Bend Chamber Advocacy: Where, When and How We Show Up

Public policy affecting your business doesn't come from just one place. That's why Bend Chamber advocacy stretches from Bend City Hall to Salem and Washington, D.C.

Locally, we work with the City of Bend, Deschutes County and other public agencies and advisory bodies on issues ranging from housing and permitting, to infrastructure, economic development and the cost of doing business. Housing is a particularly important part of that work because the availability and affordability of homes affect employers’ ability to recruit and retain workers, the pace of business growth, and the overall health of the regional economy. The Chamber also engages through advisory committees, workgroups and other policy discussions, helping bring business perspectives to local decision-makers and connecting members with information about proposed policies, public processes and opportunities to participate.

At the state level, we track legislation, meet with Central Oregon lawmakers, submit testimony, participate in legislative and agency discussions and work with partners to advance policies that support a competitive business environment. During the 2026 short session, for example, the Chamber tracked legislation through five established legislative priorities and engaged on issues ranging from permitting and economic development to recreational liability and housing investment. In practice, that may include reviewing bills as they are introduced, sharing business perspectives with legislators, submitting written testimony, joining conversations with state agencies and coordinating with regional and statewide partners when a policy could have a significant impact on Central Oregon.

We are also proud to engage with the Regional Business Association (RBA), a regional voice that brings together local and regional business organizations to coordinate shared policy priorities. Through the RBA, the Chamber can help elevate Central Oregon’s perspective in statewide conversations, collaborate on legislative strategy and support advocacy efforts that affect businesses across Oregon.

Federally, we're more selective—focusing on issues where federal policy and investment have a clear impact on Bend and Central Oregon. Historically, that has included advocating for federal investment in transportation and infrastructure, along with policies affecting workforce and economic growth. Federal engagement might involve communicating with members of Congress and their local field staff, supporting regional priorities, joining national or statewide advocacy efforts, and helping make the case for investments that strengthen Central Oregon's economy.

But working at three levels of government doesn't mean taking a position on everything.

Before engaging, we consider whether an issue has a meaningful impact on the business community, how it aligns with established Chamber priorities, and whether there is a productive role for the Chamber to play.

Engagement doesn't always look the same. Depending on the issue, we might:

• Meet directly with elected officials or agency staff
• Provide written or public testimony
• Convene businesses to gather feedback
• Participate in committees, workgroups and policy discussions
• Support or oppose legislation or policy proposals
• Join coalition letters and advocacy campaigns
• Share information and calls to action with Chamber members
• Review proposed rules, fees or legislation and explain what they could mean for businesses
• Bring local business concerns to policymakers before a decision is made
• Connect members with opportunities to submit comments, attend hearings or contact elected officials
• Engage local decision-makers on housing policies, permitting, development fees, zoning and infrastructure
• Help communicate how housing availability and affordability affect employers and the regional workforce

Sometimes the most effective advocacy is public-facing. Other times, it's a conversation months before a proposal ever reaches a public hearing. It may be a formal letter, a meeting with a policymaker, a coalition effort, or a direct conversation with the businesses most affected by a proposal.

Whatever form it takes, the goal is consistent: make sure Bend's business community is represented where decisions are being made—and help advance the conditions businesses and workers need to thrive.