Central Oregon lawmakers’ caucus outlines top session priorities: Job growth, housing, OSU-Cascades and more
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- State Senator Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, and Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville announced Wednesday the 2026 session priorities for the bipartisan Central Oregon Legislative Caucus.
The bipartisan group said it will focus on economic development, housing and emergency preparedness to support the region's growth and safety.
The caucus is a bipartisan and bicameral group designed to facilitate collaborative policy-making for Central Oregonians. The group consists of representatives from various districts in the region, including Bend and Prineville, who work together to address infrastructure and community service needs.
Economic development efforts for the region include the pursuit of House Bill 4084. The measure is designed to retain and grow Oregon businesses while supporting job creation. The caucus also identified recreational waiver reform as a priority to maintain regional competitiveness.
In the area of housing and community services, the caucus is advocating for House Bill 4035. This bill would allow one-time urban growth boundary expansions to increase housing production.
The group is also seeking investment in shelter funding to assist people transitioning from homelessness into stable housing, and is requesting funding for the OSU-Cascades Student Health and Recreation Center.
Emergency preparedness and natural resources priorities involve two specific legislative measures. House Bill 4156 seeks to provide reliable funding for rural emergency response. Additionally, House Bill 4144 aims to reduce fire risks caused by batteries.
Infrastructure investments are also planned to support road safety on rural roadways in Central Oregon.
Broadman, who serves as a co-chair for the bipartisan group, described the 2026 priorities as a continuation of previous regional efforts.
"These caucus priorities reflect our focus on continuing the collaborative work toward building the safe and prosperous region Central Oregonians deserve," Broadman said.
Rep. Breese-Iverson, co-chair of the caucus, emphasized the need for practical tools to support local families and small businesses.
"Our communities, families and small businesses in Central Oregon need real tools to keep up-affordable housing, stronger emergency response, safer roads and policies that help our local economy thrive without unnecessary burdens," Breese-Iverson said. "I'm proud to be part of our bipartisan Central Oregon Caucus, to advance these practical priorities that put Central Oregonians first and deliver results for our region."
