The City of Bend is hosting a Neighborhood Districts Roundtable with Southern Crossing, Southwest Bend and Century West Neighborhood Districts which brings together City Councilors, City staff and community representatives to discuss issues, opportunities, and priorities affecting our neighborhoods. A survey was conducted last month to help shape that discussion, thanks to everyone who responded.

There were 200 respondents, with 111 of those from Southern Crossing. Not surprisingly, the top issues were around traffic congestion and wildfire evacuation planning, which are the issues the SCNA Board has been raising with the City. Your survey responses help highlight that to City leadership.

Below are the results of the multiple-choice questions. Respondents could highlight two issues in each question.

On the topic of growth and infrastructure needs, the top responses were:

1. Transportation improvements: 112
2. Parks and open space: 102
3. Environmental protection: 68

When asked about transportation as our area grows, the top answers were:

1. Traffic Congestion: 138
2. Better traffic enforcement: 58
3. Multi-use paths or bike lanes: 55

When thinking about household preparedness, the top needs were:

1. Evacuation planning: 142
2. Home wildfire risk assessment: 64
3. Emergency preparedness guides: 60

Thinking about your neighborhood and fire safety and prevention, the top items were:

1. Improved egress for a large-scale evacuation: 138
2. Participating in neighborhood evacuation planning: 69
3. Participating in community cleanup: 68

The following is from a survey summary prepared by the City’s Communications & Engagement Department showing what is being given to City leadership. (You can download the full City summary here.)

Overall Interpretation

The comments reveal a clear tension between accommodating growth and protecting the qualities residents already value. Respondents are not focused on growth alone. They are asking how growth will affect:

• Wildfire evacuation
• Daily traffic and emergency response
• Parking and neighborhood streets
• Trees and wildlife habitat
• River and trail access
• Quiet and neighborhood character
• Trust in City decision-making

The most consistent message is: coordinate development with infrastructure, evacuation planning, environmental protection, and meaningful public engagement.