City presents economic development work plan; advisory board recommends Bend Central District EID

Katie Brooks, Bend's economic development officer, presented a draft five‑year economic development work plan to the advisory board, outlining five strategic goals—retain, grow, recruit, build resilience and enable inclusive prosperity—and steps to leverage urban renewal and regional partnerships.

Brooks said the plan is informed by more than 50 focus‑group sessions, more than 80 stakeholder interviews and some 170 business survey responses, and that staff have budgeted roughly $40,000 over the biennium for a small‑business pilot grant pool to test retention and support measures. Brooks told the board the final, public‑facing plan will be shared with council on Feb. 4 and that staff will provide a staffing plan and timeline prior to that meeting.

Board members asked for clearer, measurable metrics and a staffing and resource timeline tied to the plan's objectives. One member urged quantifying the economic impact of permitting delays and aligning metrics with measurable indices such as housing production, permit timelines and commuting patterns. Staff said it will produce an implementation timeline and staffing plan and incorporate board feedback before the council presentation.

Near the end of the meeting the board moved to recommend that Bend City Council proceed with establishing the Bend Central District Economic Improvement District (EID) as presented to the board on Dec. 1, 2025. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript. The recommendation will be forwarded to council for its consideration.

Next steps: staff will finalize the work plan and supporting implementation timeline for council on Feb. 4, provide the board with the staffing plan and circulate the expedited pilot letter for BDAB approval before the council meeting.