Bend Environmental Committee Welcomes New Members and Launches Climate Action Grant Program

The Environment and Climate Committee meeting held on August 14, 2025, in Bend, Oregon, focused on welcoming new members and discussing key updates related to climate initiatives. The meeting began with introductions of three new committee members—Amy, Ken, and Robin—along with two alternates, Rebecca and Wayne. This addition aims to ensure continuity and fill any potential vacancies on the committee.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the Climate Action Partner Grant Program. This initiative is designed to support local climate action efforts and was met with enthusiasm from committee members. Megan provided further details on the program, emphasizing its potential impact on community engagement and sustainability projects.

Additionally, the committee discussed the next steps for the electrification fee and incentives policy work. This policy aims to promote the use of electric energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with broader climate goals.

Mark Buckley, the committee chair, also shared updates on his participation in the Invest Bend program, which focuses on sustainable economic development in the region. The committee expressed a desire to discuss future agendas, indicating a flexible approach to upcoming meetings, particularly in the months leading up to October.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to enhancing Bend's climate action strategies and fostering collaboration among its members. The introduction of new members and the launch of the grant program signal a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges in the community.