BEND, OR -- Bend’s Chamber of Commerce is getting more involved in work to increase the housing inventory. Its “Leadership Bend” program just launched a new online ADU guide, to help people through the process of building an accessory dwelling unit on their property. Chamber CEO Katy Brooks tells KBND News, "It’s the A-Z, step by step instructions on how to assess if you can build an ADU on your property, how much it will cost, how much to expect to earn in income, and what that permitting process looks like. And then, the ‘care and feeding’ of having an extra unit at your property."

Brooks says it’s part of a larger effort by the Chamber, "It includes ADU; it includes incentivizing below market housing, as well as affordable housing that’s priced for entry-level workforce. We’re also looking at policies that will incentivize this type of development. We’re working with employers who want to build housing or provide housing for their employees, and we’re matching them up with developers, investors and property managers."

Brooks believes creating more housing inventory is just good business, "I hear from employers almost every day how they’re losing labor force, because they just can’t get people to live here because of the housing prices. And wages are simply unable to keep up with the increase of what it costs to live here."

Housing is the focus of the Chamber's June 21st "What's Brewing Event" at OSU Cascades. Click HERE for more information and to register.