Bend Human Rights and Equity Commission Regular Meeting – 04/14/2026 – 4:30pm

The City of Bend Human Rights and Equity Commission held a regular meeting on April 14, 2026, focusing on updates related to equity initiatives and city operations. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the city's supplier diversity program, including a partnership with the Professional Business Development Group to assist local small businesses and contractors in navigating procurement processes. The commission was briefed on a new Oregon Small Business Enterprise Certification aimed at increasing opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses in city contracts. Additionally, the meeting included a detailed presentation on the city's water services, covering infrastructure, costs, and affordability challenges. Staff introduced the AIM equity tool as a framework to assess and improve equity in city programs, including the low-income water assistance program. Commissioners engaged in discussions about program accessibility, eligibility criteria, and outreach efforts to better serve renters and low-income households. No specific contract awards or budget allocations were reported, but the supplier diversity initiative and water affordability programs indicate ongoing procurement-related policy development and community engagement efforts.