City Council Work Session - 8/12/26, 4:00PM

The City of Bend, Oregon City Council held a work session on August 12, 2026, focusing primarily on housing and water supply issues. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing recommendations from the Housing Production Strategies Committee regarding programs and revenue mechanisms to increase housing supply, particularly targeting middle-income households. The committee recommended exploring a bond measure in the range of $50 million to $100 million to fund housing tools and incentives, alongside other programs such as a moderate income revolving loan fund and a rental registry. Council members expressed mixed views on the bond measure, emphasizing the need for further community input and careful risk evaluation. Additionally, the council received an update on the city's water supply, including challenges related to drought conditions, water rights restrictions, and climate change impacts. The discussion included ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, such as the Outback Facility expansion, and highlighted the importance of conservation and collaboration with regional partners. The meeting concluded with a brief overview of the city's growth plan engagement efforts, including branding and community outreach strategies.