Deschutes For All to hold meeting about Ballot Measure 9-185 on Sept. 13

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- The nonpartisan campaign Deschutes For All will host a community gathering this Sunday, Sept. 13, in Terrebonne to inform residents about Ballot Measure 9-185. The ballot measure asks voters whether to establish five geographic commissioner districts across Deschutes County.

The proposal follows a 2024 vote in which Deschutes County voters expanded the County Commission from three members to five. If approved, Measure 9-185 would require voters in each geographic district to elect one commissioner who lives in that district beginning in 2028.

The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Smith Rock Ranch, located at 1250 NE Wilcox Ave. in Terrebonne. Sponsored by the Deschutes County Farm Bureau and Smith Rock Ranch, the gathering will offer complimentary snacks, family activities, back-to-school supplies while supplies last and a local beverage vendor. A presentation and Q&A session about Measure 9-185 will run from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

According to Deschutes For All, the proposed district map was developed through a public process that evaluated population balance, communities of interest, transportation corridors and adjacent precincts. All five commissioners would continue working together and making decisions for the entire county under the proposed structure.

Deschutes County voters will consider Ballot Measure 9-185 on the November 2026 ballot. If approved, district-based commissioner elections will begin in 2028.