Deschutes County commissioners to host public hearing on Planning Division’s 2024-25 work plan

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On Wednesday, May 15, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners will host a public hearing to seek community input on the County Planning Division’s Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2024-25.  The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and will be held at the Deschutes Services Building which is located at 1300 NW Wall St. in Bend. Remote online options will also be available.

“Public input shapes the Planning Division’s work plan each year. It really makes a difference to hear from residents,” said Community Development Director Peter Gutowsky.

The Deschutes County Planning Division encompasses two operational areas: Current and Long-Range Planning. Current Planning processes individual land use applications and provides information to the public on all land use related issues. Long-Range Planning addresses the future needs of the county through updates to the comprehensive plan, changes to the county code and other special projects. Thirteen staff support the division’s work.

The Work Plan outlines CDD’s anticipated projects and goals for the coming year, including the following highlights:

• Sustaining high customer service levels while adjusting to staff retention and recruitment challenges.
• Addressing housing opportunities through collaboration with cities, our county’s property manager, and exploring rural housing strategies as allowed by State law.
• Initiating the Newberry Country Plan Update.
• Amending Deschutes County Code to comply with HB 3197, Clear and Objective Standards for Housing.
• Coordinating with Bend, Redmond, Sisters and La Pine on growth management projects, including comprehensive plan updates and urban growth boundary amendments.     

For more information about the work plan process or the public hearing, please call (541) 385-1709. Written feedback about the draft Work Plan can be submitted via email to peter.gutowsky@deschutes.org.