BEND, OR -- Deschutes County has seen major population increases in recent years making it one of the fastest growing counties in the state.
The Planning Division wants to hear from the community about how the rural parts of the county should develop through this growth.
“The Deschutes County 2040 Project is an update to Deschutes County comprehensive plan. It’s the policy document that includes goals, policies, and actions that guide day to day decisions of elected officials and staff pertaining to county development,” Deschutes County Community Development Senior Planner Nicole Mardell says the county must start now to meet the needs of expansion, “We’re expected to keep rising in population, so our goal is to adequately address that growth through planning for housing, recreation, jobs, preserving our farmland, forest land, and of course our cultural resources. So that’s having a comprehensive vision for the future of the county.”
Input has already been received on livability with wildfire, smoke impacts, and drought.
The 20-40 Project is an interactive effort, “We’re asking community members to share some of the key issues, challenges, opportunities facing the county today and in the future. And their preferred vision for the future. We’re holding in-person open houses where folks can come in and chat with planners; learn a little bit more about the state of the county,” said Mardell.
The Open House schedule starts next week.
Bend Area Open House – Deschutes County Service Center (1300 NW Wall Street, Bend) Barnes and Sawyer Room. Wednesday, October 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sisters Area Open House – Sisters High School (1700 W McKinney Butte Rd, Sisters) Lecture Room. Thursday, October 20, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Sunriver Area Open House – Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center (SHARC) 57250 Overlook Road, Sunriver, Benham Hall.
Monday, October 24, 4:00-6:30 p.m.
Redmond Area Open House – Redmond City Hall (411 SW 9th St, Redmond) Rooms 207/208. Tuesday, October 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
An online survey and localized meetings are also available.
For more information, visit the project website deschutes.org/2040 or email the project team at deschutes2040@deschutes.org.
