Bend unveils $1.48B budget plan as city prepares for continued growth

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — As Bend continues to expand, city leaders have released the 2025–2027 Budget in Brief, outlining a $1.48 billion spending plan aimed at managing growth, funding essential services, and maintaining infrastructure across one of Oregon’s fastest-growing communities.

Bend is now home to more than 104,000 residents, with 44,620 households — 62% owner-occupied and 38% renter-occupied. The median household income sits just under $89,000, and the unemployment rate remains low at 3.7%, supported by a job market of more than 90,000 positions across the region.

Public Safety Leads Spending Priorities

Public safety remains the city’s largest focus, with funding supporting 166 police employees and 152 fire and rescue staff. Together, they responded to more than 90,000 calls for service over the previous cycle.

City crews also continue to manage a growing workload — including 985 miles of water and sewer lines, nearly 1,000 miles of streets cleaned, and 10,959 permits issued as demand for development and housing continues.

Mayor: Growth Requires Smart Investment

Mayor Melanie Kebler says the new budget reflects both current demand and long-term planning needs.

"With the growing population comes growing service needs for our community members, for everything from housing to transportation to emergency services. The city’s permanent tax rate remains unchanged at $2.80 per $1,000 of assessed property value."

Planning for the Future

The budget also supports continued work on Bend’s urban growth planning, preparing to expand city boundaries to accommodate future housing and services needs.

City officials say community engagement will continue over the coming months as the budget and long-term capital plans move toward full adoption.

The full budget document, including department-by-department breakdowns and project lists, is available on the City of Bend website.