Deschutes County seeks Bend resident for Planning Commission vacancy

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- Deschutes County is accepting applications from Bend-area residents to fill a vacancy on the county Planning Commission. Qualified candidates have until 4 p.m. on Dec. 14, 2026, to submit their application materials.

The Planning Commission reviews land use policies and zoning regulations, making recommendations directly to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Serving as the official citizen involvement committee for unincorporated areas of the county, the panel offers a venue for public input on local planning matters.

The opening is for one at-large member who resides in the Bend area. The appointed individual will serve a term running from Jan. 4, 2027, through June 30, 2028.

The commission convenes at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Regular meetings take place at the Deschutes Services Building, located at 1300 NW Wall St. in Bend, though additional meetings may be held at other locations within the county.

Interested residents must submit an application, a letter of interest and a resume. The submission materials should outline the applicant's interest in rural land use planning and highlight their capacity to work collaboratively on a committee. Application forms are accessible online at deschutescounty.gov/volunteer, and additional details regarding the panel are available at deschutescounty.gov/planningcommission.

Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Dec. 14, 2026. The selected commission member will officially begin serving on Jan. 4, 2027.