Bend Human Rights and Equity Commission Regular Meeting - 03/10/2026 - 4:30 PM

The City of Bend Human Rights and Equity Commission held a regular meeting on March 10, 2026, focusing primarily on community equity initiatives and the review of an immigration support resolution. The commission discussed the collaborative drafting process of the resolution, which included community input and aimed to affirm the city's support for immigrant and refugee populations. The resolution was approved by the commission, with discussions emphasizing the importance of accountability and the role of grant agreements in ensuring follow-through. Additionally, the meeting featured updates on the implementation of equity recommendations within city operations, including the creation of a centralized equity team and the use of tools like the AIM tool to embed equity analysis in decision-making. Commissioners also engaged in a prioritization exercise to manage the commission's extensive work plan and emerging community issues, such as housing and civil rights. Public comments highlighted concerns about community engagement and the need for active participation in equity efforts. No specific procurement, contracting, or budget allocation decisions were made during this meeting.