BDAB approves InvestBend framework to guide 10-year economic development plan

The Bend Development Advisory Board (BDAB) voted April 7 to approve a framework for “InvestBend,” a staff-led effort to develop a 10-year economic development strategic plan for the city of Bend.

The framework sets a 10-year vision, five-year outcomes and a two-year investment strategy; staff said the process will include demographic and industry cluster analysis, a housing and economic landscape assessment, a worker survey, three rounds of focused stakeholder sessions and about 100 one‑on‑one interviews with employers and community organizations. Staff and BDAB members said they expect to return a draft plan for adoption by December 2025.

BDAB members heard from city staff that the InvestBend effort will position the city to coordinate economic development programs, policies, partnerships and investments tied to objectives such as housing affordability, workforce development and preserving Bend’s character. City staff described the framework as a way to align urban renewal, regional strategies and other existing plans into a single economic development roadmap.

City staff identified a timeline that begins with data compilation and inventory work now, moves into community engagement and strategy development in June, completes a draft plan in August and seeks formal adoption in December. Staff asked BDAB to serve as the primary advisory body overseeing the project; they named Mayor Pro Tem Megan Perkins and BDAB chair Mike Riley as council champions.

BDAB members and staff discussed how to structure focus groups and which regional partners to invite. Staff proposed up to three focused groups, each capped at about 20 participants to keep the discussions productive. Several board members urged including regional funding bodies and grant administrators early in the process — specifically, representatives from COIC, Business Oregon and EDCO — so that the plan’s objectives align with available state and federal programs.

Staff requested BDAB members submit an initial list of community organizations and businesses they recommend for interviews; staff requested nominations by April 14 and said they will begin scheduling focus sessions for April 21. Staff also asked BDAB members to self-select areas of the plan where they want to take ownership (visioning, data review, stakeholder interviews and similar roles).

BDAB approved the framework by voice vote after a motion to adopt the framework was moved and seconded; the board chair called for ayes and no opposition was recorded. Staff emphasized that the framework will continue to be refined through summer public engagement and will return to BDAB for review and public presentations to council.

Key staff and participants named during the presentation included Cyrus (city staff, project lead), Jonathan (city staff, project manager) and internal staff on the project team: Cassia (climate), Kate Schneider (chief executive policy officer), Carrie Bell (middle‑income housing coordinator), Damien (growth management), Carrie Carl (disaster and emergency management), Matt Stewart (real estate director) and Renee Mitchell (communications director). Mayor Pro Tem Megan Perkins presented council context to BDAB and encouraged board members’ engagement.

Next steps outlined by staff: prepare and publish data analyses; run three focus‑group sessions (visioning, strategy, and implementation sessions); complete approximately 100 stakeholder interviews between now and late July; incorporate existing plans and regional strategies; and return a draft for BDAB and city council review prior to a planned December adoption.

The board’s vote sets the process in motion; staff said work on the data and outreach will begin immediately.