City Council Business Meeting - 3/4/26 6:00pm

The City of Bend, Oregon City Council held a business meeting on March 4, 2026, which included several proclamations and extensive discussions on urban development and financial planning. Key procurement-related topics included the authorization of up to $9.5 million in full faith and credit bonds for projects in the core area, as well as the refunding of 2016 water revenue bonds to save the water fund millions over the next decade. The council also reviewed development assistance programs such as grants, loans, rebates, and land acquisition strategies aimed at supporting multifamily housing, job creation, and community infrastructure. Staff presented options for refining the tax increment assistance rebate program to incentivize affordable housing and commercial development, with council members expressing interest in geographic targeting and performance-based criteria. No final decisions on program changes were made, but staff will return with further proposals and stakeholder feedback. The meeting also addressed tree preservation code amendments and ongoing urban renewal efforts to catalyze development while balancing environmental and community goals.