Community committees are a great way to get involved with City government. The City has several Council-appointed boards, committees, commissions, and advisory groups that make recommendations to City Council or City administrative staff. Applications are being accepted for the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, the Bend Economic Development Advisory Board and the Human Rights and Equity Commission. Visit bendoregon.gov/committees.
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC)
The City of Bend’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee members are appointed by City Council for three-year terms. This Committee provides policy, code, and funding recommendations to City Council in alignment with the goals outlined in the City’s Consolidated Plan. Members are expected to have a high degree of technical expertise in affordable housing development or operation, or services that accompany affordable housing operation, or to have lived experience in poverty or affordable housing. Consideration shall be given to include representatives of the various geographical parts of the City of Bend and to those with lived experience in affordable housing. Visit the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee webpage at bendoregon.gov/ahac.
The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will be recruiting one at-large member and two alternate members for three-year terms, with the term beginning July 1, 2024. Contact: Lynne McConnell, Housing Director, 541-388-5514, lmcconnell@bendoregon.gov.
Bend Economic Development Advisory Board (BEDAB)
This group provides input to the Bend City Council on economic development and business issues and initiatives. The board seeks to provide broad representation from representatives of local key industries. Members work closely with the City’s economic development partners including the Chamber of Commerce, EDCO, Visit Bend, East Cascades Works, and the Small Business Development Center at COCC. Visit the Bend Economic Development Advisory Board webpage at bendoregon.gov/BEDAB.
The Bend Economic Development Advisory Board is seeking one member for a three-year term, with the term beginning July 1, 2024. Contact: Ben Hemson, Economic Development Manager, 541-388-5529, bhemson@bendoregon.gov.
Human Rights and Equity Commission (HREC)
The City of Bend’s Human Rights and Equity Commission members are appointed by City Council for four-year terms. This group will ensure historically marginalized and underrepresented people and communities in Bend have equal access to City programs and services, representation in City decision-making, and a venue to raise concerns and complaints about discrimination. Visit the Human Rights and Equity Commission webpage at bendoregon.gov/hrec.
The Human Rights and Equity Commission will be recruiting three new members for four-year terms, with the term beginning July 1, 2024. Contact: Cassandra Kehoe, Accessibility & Equity Manager, 541-693-2141, ckehoe@bendoregon.gov.
How to apply to a committee
Fill out the online advisory committee application form at bendoregon.gov/government/committees/apply.
By appointment, applicants may also come to City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to fill out an application. Please contact Morgen Fry to set up an appointment at 541-617-4529 or mfry@bendoregon.gov.
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Stipends
The City of Bend offers a stipend program for City advisory board, committee and commission voting members who choose to participate. The intent is to expand opportunities for community members to connect with the City and lower barriers to engagement. The program will provide members of permanent City advisory boards, committees, and commissions with a stipend of $40 per meeting, not to exceed $500 a year per person. This stipend covers assumed costs of volunteering on an advisory group such as travel, parking, stable internet connection and other expenses. Please note, non-voting commission or committee members are not eligible for the stipend.