Downtown Bend Business Association urges seasonal limits, fees and standards for parklets after surveys

The Downtown Bend Business Association told the Bend City Council June 18 that the city’s parklet program needs substantial changes to be equitable for all downtown businesses and property owners.

DBBA executive director Rachel O’Rourke presented results from two recent surveys the association ran: a community survey that drew roughly 1,500 responses and a business/property owner survey with 124 responses. DBBA said results showed divided public opinion and clear concerns from downtown businesses about parking loss and economic impacts.

Key survey findings presented by DBBA - Community responses (≈1,500): 40% favored removing parklets to create more parking, nearly 30% said leave them as‑is, and 22% favored modifying them to occupy fewer parking spaces. Many respondents reported they rarely or never used parklets in off‑season months. - Downtown business responses (124 businesses; five of those are parklet owners): 59% of downtown business respondents said they strongly oppose the current parklet program; 81% reported negative effects from reduced nearby parking; 50% believed fewer customers were visiting; and 60% said it is “extremely important” that the downtown business community have a voice in decisions on parklets.

DBBA recommendations DBBA’s board, which voted earlier the same day, recommended a set of changes to the program: - Seasonal use only: permit parklets only during peak months (generally May–October) and remove them during the off‑season to restore parking and access. - Mandatory design standards: require uniform aesthetics and maintenance standards for all parklets; prohibit poorly maintained or unattractive parklets. - Active‑use requirement: parklets must be actively used by the adjacent business; if a business leaves a parklet unused (for example during remodeling), it should not occupy public space. - Standardize space allocation: limit number of parking spaces a single parklet may occupy; DBBA pointed to examples where some parklets occupy multiple spaces while others use only one. - Increase permit fees and economic accountability: DBBA argued that the city’s current fees do not reflect the value of public parking being used, and said fees should be raised and reinvested into downtown amenities (e.g., public restrooms, beautification).

DBBA said parklet owners had made investments and that the group appreciated that, but the board concluded the program in its current form does not serve the entire district equitably. DBBA urged the council to work with downtown stakeholders to redesign the program and to consider seasonal and design limits that reflect the needs of businesses and residents.

What council heard Council members asked clarifying questions about how businesses that currently operate parklets perceived the program. DBBA representatives said some parklet owners reported increases in business and improved customer experience in summer months, but the board’s survey of downtown businesses showed a majority believe the parklets reduce nearby parking and negatively affect some businesses. Councilors asked staff to return with the survey results and to coordinate next steps with DBBA and other stakeholders.

Speakers - Rachel O’Rourke — Executive Director, Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) - Cyrus Mooney — Business advocate, City Manager’s Office (DBBA staff liaison)

Transcript evidence - DBBA presentation opening: "Good evening, city council... Cyrus Mooney, business advocate... accompanied by Rachel O'Rourke..." (transcript block starting 5725.8447) - Survey results summary: "The community survey... we had over 1,500 responses... 40% said they'd like to remove to create more parking..." (transcript block starting 6111.8604)

Provenance:{"transcript_segments":[{"block_id":"5725.8447","local_start":0,"local_end":80,"evidence_excerpt":"Good evening, city council. Thank you for having us here today. Cyrus Mooney, business advocate and city manager's office..."},{"block_id":"6111.8604","local_start":0,"local_end":140,"evidence_excerpt":"The community survey, we had over 1,500 responses... 40% said they'd like a remove to create more parking..."}]}