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The Bend Chamber of Commerce announced its 2026 Legislative Agenda, outlining a focused set of policy priorities aimed at strengthening Central Oregon’s business climate, improving workforce availability, and supporting sustainable regional growth during the upcoming legislative session.
As one of Oregon’s strongest-performing regional economies, the Bend–Redmond metro continues to attract talent, investment, and entrepreneurial activity. However, local employers are also navigating rising costs, workforce constraints, and economic uncertainty. The Bend Chamber’s 2026 agenda reflects these realities and emphasizes pragmatic, balanced solutions that help businesses plan and grow with confidence.
“Our region is well-positioned for continued success, but that success depends on thoughtful public policy,” said Sara Odendahl, CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce. “Employers need predictability, affordability, and infrastructure that keeps pace with growth. Our 2026 legislative agenda is about ensuring Central Oregon remains competitive while addressing the real cost-of-living and workforce challenges facing businesses and employees alike.”
The Chamber’s 2026 priorities center on five key areas:
Business Competitiveness & Regulatory Predictability
The Bend Chamber supports modernizing permitting and regulatory processes, advancing economic development tools that position Central Oregon for long-term competitiveness, and engaging with the Governor’s Prosperity Council. The Chamber is also supporting efforts to bring balance to the state’s recreational liability waiver, via the Oregon Recreation Commerce and Affordability Act of 2026 (ORCA), Senate Bill 1593 and House Bill 4071.
Workforce Availability: Housing, Healthcare & Childcare
Recognizing that affordability pressures directly affect recruitment and retention, the Chamber is advocating for policies that accelerate housing production, protect access to affordable healthcare, and ensure access to affordable childcare as a critical workforce participation tool.
Infrastructure That Enables Regional Growth
Targeted investments in transportation, utilities, and coordinated land-use planning are essential to support housing, job growth, and private investment across the region.
Education & Workforce Readiness
The Chamber continues to champion career-connected learning and workforce training to help employers adapt to evolving skill needs, particularly in high-demand sectors such as construction, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
Balanced Environmental Stewardship & Economic Vitality
With climate impacts increasingly shaping business decisions, the agenda promotes policies that protect Central Oregon’s natural assets while ensuring timely investment in energy, water, and utility infrastructure needed for economic resilience.
“As businesses face uncertainty from interest rates to climate impacts, flexibility and long-term planning are more important than ever,” Odendahl added. “Collaboration between business, government, and community partners will be key to keeping Bend a place where employers can invest, workers can thrive, and our economy remains strong.”
The Bend Chamber will work closely with the Central Oregon Caucus and Regional Business Alliance throughout the 2026 legislative session to advance these priorities on behalf of the region’s business community.
