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.

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 developed a transportation plan to guide program and infrastructure investments through 2040. 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 ensuring that those who cannot drive or afford a car can still get to work, school, medical and other services, and recreation. We also advocated for explicit transportation equity policies. The City of Bend has now referred for voters’ consideration a $190 million General Obligation bond measure, which if passed, would provide funds for traffic flow, east-west connections, and neighborhood safety improvement projects citywide.

How to Participate

Measure 9-135, Bend’s Transportation Bond, will fund projects that improve traffic flow, forge better citywide connectivity, unsnarl intersection bottlenecks and enhance neighborhood safety for everyone across the city.

Measure 9-135 will make needed investments that are good for all of us, whether we drive, ride a bike, walk or take a bus. And they’re good for the environment, too. That’s why we urge you to vote YES!

Community Climate Action Plan – Adopted!

In response to the community’s push for local climate action, the Bend City Council adopted a Climate Action Resolution in 2016. The Resolution set forth community-wide fossil fuel reduction goals of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. And to achieve these goals, the City was directed to develop, recommend, and adopt a Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) developed by the City, Bend residents, and community stakeholders. The CCAP was adopted on December 4th, 2019 with a 5-2 vote from Bend City Council.

The CCAP is the result of a collaborative effort by the Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) along with a broad array of community stakeholders. The CCAP is a set of 20 recommended 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.

How to Participate

What’s next?

Stay tuned to see who from our community will be appointed to the Environment and Climate Committee that will oversee the implementation of the plan as well as other sustainability initiatives. City Council should be making these appointments by mid-September.

The City will be considering program and funding recommendations for supporting community education and outreach.

The City is getting to work on the actions they are leading, including determining pathways for achieving 100% renewable electricity supply goal.

We are digging in and looking at how/if our programs can help reach our fossil fuel reduction goals.

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

Re-shaping Bend’s Transportation System

How to Participate

Community Climate Action Plan – Adopted!

How to Participate

Related Posts

Take action: Share your priorities with Bend City Councilors

January 18, 2021

Single Use Disposables. Are they actually better than reusables?

November 30, 2020

Vote Yes on Measure 9-135, Bend’s Transportation Bond

October 12, 2020

ACTION ALERTS: Big Agenda for Bend City Council This Wednesday

August 3, 2020

Success!

√ Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary

√ Bend Climate Action Resolution

In the News:

Additional Resources: