Deschutes County hearing set on Community Development work plan

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The public is invited to comment on the Deschutes County Community Development Department’s proposed work plan for 2020-21 at an upcoming county Board of Commissioners' public hearing on Wednesday, June 10, 10 a.m. at the Deschutes Services Center, 1300 NW Wall Street, Bend 

The draft work plan outlines the department’s anticipated projects and goals for the coming year including:

• Maintaining high customer service levels with appropriate staffing while practicing social distancing, among other safety measures to protect everyone, and expanding training for CDD’s online services
• Ensuring the department’s financial stability and implementing financial contingency measures if economic conditions warrant such action
• Adjust public involvement strategies due to the COVID-19 pandemic to maximize participation
• Supporting opportunities to provide affordable housing, including developing a comprehensive Deschutes County housing strategy
• Conducting community conversations to consider wildfire mitigation hazard map and development code amendments
• Coordinating with and supporting our four cities in their efforts to update their comprehensive, growth management, affordable housing, and transportation plans
• Evaluating new state wildlife habitat inventories, and conducting community conversations regarding new or updated protection measures
• Preparing to initiate the County’s Comprehensive Plan Update beginning in late 2021
• Implementing a potential new state law to allow accessory dwelling units on rural residential lands
• Participating in processes to update County transportation plans      

    The department's draft work plan for 2020-21 and annual report for 2019 are available online at www.deschutes.org/cd.  For more information, please call (541) 385-1708. Written feedback about the draft work plan can be submitted via email to nick.lelack@deschutes.org.