City Council Schedules Joint Meeting on Growth Plan and Temporary Safe State Area

In the bustling atmosphere of Bend's city hall, council members gathered to navigate a series of pressing issues that will shape the community's future. The City Council's recent business meeting on September 3, 2025, revealed a strategic shift in their approach to upcoming discussions, particularly regarding the temporary safe state area and the city's growth plan.

One of the key decisions made during the meeting was to move a significant vote to a work session scheduled for October 8. This change aims to provide council members with more clarity and unity before engaging with the county commission on September 29. The council expressed a desire to present a cohesive strategy during this joint meeting, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with county partners.

As the council prepares for the upcoming work session, they plan to discuss the temporary safe state area, a topic that has garnered attention and requires thoughtful consideration. Councilor Francosa highlighted the need for the council to align on strategies before presenting them to the county commission, ensuring that their collective voice is heard.

In addition to the discussions on the temporary safe state area, the council is also gearing up for a work session on Midtown crossings on September 24. This session will involve input from various stakeholders, including the Citizens Advisory Board and the Transportation and Bicycle Advisory Committee, as they seek to address specific questions and concerns.

The meeting also touched on the city's growth plan, which is a multi-year process requiring state approval for a sequential review approach. This method aims to provide ongoing checks and balances rather than waiting several years to present a comprehensive plan. The council is poised to become the second city in Oregon to adopt this innovative path, following Grenfell's lead.

Furthermore, the council discussed challenges related to franchise agreements with solid waste haulers, indicating a need for a unified approach moving forward. As these discussions unfold, the council remains open to feedback and suggestions from the community, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and collaboration.

As the council prepares for a series of significant meetings in the coming weeks, residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged. The decisions made in these sessions will undoubtedly have lasting implications for Bend's growth and community well-being.