This Summer, the City of Bend announced it is reaching out to eligible landowners to offer them a one-time option to incorporate up to 100 additional acres of residential land to their urban growth boundary. This expansion will provide the needed acreage for the construction of many amenities that will support the future residents, such as parks, schools, commercial spaces, and roads.
Earlier this year, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 1537 (SB 1537), a transformative bill designed to encourage housing development in regions where the shortage is most acute. Bend is such an area. The bill grants Bend and other local governments the power to expedite its Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion by up to 100 acres, allowing for the development of many necessary amenities that support affordable housing developments.
The need for affordable housing is clear. In Bend, housing costs have become a significant barrier for many residents. Only 8% of the local workforce can afford a home in the area. According to KTVZ News Channel 21, Bend is ranked 179 out of 203 cities in the number of households with affordable housing costs.
As Bend continues to grow, this urban growth boundary expansion presents an example of a positive legislative step that city and state governments have taken toward resolving the city’s housing challenges. The opportunity created by SB 1537 reflects the state’s dedication to addressing Oregon’s housing shortage through innovative and localized solutions.
The City of Bend is actively seeking applications from eligible landowners and developers committed to affordable housing. Interested parties will need to demonstrate a vision for creating sustainable, community-centered housing solutions that align with the city’s priorities. Successful applicants will play a key role in shaping Bend’s future and making homeownership and affordable rent accessible to more residents.
For more information on how to apply, developers and landowners can visit the City of Bend’s official website or reach out to the city’s planning department.
For over 30 years, The Foundation for Affordable Housing (FFAH) has been helping to build and manage hundreds of affordable housing communities accounting for thousands of homes.
Founded by Tom and Deborrah Willard, our organization is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public benefit nonprofit corporation. Read more about FFAH here.
