[{"_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",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6556315,"mediaKeyId","3311435-23c58bf7972b4a047d6e2d41483a7b70","parentId",3311435,"title","Bend committee backs fast-tracked Pro Housing Fund application amid federal budget uncertainty","audioSeconds",3238,"startMs",3336000,"endMs",97246,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3311435-23c58bf7972b4a047d6e2d41483a7b70&start=3336&end=97","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3311435-23c58bf7972b4a047d6e2d41483a7b70/thumbnail_3336000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6556315/Bend/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Bend-committee-backs-fast-tracked-Pro-Housing-Fund-application-amid-federal-budget-uncertainty","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556315-e79751ca33003213498b1ad91b15ddbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185267&Signature=TLrE0OHvCtr06hz8TtX0hc9IVMhkVGpCJwmwBK~EiDV0RqFj5BedIgXOaHQ4rQ5X-q2Wi8p-6Jed~tBB42F4wjSnlPhKwVrXeLfg4Qdno~4hbCT5zPPYlYlDaSx9Sl9L6uoLvOKI29lOzuAgwl5heuqlZAD-DiBR0Y2~7oqhQny7Qd~4TMMlUe8U8m9WJelBrRrD6wUdPK60rNG-yzdYcGu3N6L7yS9TYl5GVO8JKd8k-8YONcbiP7Q~ok7YyRKDTtUlREOP2BAfuWGTzjKmyjMmeAqmlTCkZSFmPNAQ2DenrFVzUJzCA-zVHAReqWwq7q~RGKzTlcTOKQYaRIocUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Bend, OR","date","2025-05-15T11:44:19Z","article","The Bend Affordable Housing Advisory Committee voted to support an accelerated timeline for the city’s Pro Housing Fund application process, with staff proposing to open applications in June, hold presentations and deliberations in July, and seek City Council approval in August.

City affordable housing coordinator Melissa Kamana told the committee the move was prompted by uncertainty in a proposed federal “skinny budget” that would eliminate the Pro Housing Grant; she said the city is considering an earlier timeline so it can access funds if the federal award remains available. Kamana said, “the funds will be targeted to developments with a high feasibility of success, low risk, near term deadlines, who without additional funding would be unable to proceed in the near term.”

Kamana outlined what would be available if the city moved faster: a $4,000,000 Pro Housing Fund award, $1,500,000 in local affordable-housing funds, and about $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant program income — a combined total the staff estimated at roughly $5,700,000. She said the CDBG amount is program income from loan repayments and that if it is not drawn down in time it could create timeliness issues. Kamana also said the federal award is structured as a reimbursement grant: the city would spend funds first and seek reimbursement from the federal government.

City Attorney Elizabeth Ochoa warned the committee about the legal framework that governs federal grants: “every grant agreement … typically has a term that says if budgeted authority is not there, if the money does not come through, then this can be terminated and it can be over.” She added that where the city has already made reimbursements it would seek reimbursement from the federal government and that many subrecipient agreements include language describing the financial risk borne by applicants until the city reimburses them.

Committee members asked about workload and applicant readiness for a condensed schedule. Kamana said staff can support applicants with office hours and additional guidance; she said the proposed June application window would be roughly the month of June, with two weeks for committee review before the July meeting when presentations and deliberations would occur. The committee discussed quorum availability for a July deliberation and whether applicants could be ready on short notice.

A voice check of committee preference produced a consensus in favor of the accelerated option. Committee members did not record a formal roll-call vote in the transcript; staff were directed to prepare a timeline and next steps and to post updates on the city website. Kamana said partners and media would be notified later in the week and that staff would publish office hours for applicants.

Ending: Staff emphasized the reimbursement structure and the residual risk if federal budget authority is reduced before reimbursements occur; the committee asked staff to return with a timeline and materials and to proceed with public notification if staff confirm operational readiness.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bend Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) Public Meeting -05/14/25 - 3:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The Bend Affordable Housing Advisory Committee voted to support an accelerated timeline for the city’s Pro Housing Fund application process, with staff proposing to open applications in June, hold presentations and deliberations in July, and seek City Council approval in August.","taxTitle","Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon","taxId",2850,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6556301,"Committee backs draft letter supporting Bend code amendments to expand housing options",0,205845000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3311435-23c58bf7972b4a047d6e2d41483a7b70&start=205845&end=205845","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3311435-23c58bf7972b4a047d6e2d41483a7b70/thumbnail_205845000.jpg","/articles/6556301/Bend/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Committee-backs-draft-letter-supporting-Bend-code-amendments-to-expand-housing-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556301-0c27429dba6f26204115f748c4859fce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185267&Signature=mqMUi-3jBgclYCOOEVgo~CwjA-qx-6lqzr0YJwfe~y3e7gX~7pMxVKyddVYiDi7Tlrz1U6nn5pK~NvgkT1dtE86hQoJX3YfkxWU3P8nE7by8K5sSh8~cxRUsqLxFu3DMIJTXMuFZmT7FG6kaLm9qCL-JJo0nRvEz8RUyx--opSHDnSUNCkQiLl~Qpex8hBpweb3E~OMLJmLUyVb~hnBZKdLN7HI1jNsxbAgoNslxGHfXlt1zcSb9g7ZmKIS1zk5vhRicL3hJPlDjg-dlah1YPQ2AP8hM5CfPoxnLbUhWXEefE6uG3WihLZK0iT6FHJIEvcpPhvvboN-Dj~fK7bcUdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee members reviewed proposed Bend Development Code amendments intended to expand housing options — including a second accessory dwelling unit (ADU), accessory amenities such as a second kitchen limited by a recorded covenant, and a zero-setback \"row housing\" option — and agreed to prepare a letter of support for City Council.

Carrie Bell, middle income housing coordinator, said the amendments grew from a 2023 workshop with local developers that identified code and process changes to make middle-income and market-rate development more feasible. Bell described three components in the current package: allowing a second ADU (sometimes called a junior ADU in earlier drafts), authorizing accessory amenities such as a second kitchen (with a covenant preventing later conversion into a separate dwelling), and a 0-setback row-housing product intended to let developers build and sell units sequentially to reduce financing risk.

Bell and members discussed practical questions about the zero-setback/row-housing approach, including whether units would share party walls and whether buyers would accept living adjacent to active construction; Bell said the model exists elsewhere and the code borrows elements from townhome standards where appropriate. Committee members asked whether council could reject the package; staff said planning commission had recommended the amendments and that the item is scheduled for City Council on June 4.

Committee members indicated support for drafting a formal letter to council; staff offered to draft the letter and present it for committee sign-off, typically with Heather and Mandy signing on behalf of the group. Bell said the letter could note the committee’s ongoing involvement in developing the package and the collaborative work that produced the proposed changes.

Ending: Staff will draft a support letter for committee review and signature and will circulate links to the planning commission presentation for members who want more technical detail.","The committee agreed to draft a letter to City Council backing amendments that would allow a second ADU, permit accessory amenities such as a second kitchen with covenant limits, and introduce a zero-setback 'row housing' option; planning commission recommended the package and staff will draft the letter for committee signatures.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6556305,"Bend reports slight rise in houselessness, shelters near capacity after China Hat closure",74,258905,333370,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3311435-23c58bf7972b4a047d6e2d41483a7b70&start=258&end=333","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3311435-23c58bf7972b4a047d6e2d41483a7b70/thumbnail_258905.jpg","/articles/6556305/Bend/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Bend-reports-slight-rise-in-houselessness-shelters-near-capacity-after-China-Hat-closure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556305-d80ee9e99010518b2d5746ecc488b919/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185267&Signature=f4W7aundfYf6GJaLbtqBdhQyD-ZE7StUMb688lZoN08IHHgK7t7zN9CG9svKMvHQjEuxep6FNfn7BhPT1NZwQEBfXdBWmkRAuDMFi9AmrzRSVKra2EZwQx9c3MyR-aYvPeWozLV08CD9fcythd5fsltCtgkO3FewM51BzOWAjazkRIZCrMdyQ4r7Z1zfmdDT8MVqCo-smlNMDN-UOtpgXy4jvIULSxarrPxy18JucRM0QHzGtB2NEZyLv3MNarcJQkLMfvuvQDDvrP8xbHHJRB1mMl2FTxYNHTNm1qEFR6PYpsWb1mKIPUoKNwAb0u7Qg1pgXcf~8HowqQD5-6C63g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff updated the committee on the most recent point-in-time data and the effects of several major public-land and city property closures that have displaced people experiencing houselessness.

Brooke O’Keefe, the city’s shelter coordinator, and Amy Freely, senior program manager for houselessness solutions, presented the data. They said the January point-in-time count recorded 1,001 people experiencing houselessness in the City of Bend — roughly a 4% increase from 2024 — and that the city has 543 shelter beds, 226 of which are low-barrier and city-funded. Between January and March, city-funded shelters and safe parking sites provided 22,593 nights of shelter and maintained a reported utilization rate of 98%.

O’Keefe said the U.S. Forest Service’s Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project closed about 35,000 acres south of Bend, including long-established China Hat encampments. She said Cabin Butte’s closure displaced roughly 102 people. The city is also closing property east of the railroad tracks at Juniper Ridge on May 31, and the Bureau of Land Management and neighboring jurisdictions are planning related closures; staff said these closures add pressure on shelter and outreach systems.

Staff reported how displaced people were reconnected to services: 10 people accessed permanent supportive housing at Cleveland Commons, about 201 people moved into Old Mill Apartments, Central Oregon Villages planned to allocate its six new tiny-home units to people from China Hat, and the Franklin Avenue shelter increased capacity by 10 beds. O’Keefe said many people moved to the temporary safe-stay area at Juniper Ridge; staff noted that as of the most recent check there were 109 camps there — an increase of about 45% from a prior count.

Outreach and service providers named in the presentation included NeighborImpact (required to enter data into HMIS), Central Oregon Villages, Shepherd’s House (Sharevan), Reach (vehicle repairs and case management), Home More Now, Companion Animal Medical Project, Mosaic Medical and Kobo/Bend Equity Project. Staff said providers submit information into the city dashboard and HMIS; the city and county meet weekly to coordinate responses.

Ending: Staff emphasized limits of the point-in-time count — it is a single-night snapshot that does not include couch-surfing or short-term hotel stays — and said temporary increases in capacity (added beds and safe parking) helped absorb displaced people but that demand remains high.","City staff reported 1,001 people counted in the January point-in-time count, shelters operating near capacity and displacement after a Forest Service closure at China Hat. City-funded low-barrier beds and temporary safe-stay sites absorbed some displaced people, but staff warned pressure on services remains high.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6556310,"Bend committee debates community-support scoring, asks staff to draft clearer benchmarks",155,100666,255721,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3311435-23c58bf7972b4a047d6e2d41483a7b70&start=100&end=255","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3311435-23c58bf7972b4a047d6e2d41483a7b70/thumbnail_100666.jpg","/articles/6556310/Bend/Deschutes-County/Oregon/Bend-committee-debates-community-support-scoring-asks-staff-to-draft-clearer-benchmarks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556310-8b31e596233a429759b23c1972ffbe00/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185267&Signature=IgT9KcWxWFXCrF4YI3Pg1wkcZkmevc-e0NVZvWBTm1y3XWZtbW9FTJxVdG1gTCUp~H4Bebwhb2pYctB2pCxG3f3uQY97mWaJ5NrFRzm06Z2P0tPFr78wXPHwM6QzYR04oOYQiEr7vE2fQ3819TDrCRGFD0YC95xWzio3U0UJe-8S88rETkmFP0XuGvW-ni-iWQEZde4arl8lw4oCGrc5ku9398lDdqkMGjaoFpIfEzXcN3rdMwKHOnJYGkz03VXwSfJe-BU~PjEuhyMiMRKcerspP0vr9f-ZX0qInL1E9c5iBcZ9OwA-7Q-Gj3aDLPxB24OO0L~EtWrU4CAjBMfUoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Bend Affordable Housing Advisory Committee discussed proposed edits to the affordable-housing scoring criteria and asked staff to return with clearer, scaled benchmarks and automatic calculations for several items.

The committee focused much of its discussion on the scoring question that awards points for “strong community support with sufficient evidence.” Committee members said letters of support are often subjective, sometimes generic, and can be burdensome for applicants to assemble; members suggested alternatives including a binary yes/no field for demonstrable outreach or a reduced point weight. Committee member Heather said she finds “community support … personally helpful” but called the current formulation “very subjective.” Isabelle (committee member) urged clarification of what “community” means and recommended allowing multiple forms of evidence beyond traditional letters, such as survey summaries or testimonials.

Staff explained the history of the scoring criteria and application platform: the committee’s current criteria were refined in 2021 and the city migrated from paper to the Neighborly platform, creating “square peg/round hole” mismatches between form fields and scoring categories. Rachel (staff) said some questions were administrative errors carried over from prior forms and that staff can cross-reference scoring questions with application sections to reduce confusion.

Committee members asked for concrete scoring benchmarks. Several suggested converting some subjective questions to lower point values or a binary indicator; others preferred a simple rubric (for example, a defined number of letters or documented outreach steps tied to specific point totals). For one financial question (listed in the packet as question L), members requested a formula or calculation that could be done automatically in the application or by Neighborly to reduce user error.

Staff committed to preparing a starting draft with scaled responses, clearer guidance for reviewers and a look at whether Neighborly can perform automatic calculations; they will bring that back to the committee for a follow-up discussion after the upcoming funding cycle.

Ending: Committee members emphasized consistency in how reviewers score applications and noted that the scoring tool is typically a starting point for deliberations rather than the sole determinant of awards; staff said no final scoring changes would be locked in until after the next application round.","Committee members asked staff to reduce subjectivity in affordable-housing scoring criteria — especially the “strong community support” question — and requested staff produce scaled benchmarks and calculation tools for subjective items before the next cycle.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bend committee backs fast-tracked Pro Housing Fund application amid federal budget uncertainty

Committee backs draft letter supporting Bend code amendments to expand housing options

Bend reports slight rise in houselessness, shelters near capacity after China Hat closure

Bend committee debates community-support scoring, asks staff to draft clearer benchmarks