City of Bend launches fair housing survey, invites participation

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The City of Bend is inviting the community to take a survey that will help assess the status of whether available and accessible housing exists in all neighborhoods in Bend. 

This is a concept called fair housing, and means housing is available and accessible and is free from housing discrimination and harassment for people to live where they would like to live. 

The laws are intended to help protect populations that have historically experienced housing discrimination or harassment. The online survey can be found at bendoregon.gov/fairhousing. It should take approximately 10 minutes to complete the survey, which will close on Friday, Oct.13.

Information gathered from the community will provide direction for the City of Bend’s 2024-2028 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. This analysis identifies the difficulties Bend’s community members face in accessing housing that meets their needs and is safe. The analysis makes recommendations for addressing the barriers identified and creating more housing choices across the city that are accessible at all income levels. 

Barriers to fair housing are any actions, inactions or decisions taken because of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, a person’s source of income, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, which includes gender identity, and status as a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, which restrict housing choices or the availability of housing choice.

This can also include any actions, inactions, or decisions which cause the effect of restricting housing choices or the availability of housing choice. Fair housing laws apply to renting a home and buying a home, including during the entire rental or home loan term. 

For more information, please visit bendoregon.gov/fairhousing.