Deschutes County seeks public input on growth, housing and wildfire planning priorities
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 3, to discuss the Community Development Department's 2026-27 Work Plan. This hearing, scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Deschutes Services Building, located at 1300 NW Wall St. in Bend, invites community members to provide feedback.
The public can attend in person or online to share their thoughts on the proposed initiatives for the coming year.
The work plan outlines the department's key objectives and projects designed to facilitate orderly growth and development within the Deschutes County community. Initiatives include updating county code to meet state regulations for multifamily housing in unincorporated areas and supporting regional long-range planning efforts.
Community Development Director Peter Gutowsky for Deschutes County, emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the department's future work.
"The work plan outlines the department's key goals and projects for the coming year," Gutowsky said. "Public feedback is important because it helps us make sure our work aligns with community needs and priorities."
The proposed work plan includes a continued focus on providing a high level of customer service.
A key initiative involves updating county code to align with state rules regarding multifamily housing within unincorporated areas of Deschutes County.
The department also plans to support fuels reduction, wildfire preparedness education and outreach efforts through the La Pine Wildfire Mitigation Project.
Additional components of the plan involve working with cities, County Property Management and other partners to support housing opportunities.
The department will also begin an update to the Terrebonne Community Plan.
Furthermore, the work plan details collaboration with Bend, Redmond, Sisters and La Pine on long-range planning projects. These collaborations include updates to comprehensive plans and urban growth boundaries.
The Deschutes County Community Development Department aims to facilitate orderly growth and development. This is accomplished through coordinated programs in Land Use Planning, Environmental Soils, Building Safety, Code Enforcement, education and service to the public.
The meeting agenda and details for joining the hearing online are available at www.deschutes.org/meetings.
For more information about the work plan process or the public hearing, people may call (541) 385-1709. Written comments can be submitted by emailing peter.gutowsky@deschutes.org.
