Bend advisory committee hears updates on shelter spending, housing funds and UGB expansions; elects leadership

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee received staff briefings on several housing programs and tools — including the city’s recent shelter investments, the newly awarded Pro Housing Fund, the local Affordable Housing Fund and development fees, commercial/industrial construction excise tax uses, one‑time urban growth boundary (UGB) expansions, and surplus‑land offerings — and held internal elections for committee leadership.

Shelter and houselessness spending: Amy Fraley, senior program manager for houselessness solutions, told the committee that the city used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and legislative funds to assemble and operate a local shelter system. Staff and council have used more than $16 million to acquire and renovate properties and fund operations, Fraley said. City purchases include the Second Street Navigation Center, the Stepping Stone Shelter (the former Bend Value Inn on Division), and the Rainbow Motel, which now operates as the Franklin Avenue Shelter. Fraley said the city also supported the Central Oregon Villages tiny‑home village and has funded case management and other services through a…