Joint City Council and Deschutes County Board of Commissioners Meeting - 1/20/2026 - 3:00 PM

The joint meeting of the Bend City Council and Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on January 20, 2026, focused extensively on the management and future of the Temporary Safe Stay Area (TSSA) for homeless individuals. Key procurement-related discussions included the planned sectional closure of parts of the TSSA, budget allocations for shelter and housing services, and enforcement costs. The council and commissioners discussed extending the TSSA operations for six months with new rules to limit population inflow, while also exploring funding and development of permanent supportive housing and alternative shelter models such as safe parking and campgrounds. Financial details were provided, including ARPA and county funding allocations, operational costs for hygiene stations, cleanup, and case management services, with an emphasis on the need for sustainable funding sources. Additionally, the meeting covered updates on solid waste franchise agreements, highlighting plans to modernize contracts through regional cooperation and future RFPs, and a briefing on the behavioral health stabilization center's budget and funding challenges, including commitments from the city and county to support crisis services. Motions to extend the TSSA with conditions were supported, and staff were directed to prepare formal resolutions for separate votes by the city and county bodies.