Advocating for Change

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.

Community Climate Action Plan

In 2016, Bend City Council set a goal to reduce community fossil fuel use by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. The Bend Community Climate Action Plan is a set of strategies meant to encourage and support residents, businesses, and other agencies to reduce the community’s fossil fuel use. After reviewing public feedback collected from an online survey, the Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) is now working with technical experts to finalize the proposed strategies in the plan. In Fall 2019 – expected in November – Bend’s City Council will review and act on the plan.

Re-shaping Bend’s Transportation System

The Bend City Council appointed our executive director as a co-chair of the citizen advisory committee (CTAC) that is developing a transportation plan to guide program and infrastructure investments through 2040. We are advocating for increased investments in walking, biking and transit, which are key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as ensuring that those who cannot drive or afford a car can still get to work, school, medical and other services, and recreation. We are also advocating for explicit transportation equity policies, a new component for Bend’s transportation plan.

How to Participate

CTAC and Steering Committee meetings are open to the public and include time for public comment.

The City plans to host a second open house event in Fall 2019. (Stay tuned!)

Cascades East Transit is working on a regional transit master plan for Central Oregon. Visit their website for more information.

Success!

√ 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 planning effort is on schedule and the CASC is co-chaired by Lindsey Hardy, director of our energy program. See above section for more on the community climate action plan. Learn more here.

In the News:

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.

Programs

Community Climate Action Plan

How to Participate

Re-shaping Bend’s Transportation System

How to Participate

Related Posts

Intersections Ahead

May 29, 2019

Action Alert: Think Global, Act Local

February 1, 2019

Help to Write Bend’s Climate Legacy

October 1, 2018

Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory Completed

July 27, 2018

Success!

√ Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary

√ Bend Climate Action Resolution

In the News:

Additional Resources: