Mark Buckley elected chair; Lara Taper elected vice chair of Bend Climate and Environment Committee

The City of Bend Climate and Environment Committee elected Mark Buckley as chair and named Lara Taper vice chair during its Jan. 9 meeting.

The committee nominated Buckley for chair by self-nomination and a second; members conducted a voice vote that the chair pro tempore described as unanimous. Lara Taper won the vice chair contest after members voted between nominees; the committee then moved to accept the results by motion and voice vote.

Why it matters: The leadership changes come as the committee prepares to advance community climate priorities, finalize a Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) update and expand outreach efforts. Longtime committee leader Neil Bonsgard — who identified himself in the meeting as "still very much, excited and motivated to continue on with the ECC" — said he did not seek the chair role this cycle to make room for other members to lead.

The nominations and discussion reflected members' attention to time commitments and capacity. Buckley told the committee he was willing to serve as chair but anticipated he'd rely on additional subject-matter support, saying he expected "to... check-in with Neil pretty frequently." Taper and fellow nominee Rory Isbell both cited limited availability as a reason they preferred the vice-chair role but offered to support committee work in other ways.

The meeting began with roll call, brief introductions for new members (Nick, Ray and Scott), and staff updates noting the council advisory body summit coming soon. Committee members thanked Bonsgard for his prior service as chair and welcomed the new leadership.

No changes to committee bylaws, authority or formal governance rules were proposed or adopted at the meeting; the votes were limited to selecting officers.

Action details

- Motion: Nominate Mark Buckley as chair of the Climate and Environment Committee. Mover: Mark Buckley (self-nomination). Second: Rory Isbell. Vote: voice vote; described by the presiding officer as unanimous. Outcome: approved.

- Motion: Nominate Lara Taper as vice chair; accept results of vice-chair vote. Mover: (nomination procedure began with Rory Isbell; Linda second(s) recorded as part of the meeting transcript). Second: multiple members seconded the nominations in sequence. Vote: membership voice votes; the presiding officer reported that Taper received a majority and a motion to accept results carried by voice vote. Outcome: approved.

Speakers

- Mark Buckley — Committee member; economist, Echo Northwest (first referenced during roll call and nomination discussion). - Lara Taper — Committee member; (first referenced in roll call and later nominated and elected vice chair). - Neil Bonsgard — Committee chair at meeting start; climate and transportation policy professional (spoke about not seeking chair nomination and continuing engagement). - Rory Isbell — Committee member; staff attorney at a local environmental advocacy organization (spoke as nominee and seconded nominations). - Cassie (staff) — Program staff supporting ECC (moderated portions of the meeting and provided process context).

Clarifying details

- New members welcomed: Nick (last name not specified), Ray Hartwell, Scott Nordquist. - Chair nomination process: self-nomination, open for additional nominations, seconder required; voice vote used for final selection. - Vice chair process: multiple nominations; sequential nomination-and-vote procedure described by staff; final vote accepted by voice and reported as majority for Taper.

Proper names

- Bend (city) - Climate and Environment Committee (ECC) - Echo Northwest

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