Bend UGB expansion clears Deschutes County

The final local hurdle in a two-year process was cleared for Bend’s urban growth boundary expansion Wednesday when Deschutes County commissioners agreed to endorse it.

The approval came during a quick business meeting to discuss the final plan, a week after city councilors gave it their formal, unanimous vote.

To keep the process moving, county commissioners gave unanimous approval to an emergency clause.

The city now has the go-ahead to submit the plan to the state Land Conservation and Development Commission for review.

The board rejected the previous city growth plan, deciding it was trying to add too many acres and not doing enough to boost density within the existing city. The new plan, about two-thirds smaller in growth acreage, also got the backing of Central Oregon LandWatch, which challenged the previous plan.