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By Emily Boyd, Government Affairs Manager, Bend Chamber
After several months of community discussion, the proposed Bend Central District Economic Improvement District (EID) will not move forward.
At the request of the Bend Central District Business Association (BCDBA), the City of Bend developed a proposal to establish an EID as a dedicated funding mechanism for ongoing district services such as maintenance, beautification, enhanced lighting, marketing, business support and programming. The proposal built on years of planning for the Bend Central District, including work through the Core Area Advisory Board and Bend Urban Renewal Agency, and was intended to complement the City's continued investments in infrastructure and redevelopment as the district evolves.
Like the Downtown Bend Business Association model, the proposed EID would have been funded through assessments on commercial property owners within the district. Under Oregon law, property owners have the opportunity to formally object through a remonstrance process. If owners representing more than one-third of the commercial square footage within the proposed district submit objections, the district cannot be established.
Following the July 15 Remonstrance Hearing, the City reported receiving written objections representing approximately 59% of the commercial square footage within the proposed district. As a result, the Bend City Council did not adopt the resolution establishing the EID.
The Bend Chamber supported the proposal because we believed it could serve as one tool to support dedicated, long-term investment in the district. However, we also respect the outcome of the remonstrance process. The result demonstrated that many affected property owners did not believe the proposed assessment was the right tool for advancing the district at this time. The remonstrance process exists to ensure those most directly affected have a meaningful voice, and the level of participation reflected how deeply businesses and property owners care about the future of the Bend Central District.
While opinions differed on the EID itself, one thing remained consistent throughout the process: there is broad interest in seeing the Bend Central District succeed. The district continues to represent one of Bend's greatest opportunities to support economic growth, expand housing and encourage community investment and the Chamber remains committed to working alongside the City, businesses, property owners, and community partners to support its continued evolution.
Although the proposed EID will not move forward, the work of building a vibrant, safe, and economically successful Bend Central District continues. We appreciate City Council's encouragement for businesses and property owners to remain engaged through efforts like the Core Area Advisory Board and other collaborative forums, and we look forward to participating in future conversations and partnerships that help shape the district's next chapter.
