City of Bend seeks community feedback on 100-acre urban growth boundary expansion; 2 sites under consideration

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The City of Bend is seeking community feedback on two potential site options for a one-time Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion. The two sites under consideration are: Jasper Ridge, located near the east side of town, and Caldera Ranch, located near the southeast part of town.

This online open house will provide high-level details about the two site proposals including the proposed types of housing, areas for commercial and open space and parks. This is only an online open house available through Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. Only one site may be selected.

In 2024, the state Legislature passed a bill, known as Senate Bill 1537, that provides qualifying local governments a one-time option to add up to 100 acres of net residential land to their urban growth boundary. Using this bill, cities can go through a streamlined Urban Growth Boundary expansion process to build affordable and market-rate housing.

Any land added to the city through this process would require a minimum of 30% of housing units to be affordable. Affordable in this context is based on a household of four making 80% of the area median income (AMI), approximately $83,750 annually, if they are renting or 130% of the AMI, approximately $136,110 annually, if they are buying a home.

In addition to the open house, community members can provide feedback via email to Michelle Patrick at mpatrick@bendoregon.gov or in person at the Dec. 4 Bend City Council public hearing.

More information on the bill requirements and general background can be found on the City's website.