Bend Human Rights and Equity Commission Regular Meeting – 5/12/2026 – 4:30pm

The City of Bend, Oregon Human Rights and Equity Commission held a regular meeting on May 12, 2026, focusing primarily on updates related to equity initiatives, city council activities, and community engagement efforts. Key procurement-related discussions included updates on the recruitment and selection process for two city staff positions: the Equity and Inclusion Manager and the Community Engagement Manager. The commission was informed that 53 applications were received for the equity position and 216 for the community engagement role, with plans for panel interviews involving city staff, community partners, and commission representatives. The meeting also covered upcoming capital improvement project prioritization by the city council, including transportation and electrification fee discussions, though no direct contract awards or RFPs were mentioned. Additionally, the commission discussed the use of proclamations, resolutions, and ordinances as tools for city governance and policy implementation, highlighting their roles and legal impacts. The meeting concluded with a focus on hate and discrimination updates, community feedback processes, and internal commission concerns about transparency and representation in city processes. No specific contract awards or procurement motions were recorded during this session.