City Club of Central Oregon to host forum on urban renewal future

The City Club of Central Oregon will host a community forum on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, to discuss the future of urban renewal in Central Oregon. The event will explore how this tool helps communities make important decisions about infrastructure, economic development, housing opportunities and revitalizing key areas.

The forum, titled “Building Tomorrow: The Role of Urban Renewal in Central Oregon,” will examine how urban renewal districts and tax increment financing, known as TIF, shape communities. These discussions aim to clarify the projects made possible by urban renewal and address public investment, economic growth and long-term community priorities.

Jonathan Bach, a reporter for The Oregonian, will moderate the discussion. The panel will feature representatives from government, community advocacy and the private sector.

Panelists include Chuck Arnold from the City of Redmond, Corie Harlan of Central Oregon LandWatch, Jonathan Taylor from the Bend Urban Renewal Agency and Kirk Schueler of Brooks Resources Corporation. They will explore how urban renewal districts are established and how tax increment financing works.

The conversation will also cover the role these investments play in addressing infrastructure needs, supporting redevelopment, attracting private investment and expanding housing opportunities. Furthermore, the forum will examine the tradeoffs and public policy questions that accompany urban renewal, such as transparency, equity and balancing community priorities.

The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon. Tickets cost $15 to $49, and complimentary registration is available using the code CivicCO. This is made possible with support from grants from St. Charles Health System and The Pacific Power Foundation.

City Club of Central Oregon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering informed public dialogue on key issues facing Central Oregon. It provides a platform for civil, nonpartisan discussion to help residents understand regional challenges and opportunities.

As with all City Club forums, audience members will have the opportunity to submit questions and engage in a moderated community discussion.