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Commission hears local service updates: LCA office hours, food drive, housing funds and bridge projects
Summary
Staff and commissioners reported that the city will host office hours at the Latino Community Association starting in December, highlighted an employee food drive and community Thanksgiving meals, previewed a small RFP (~$130,000–$150,000) for urgent housing-related needs, and summarized recent council work on Hawthorne and Reed Market bridge projects and early planning for a new city hall.
Kathy and other staff briefed the commission on community outreach and service items. The city has contracted office space with the Latino Community Association (LCA) and plans weekly City Hall office hours there beginning in December to improve language access and help residents navigate services.
Staff noted an employee food drive and highlighted community partners and food assistance resources; Family Kitchen and the Lighthouse Navigation Center are organizing Thanksgiving meals for people experiencing homelessness. Mayor Pro Tem Megan Perkins said the Coordinated Housing Response Office plans an RFP for roughly $130,000–$150,000 in remaining funds, with awards up to about $45,000 for urgent needs related to recent service funding cuts.
Perkins also summarized recent Bend City Council work sessions on the Hawthorne Bridge design and an update on the Reed Market bridge project; city staff warned a Reed Market closure could last about two years given utilities and railroad work. Commissioners raised transit concerns (CET fares reinstating in January), web accessibility and a redesigned city website to improve search and translation; staff said the new site will include better search, consolidated content and improved language and accessibility features.
Commissioners announced local events including the Longest Night vigil on Dec. 21 and encouraged HREC participation. Staff said they will share timelines and opportunities for the commission to engage with projects and community partners.
