Bend City Council Reviews 2025 Pearl Housing Fund Recommendations for Affordable Housing Projects

The Bend City Council meeting on August 6, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding affordable housing funding and project recommendations. The council reviewed proposals for the 2025 Pearl Housing Fund and affordable housing fund, with a total of $5.5 million available for allocation.

Affordable housing coordinator Melissa Camania introduced Lucy Reed, a housing communications intern, who presented the recommendations from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). The committee recommended funding for three projects aimed at producing affordable rental housing, which aligns with the city's consolidated plan priorities.

The first project, Bella Pines, proposed by United Housing Partners and the Latino Community Association, seeks $2.25 million to develop 102 affordable rental apartments. The second project, 85 SWC by Housing Works, requests $1.75 million from the Pro Housing Fund and $1 million from the Affordable Housing Fund for 59 affordable rental apartments, including eight ADA-accessible units. The final recommendation is for Vital Housing, which seeks $500,000 to preserve 121 units at Cedar West Apartments.

During the meeting, council members expressed support for the recommended projects but also raised concerns about the lack of funding for homeownership initiatives. Some members emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for residents to achieve homeownership, arguing that it allows families to build wealth and stability.

The council plans to revisit the discussion on August 20, when additional recommendations related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) will be presented. The ongoing dialogue highlights the city's commitment to addressing the pressing need for affordable housing while balancing the focus between rental and homeownership options.