It’s a recurrent theme of local conversation. The availability and cost of housing in Bend is – quite literally - at a critical level. KBND’s Caroline MacGregor reports on an effort by the Bend City Chamber of Commerce to find a solution. In an effort to promote conversation about the challenges of housing insecurity and its effect on employees and businesses, the Bend City Chamber of Commerce has created “The Workforce Housing Initiative” to find a solution to the workforce housing shortage. Chamber CEO Katy Brooks said, for employers, housing is one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to hiring and retaining employees. Brooks said housing that is out of reach for many results in - not only a lack of labor - but a growing disconnect between who works and lives in Bend. In an effort to come up with a solution, the Chamber hopes to hear from employees and businesses having difficulties hiring or retaining workers unable to find affordable mid-market housing. To lend your voice to the initiative to help solve Bend’s workforce housing challenges, visit the Bend City Chamber of Commerce website: bendchamber.org.

https://bendchamber.org/join-the-workforce-housing.../