Projects in Progress
The Midtown Crossings Project
The Midtown Crossings Project will unite the east and west sides of Bend via enhanced pedestrian crossings on Greenwood Avenue, Franklin Avenue, and Hawthorne Avenue. The project will include lane reconfigurations, protected bike facilities, and updated transit stops. This new infrastructure will improve connectivity between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses, and encourage private development in the Core Area.
The Hawthorne Overcrossing is a planned pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting the east and west sides of Bend over Highway 97 and the BNSF railroad. It aims to provide a safe, efficient route for non-motorized travel, enhancing accessibility and connectivity.
The Franklin and Greenwood Undercrossings are being upgraded to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. Enhancements include better lighting, widened sidewalks, and protected bike lanes.
The 2nd Street improvements involve upgrading the stretch of 2nd Street between Franklin Avenue and Greenwood Avenue with safer pedestrian crossings, better bike lanes, and upgraded intersections. These changes are designed to improve safety and support increased foot traffic — vital for the success of local businesses and community amenities.
Funding Sources
On November 3, 2020, Bend voters approved Transportation Bond Measure 9-135. Recognizing congestion and neighborhood safety as top priorities, the community collaborated with the City to design a list of projects that received voter approval. This bond measure will fund priority projects across the city, enhancing traffic flow, improving east-west connections, and increasing neighborhood safety.
The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program provides federal funding for infrastructure projects that promote economic development, improve safety, and enhance sustainability. $19.56 million in funds from the RAISE program have been awarded to build the Hawthorne Overcrossing.
The All Roads Transportation Safety Program (ARTS) is a statewide initiative aimed at enhancing safety on all public roads in Oregon. This competitive program focuses on implementing cost-effective and proven safety measures, supported by federal and state funds from the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a federal funding initiative aimed at helping communities recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, foster economic growth, and ensure long-term resilience. This support includes investments in public facilities, critical infrastructure, and community development projects.
The state legislature allocated $5 million for the Hawthorne Overcrossing through House Bill 5030, in which funds are allocated to local priorities across Oregon.
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a strategic tool that executes the district's Comprehensive Plan, concentrating on the acquisition and development of parks, trails, and recreation facilities.
The Catalyst
The Catalyst will serve as a dynamic community hub at the intersection of 2nd Street and Hawthorne Avenue, anchoring a new corridor of activity in the Bend Central District. This innovative development will feature a mix of local businesses, including the Dogwood Cocktail Cabin, diverse food truck pods, and a public plaza for community gatherings. By fostering an environment of creativity and connection, The Catalyst will drive revitalization efforts, encouraging new business and residential growth and serving as the vibrant center of the east side complement to downtown.
The Core Area Project
In 2019 and 2020, the City and the Bend Urban Renewal Agency collaborated with the community to develop a unified vision and action plan for the Core Areas of the City. The Core Area encompasses four of the nine opportunity areas identified in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan as suitable for new growth, one of which is the Bend Central District.
Tools for Revitalization
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Tax Increment Financing is a public financing method used to subsidize redevelopment, infrastructure, and other community improvement projects. The TIF plan for the Core Area Plan, approved by the Bend City Council, is projected to generate up to $195 million by 2050. This investment aims to direct future tax revenue increases into a dedicated fund for district improvements.
Opportunity Zone Designation
Opportunity zones are designated areas in economically distressed communities where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Established by the U.S. Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, their purpose is to spur economic development and job creation in these communities. Investors can defer capital gains taxes on their investments in qualified opportunity funds that are used to finance projects in these zones. If the investments are held for a minimum of ten years, investors can potentially exclude any new gains from taxes.
Local Grants
The Core Area Business Assistance Program provides grants to local businesses for building improvements, enhancing both the appearance and operations of businesses within the Core Area.
The Bend Sustainability Fund makes investments in projects that create sustainable experiences in the community. Since its inception, $2,980,000 has been awarded to 25 projects.
Additional Resources
The Bend Comprehensive Plan guides the city’s growth using 20-year forecasts for population, housing, and employment. These forecasts ensure that Bend will have sufficient land for housing, jobs, schools, and parks.
The Bend Bikeway Project enhances safety for pedestrians and cyclists, creating better connections between neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, parks, and trails throughout the city.
Addresses the planning requirements for the city's housing needs, including an inventory of buildable lands, analysis of demographic and economic trends, and recommendations for mix and density of needed housing types.
