North Bend seeks to host 2027 Oregon Main Street Conference after award wins and strong local participation

Stephanie Wilson, North Bend’s community development manager, updated the council on the city’s Main Street participation and a bid to host the 2027 Oregon Main Street Conference.

Wilson said members of North Bend’s Main Street program spoke on two panels at the recent state conference in Albany and that the program received multiple awards for local projects, including recognition for promotional events and volunteer awards. She credited local volunteers and partners for the work and described community engagement activities such as a community art walk and an upcoming fashion show featuring high‑school student art.

Wilson said North Bend has asked to host the 2027 conference and is assembling venues and breakout locations, with Liberty Theater as a primary host that can accommodate up to 300 attendees. She noted that conference activities must take place within the Main Street District and that planning will include parking and extended‑experience maps for attendees.

In discussion, councilors asked about funding sources for Main Street programs; Wilson said most programs are funded at the state level or through local membership and that federal dollars are not the primary source for state Main Street activities. Wilson described potential downtown investments she would prioritize if funding were available — façade grants, historic preservation, cleanliness and traffic calming to boost foot traffic — and said the city’s support has been instrumental in recent work.

The council received the update as informational; no formal vote was taken at the work session.