By Anne Aurand

The Bend City Council is inviting the public to comment on proposed next steps for implementing the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) plan. Public input will be taken during the Council’s regular business meeting at 7 p.m. on April 4, 2018. Written comments can also be submitted to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 13.
 
The decision to provide the opportunity for public comment arose from a March 21 work session presentation and discussion about the UGB plan’s implementation. Feasibility studies assessed areas within Bend’s UGB that are most ready for development based on land-use characteristics, property tax and system development charge revenues, infrastructure capacity and costs, and input from taxing districts and City departments.  The full analysis is here.
 
The City Council requested an opportunity for public comment on the proposed UGB implementation prior to giving direction on how to proceed. Councilors are expected to provide direction on UGB implementation during their April 18 regular business meeting.
 
In November 2016, the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development approved the UGB plan for the City of Bend. The plan is a blend of infill and expansion. The expansion added 2,380 acres of land for housing and employment to the City’s UGB. Changes will arise gradually inside the current boundary and in the expansion areas.