Bend committee reviews CCAP action list, recommends funding and community grants to accelerate implementation

The Bend Environment and Climate Committee on Feb. 24 reviewed the updated CCAP (Climate and Community Action Plan) action list and recommended that the City Council consider two implementation measures: establish a permanent funding source for CCAP implementation and create a community partner grant program to support local organizations carrying out CCAP initiatives.

Committee members framed the meeting as a final substantive review ahead of a planned vote next month. Committee staff member Cassie (City staff) said, “what we want to do today, we’re getting to the point where we’re hoping that you all are ready soon to adopt the CCAP action list.” Laura (Vice Chair, Environment and Climate Committee) convened the meeting and directed discussion toward clarifying priorities and next steps for council consideration.

Why it matters: Committee members said the action list is broad and that adoption alone will not ensure implementation without a reliable revenue stream and a way to fund community-led projects. The committee’s recommended package would pair the action list with implementation tools—funding and a grant program—that staff and councilors could use to assign work and track progress.

Discussion highlights

• Timeline and next steps: Staff proposed bringing a finalized action list and the two implementation recommendations to council in April if the committee approves the update at its next meeting. Cassie said staff aim to return to the committee next month with a refined deliverable that includes members’ notes and methods clarifications.