David Abbas

The 2021 Annual Action Plan for the City of Bend outlines the use of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to address local affordable housing, homelessness, and community development needs. It details strategies across five key goals: creating and preserving affordable rental housing, supporting necessary public services, fostering affordable homeownership, assisting homeless individuals with shelter and services, and improving infrastructure. The plan emphasizes community engagement, coordination among service providers, leveraging additional resources, and mitigating barriers to affordable housing to achieve these objectives.

The committee addressed public comments regarding tree code impacts on master plan developments, street trees, and landscaping options. A data update on City-supported shelters was presented, detailing shelter nights, transitions to housing, and funding outlooks for FY 2025 and beyond, alongside a review of the Supreme Court decision regarding camping regulations. The committee reviewed the grants vs. loans policy and decided to maintain the current process. Ongoing efforts to address housing development barriers, including infrastructure and code updates, were discussed, with plans for a Council check-in. Finally, the committee received an update on the $5 million HUD Pro Housing Grant award.

The Policy Board meeting agenda included the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget following a public hearing and the approval of the amended Unified Planning Work Program for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Key items addressed were the adoption of the 2027-2030 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program and a review of the second draft of the Bend Transportation Safety Action Plan. Additionally, the Board discussed administrative updates, including committee reappointments, upcoming grant agreements, and coordination efforts regarding federal surface transportation legislation and state legislative bills.

The board meeting will cover the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget following a public hearing. Additionally, the agenda includes the adoption of the Fiscal Years 2026-2027 Unified Planning Work Program midcycle amendment and the adoption of the 2027-2030 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program. There will also be a project review of the Bend Transportation Safety Action Plan, specifically focusing on technical memo findings regarding existing conditions.

The board discussed the Bend Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP) update, including its goals to reduce roadway fatalities, improve infrastructure safety, and increase eligibility for federal and state funding. Participants evaluated crash data, explored engagement strategies for the public, and reviewed the inclusion of various safety metrics. Additionally, members addressed a request for a letter of support for a county grant application concerning a highway interchange project, and reviewed upcoming federal transportation legislative updates.