BEND, OR -- The Bend Central District is working to re-ignite its Visionary Board. "We have an opportunity - really, one of the last neighborhood districts in Bend - to maintain the livability as a neighborhood, while improving safe transportation, corridor connection between east and west sides of Bend," says board member Tiffany Kruger. She tells KBND News the group does important work communicating with neighbors and the city, "To really just help, not only hone in on priorities within the community, but help to distill feedback."

The group was initially formed in 2018. "We originally started with 30 community members representing just about every level of diversity that you can have in Bend. It was very intentionally thought out and put together. And over the last few years, there have been a handful of us that remains." With so many projects underway in the BCD, Kruger says it’s time for new people to step in and help shape the future.

Tuesday evening, they host a family-friendly event for the community to meet current board members and talk with civic leaders. Kruger says city officials will also be there to discuss several issues, "Some small business initiatives that are on the horizon, within the district. One of the key elements that they’re talking about is around equitable transportation; discussing the Franklin Corridor improvement project."

But the event isn’t only for people who live in the BCD, "I think anyone in Bend, honestly, that cares about preserving historical character, small businesses, that may have some interest in business incubation or opening a business there, safe transportation and connectivity throughout Bend."

The BCD’s “Bend Together” is Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Open Space Event Studios. The Children's Museum of Central Oregon will also be there with interactive activities; local food and beverages will also be available. Click HERE for more information.