Bend Council Explores Economic Development Strategies in Joint Committee Meetings

The Environment and Climate Committee (ECC) of Bend, Oregon, convened on August 14, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding environmental fees and economic growth strategies. The meeting highlighted the committee's ongoing efforts to balance regulatory measures with incentives aimed at reducing carbon emissions while fostering economic development.

A key topic of discussion was the council's recent directive to explore the implementation of a fee related to environmental initiatives. Initially, the staff recommendation focused on examining incentives rather than imposing fees. However, following a shift in council direction, the committee is now tasked with considering a fee as part of its broader strategy. Members expressed concerns about the implications of such a fee, particularly regarding its potential to raise revenue versus its effectiveness in changing behavior.

The committee acknowledged the diversity of opinions among its members and other involved committees, emphasizing the need for clear communication and coordination. Suggestions were made to enhance collaboration between committees to ensure a unified approach to environmental and economic issues. This includes inviting representatives from other committees to participate in discussions, fostering a more integrated decision-making process.

Additionally, the committee is engaged in developing Bend's first economic development strategic plan, which aims to align economic growth with environmental sustainability. Focus groups have been established to gather input from various stakeholders, including city staff, private sector representatives, and community members. The draft plan is expected to be presented to the council in December, with discussions centering on how to achieve growth without compromising the quality of life and natural resources in Bend.

The ECC also addressed the importance of using accurate data to inform decisions about costs associated with electrification and other environmental initiatives. Members stressed the need for a shared foundation of information to facilitate productive discussions and decision-making.

As the committee moves forward, it will continue to refine its approach to environmental fees and economic strategies, with an emphasis on creating actionable policies that reflect the community's values and priorities. The next steps include further consultations with the council and the integration of feedback from the focus groups into the strategic plan.