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By Sara Odendahl, Bend Chamber CEO
Earlier this week, a group of regional business leaders traveled to Salem for Central Oregon Day at the Capitol. Representatives from the Bend Chamber, Prineville Chamber, EDCO, Visit Central Oregon, Pacific Power, and the Regional Business Alliance met with Central Oregon legislators to discuss key priorities impacting our region’s economy and long-term competitiveness.
Key issues included support for comprehensive recreational liability reform (SB 1593), fast-track permitting and industrial site readiness investments (HB 4084), and ongoing monitoring of amendments to transient lodging tax revenue flexibility (HB 4148). Support for OSU-Cascades' $42M capital request to fund a recreation and health center was also highlighted with legislators. The group stressed the need for continued focus on policies that positively impact economic development opportunities for our growing region, including affordable workforce housing, childcare access, infrastructure investment, and workforce development programs.
With the 2026 short session nearing the halfway point, we appreciate our legislators’ time and partnership and will continue advocating for policies that strengthen our region’s economic vitality. More information on the Bend Chamber’s legislative agenda can be found here, and the Regional Business Alliance policy priorities can be found here.
