Vision Action Plan

Completed September 2023

The release of greater Bend’s five-year Vision Action Plan culminates an 17-month process that gained input from more than 3,500 participants through interviews, focus groups, polls, surveys, and community summit. The four Vision Action Teams built upon this foundation of input to craft 28 actionable strategies over the next 5 years.

The 2024-28 Vision Action Plan includes four “game-changer” initiatives, four “quick wins”, 20 supporting projects, and has more than 128 partnering organizations identified in the plan.

The Vision Action Plan 2024-2028 is greater Bend’s first large-scale visioning project since 2005-2006. Through the good work of scores of local organizations much of our original vision was achieved, including such initiatives as the Oregon State University-Cascades campus, Cascades East Public Transit, Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, and more. It also guided the plans of many other local organizations.

Our Vision

We envision a greater Bend that blends its small- town friendliness and exceptional quality of life with the amenities of a growing city, helping all our residents lead safe, secure lives of purpose and possibility in a rapidly changing world.

In our vision for the future:

  • Our economy is robust, diversified and equitable
  • Our growth is smart, well-planned and sustainable
  • Our community is inclusive, engaged and caring
  • Our environment is protected, stewarded and healthy

We believe the unparalleled qualities of this place we call home, our enduring sense of community, and our collaborative approach to problem-solving give us the power to achieve this vision for our future.

Core Values

  • Natural Environment
  • Outdoor Recreational Opportunities
  • Community Feel
  • Quality Education & Health Care
  • Robust Economy
  • Vibrant Arts & Culture
  • Growing Cultural Diversity
  • Spirit of Collaboration

Our Projects

Building an Economy for Everyone

Game Changer: Innovative Workforce Housing
Quick Win: One Stop Small Business Support

Additional Strategies
Healthcare Worker Training & Development
Core Area Engagement & Investment
‘Move-in’ Financial Assistance Programs
Expanded Access to Child Care
Expanded Access to Healthy Food

Guiding Our Growth & Development

Game Changer: Railroad Safety & Redevelopment
Quick Win: Historic Preservation Inventory & Adaptive Reuse

Additional Strategies
Improved, Expanded, Well-Funded Public Transit
Complete Communities in Our Neighborhoods
A Citywide Bikeways & Pathways Network
Drake-to-Juniper Pedestrian Corridor
Housing Innovation & Affordability Coalition

Cultivating an Inclusive Community

Game Changer: A City of Belonging
Quick Win: Social Service Information Kiosks

Additional Strategies
Alliance of Equity Partners
Community Education on Homelessness
Collaborative Arts for Community Cohesion
Mental Health & Wellbeing in our Schools
Neighborhood Vitality & Resiliency

Ensuring a Safe, Healthy Environment

Game Changer: Skyline Forest for our Future
Quick Win: Outdoors for Everyone

Additional Strategies
Adapting to Climate Change
Interconnected Regional Trail System
Solarizing Bend
Thriving Urban Tree Canopy
‘Blue Zones’ Project for Equitable Community Health

Bend Vision Project Investors

Community Hero

City of Bend
Deschutes County

Community Champion

Old Mill District logo
Bend Park & Recreation District logo
Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Oregon Community Foundation
Tykeson Family Charitable Foundation

Community Benefactor

Hayden Homes
Miller Lumber logo
Central Oregon Association for REALTORS logo
Visit Central Oregon
Brooks Resources Corporation logo
Kollective
Visit Bend
Mt. Bachelor LLC
R&H Construction
Capozzi Family Fund
Pacific Power Foundation
Tech Soft 3D

Community Believer

First Interstate Bank
St. Charles Health System

Community Supporter

Pahlisch Homes