ7LxVL~0UmSUeL2E3Li~sXKVnMaRtEJNijyrMkbQVMrtwhMCIztpA3pJYiAgD7JslhnBbE3TiqD5HCsNeSefRMHTCmPa6mjd-d1p2GxgH13NvFSlN9OHAizU2XqxdM-hDAdSgGhOuLN1LI9PNpabkoWrOV-htgukrL9bydcv4QZJqSWuCjypY8BQp7rPfvNZ~zN8mLgN3CVj~PJb2AsyC0tQkAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carrie Carl, the city of Bend director of risk and emergency management, told the City of Bend Accessibility and Advisory Committee on March 27 that emergency planning and response start and end locally and that the city needs COBAC's accessibility expertise in preparedness and recovery planning.

\"Emergency management and emergencies begin and end locally,\" Carl said, adding that \"it is always the jurisdiction having authority that is closest to the incident that has the responsibility for it.\" She described the department's mix of responsibilities — occupational health and safety, workers' compensation and emergency planning — and asked committee members to help identify barriers and community assets that should be included in planning and outreach.

Carl reviewed the four phases of emergency management — mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery — and the related mission areas of prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery. She used the Bridge Creek watershed and the city's water filtration facility as a mitigation example: sediment buildup in the watershed could raise turbidity after a wildfire and hamper drinking-water treatment, so the city is seeking funding and pre-incident work to reduce that risk.

She emphasized coordination protocols for resource requests: the city must progress requests through the county before the state or federal government can engage. \"If we don't have a resource or we need to request a resource because we've exhausted all of our resources that has to go to the county,\" Carl said.

Carl described local hazards the city plans for, including hazardous-materials transport along Highway 97 and the rail line, utility failures, transportation incidents, Cascadia-subduction-zone earthquakes, ice-dam flooding on the Deschutes River, landslides, volcanic events and wildland-urban-interface fires. She reminded the committee that risk varies across Bend depending on soil, proximity to river corridors and road access.

On outreach and special-needs registration, Carl said Deschutes County uses Everbridge for Deschutes alerts and that the county permits people to register access and functional needs. \"Deschutes County is one of the only counties in Oregon that, when people sign up for alerts, can register an access and functional need,\" she said, noting the city encourages residents to use the county system and that the city can amplify messaging and target local resources when registrants are known.

Rebecca Roseberry, the emergency management intern, described outreach done with local power utilities and programs that help customers with durable medical equipment sign up for notifications and rebates for backup power. She said local organizations have compiled county-level research that the city is adapting for local use.

Committee members suggested concrete outreach and planning steps. John Halen suggested capturing needs during vehicle disability-placard registration so emergency planners would know of households that may require evacuation assistance. Carl said she would follow up with the state about that possibility and reiterated the city’s immediate priority: encouraging registration in the Deschutes alerts access-and-functional-needs list.

Committee members and staff also discussed where emergency management can provide input on development proposals to avoid creating new evacuation pinch points. Carl said the department historically has not reviewed development plans but that the position is new (created March 2023) and that a council goal to revise code for wildfire resilience may create more opportunities to integrate evacuation-routing and resilience standards into development review.

Carl asked COBAC to review and advise on a short emergency-preparedness pamphlet the city is preparing. She said the city will bring a draft to the committee for review and asked members to identify local organizations and events (for example, the Breaking Barriers event) where emergency management could table and register residents for alerts.

Why this matters: Carl framed the request as a means to reduce disproportionate impacts. \"Disasters disproportionately impact and displace a significant number of people, but in particular persons with disabilities,\" she said. Integrating COBAC's accessibility lens into mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery planning would help the city prioritize life safety and reach residents with functional needs before, during and after incidents.

The city provided examples of collaboration already in progress: conversations with Pacific Power and Central Electric Cooperative on durable-equipment registries and rebate programs, discussions with Cascades East Transit about transportation agreements for evacuations, and coordination with food-provision contractors such as Rogue Food Unites for mass-feeding in recovery.

Carl ended by asking COBAC members to help identify assets, gaps and communication channels. She said the city's emergency management team will return with a draft pamphlet and urged members to participate in outreach and t abling events to connect residents to Deschutes alerts and local preparedness resources.","City of Bend emergency management director Carrie Carl briefed COBAC on local hazards, the four phases of disaster management, coordination limits with county/state/federal agencies, and requested input on outreach and registration for people with access and functional needs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Habitat for Humanity unveils universally designed home; city staff credits COBAC input

Cascades East Transit service hours to expand in June; committee reviews logo for accessibility

COBAC approves Walk-and-Roll event, agrees to Sprout Film Festival participation

Bend emergency management outlines hazards, asks accessibility committee for input