City Council Business Meeting - 2/18/26 5:30pm

The City of Bend, Oregon City Council held a business meeting on February 18, 2026, which included significant discussions on local policy and development projects. Key procurement-related actions included the approval of a 20% climate impact fee on new single-family home development to encourage electrification and reduce fossil gas use, reflecting community input and concerns about affordability and environmental impact. The council also approved the first reading of ordinances related to land use, including a comprehensive plan amendment and annexation of 66.46 acres in the southeast urban growth boundary expansion area, supporting mixed residential and employment uses with infrastructure planning. Additionally, the council adopted a resolution authorizing eminent domain for properties along Franklin Avenue to facilitate the Midtown multimodal connections and streetscaping project, indicating ongoing capital improvement efforts. Other agenda items involved updates to advisory committees related to transportation, economic development, and affordable housing, aiming to enhance community engagement and oversight of city projects. The meeting also addressed public safety policies regarding firearms in city buildings and extended the closure date of a temporary safe state area through a joint resolution with Deschutes County. Overall, the meeting focused on advancing infrastructure projects, environmental policy implementation, and community advisory functions with several motions passed to support these initiatives.