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Advocating for Change

If you’re looking for 2021 Oregon Legislative Session updates and priorities, click here!

Advancing a healthy, resilient future in Central Oregon requires change at both the individual and governance levels. To ensure a better future for the next generations, we must communicate with elected officials and empower our community members and leaders to stand up for bold action today. Which is why we’re committed to having a seat at the table when key decisions are being made in our region and state.

Across all program areas, our team works every day to not only educate our community, but to advocate for local policies and infrastructure that protect the environment and support economic success. From council chambers to classrooms, we collaborate with others to prioritize climate action and equitable solutions in the face of rapid growth and development.

Below is a high-level summary of initiatives we’re currently invested in, as well as past successes; plus a few links to helpful resources. Keep checking back for updates and ways to participate, and sign up for our e-newsletter to receive timely action alerts and our latest blogs. We will also keep you informed about bills we support during legislative sessions.

If you have questions about our advocacy role or the issues we’re addressing, our door is open. Please email Mike Riley or call (541) 385-6908 x19.

Re-shaping Bend’s Transportation System

In 2018, the City of Bend launched an update of its transportation system plan (TSP), to set transportation policies, programs and infrastructure investments through 2040. Our executive director was appointed as one of four co-chairs of the city-wide transportation advisory committee (CTAC), to oversee development of the new TSP and recommend a final plan to the City Council.

During the two-year process, we advocated for increased investments in walking, biking and transit, which are key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as meeting the daily transportation needs of those who cannot drive or afford a car. We also advocated for explicit transportation equity policies. In August of 2020, the Bend City Council adopted a new transportation plan that reflects these priorities.

In fall 2020, we also co-chaired the campaign to pass Measure 9-135, Bend’s transportation bond measure, which included over $60 million in improving safety, walking, biking and transit over the next ten years. That’s the biggest investment in these parts of our transportation system in Bend’s history. And the measure passed with 58% of of the vote! Learn more about the bond projects here.

What's Next?

The Bend City Council City will appoint a Transportation Bond Oversight Committee made up of citizens to prioritize the bond projects and report to the community on progress. This Committee is anticipated to first convene in March 2021.

Passing the bond measure was only the first step to turn the Bend’s new transportation plan into reality. There is still a lot of work to do to ensure that the policies and programs in the plan are fully implemented and fully funded. Stay tuned for ways you can help us hold our City’ leaders accountable to a sustainable, safe and equitable transportation system.

Community Climate Action

After two years of hard work by our staff and other local climate activists, the Bend City Council adopted a Climate Action Resolution in December 2016. The Resolution set community-wide fossil fuel reduction goals of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050 and directed staff to develop a Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). That plan, developed collaboratively by community stakeholders and City staff, was adopted on December 4th, 2019. Our own Lindsey Hardy, Energy Challenge Program Director, chaired the citizen committee that oversaw development of the plan.

The CCAP includes 20 strategies and 42 related actions that consider environmental, social and financial impacts in four key emission areas: Energy Supply, Energy in Buildings, Transportation, and Waste and Materials. Learn more by reviewing the Executive Summary or the full CCAP.

What's Next?

Neil Baunsgard, our Energy Challenge Program Manager, was appointed to the City of Bend’s new Environment and Climate Committee in Fall 2020. This Committee, comprised of ten community members, will oversee implementation of the community climate action plan and develop specific policy and program recommendations for the City Council to implement. And the Council will need to keep hearing from Bend residents that climate action remains a priority.

You can tune in to monthly Committee meetings online, and/or view the recordings here.
Sign up to receive email updates on the progress of the C-CAP here.

Climate Commuters on the Move

June 3, 2021

Electric School Bus Tour was a hit!

May 28, 2021

Let’s get these bills over the finish line!

May 27, 2021

5 Reasons You Should Pay Attention to Plastic

March 1, 2021

√ Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary

Due to our efforts and the work of Central Oregon LandWatch, the UGB expansion plan adopted by the City Council in December 2016 was substantially smaller than originally proposed because it prioritized infill over sprawl and multi-family over single-family housing. Those outcomes will better protect our local landscape and wildlife and will better meet the housing needs of moderate and low income families. Learn more here.

√ Bend Climate Action Resolution

In collaboration with the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, we led a team of local activists who persuaded the Bend City Council to adopt a climate action resolution in September 2016. Since then, the City has hired a sustainability coordinator, completed a carbon emissions inventory, and appointed a Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) to develop a community climate action plan by September 2019. The CASC was co-chaired by Lindsey Hardy, director of our energy program. See above section for updates on community climate action planning. Learn more here.

In the News:

Bend-La Pine school board passes student-requested climate change resolution – via The Bulletin

At the strong urging of local high school students, Bend-La Pine’s school board unanimously passed a climate change resolution last summer – the second of its kind to be signed by an Oregon school board.

Additional Resources:

City Councils: Bend, Redmond, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, Sisters
Board of County Commissioners: Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook
Find a Bill
Find your Legislators
Oregon League of Conservation Voters – working to pass laws and elect candidates that protect Oregon’s environmental legacy
Oregon Environmental Council – bringing Oregonians together to protect our water, air and land
Beyond Toxics – statewide environmental justice organization

Programs

Advocating for Change

If you’re looking for 2021 Oregon Legislative Session updates and priorities, click here!

Re-shaping Bend’s Transportation System

What's Next?

Community Climate Action

What's Next?

Related Posts

Climate Commuters on the Move

June 3, 2021

Electric School Bus Tour was a hit!

May 28, 2021

Let’s get these bills over the finish line!

May 27, 2021

5 Reasons You Should Pay Attention to Plastic

March 1, 2021

Other Noteworthy Successes

√ Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary

√ Bend Climate Action Resolution

In the News:

Additional Resources: