Our Vision for a Strong Community in the year 2030, Bend is a strong, respectful, connected community supported by a powerful community vision, open accessible leadership, collaborative community groups, and an ongoing engaged civic dialogue. The availability of family wage jobs and affordable housing in our community help promote opportunity and economic security. Our youth and seniors thrive because of extensive community commitment, involvement, and support. We celebrate openness and equality and show a respect for our growing cultural diversity. We perpetuate Bend’s small-town feel and sense of community through cohesive neighborhoods, awareness programs and support for our history, heritage and values, and gathering places where people can safely meet and connect.
KEY VISION ELEMENTS
COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE
1 – Community Vision and Action Plan. Bend uses its Vision and Action Plan to provide ongoing community direction. City elected officials and other community agencies use the community's vision and values to drive their missions, decisions and actions. The vision actions have been funded and accomplished through stakeholder commitment in the Action Plan.
2 – Bend 2030 Coalition. The citizens of Bend show ongoing support for a Bend 2030 coalition that works to monitor ongoing implementation of the Bend 2030 Vision and conducts periodic reviews with community input to ensure its dynamic adaptation over time.
3 – Citizen-Government Dialogue. Bend's leadership listens and learns from an ongoing dialogue with citizens, soliciting input from the wider community. Elected government officials are open, accessible, and accountable. There are ample opportunities for citizens to share their ideas and concerns and get involved, including an Annual Town Hall and interactive ‘virtual’ meetings.
4 – Public Meeting Spaces. Bend has assured a variety of appropriate, affordable venues are available to accommodate public meetings, including government agencies, civic and non-profit groups, and local business organizations.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
5 – Collaboration Among Community Groups. Bend's non-profit organizations work together to maximize limited resources for the good of the community. An umbrella foundation promotes greater collaboration among service clubs, neighborhood associations, volunteer organizations, religious organizations and community groups.
6 – Community Philanthropy. Bend has a great spirit of giving and growing support for civic participation. Bend’s philanthropic traditions and giving continue to shape and provide cohesion for the wider community.
7 – Active Volunteer Network. Bend has established an active volunteer network to match the community's many opportunities for volunteerism with an active, engaged citizenry – including youth and seniors.
8 – Community Support for Federal Lands. Bend’s surrounding federal lands have active community support for a common vision and land management goals that promote a sustainable local forest products industry, continue recreation opportunities, and protect cultural and natural resources. This vision is supported by both the economic and environmental communities.
INCLUSIVITY
9 – Opportunity for All Economic Levels. Bend promotes economic opportunity for all, knowing that a secure populace means a stronger community. Bend's sustainable economy, support for local business, tax structure, family wage jobs, affordable housing, and health care ensure that all groups are able to live here.
10 – Thriving Children and Youth. Bend provides numerous opportunities for children and youth to gather, connect and take part in healthy social activities, with youth-centered programs and facilities that include children and families, teens, parents and mentors. The City has a Youth Task Force and promotes youth involvement in programs that affect their lives.
11 – Honoring and Respecting Diversity and Equality. Bend honors its growing ethnic and cultural diversity, promoting respect and openness through education and awareness programs. Bend respects all points of view, encourages open dialogue, and supports equality.
12 – Active, Contributing Seniors. Bend's senior citizens are active, visible members of the community, integrated into every aspect of civic life. Seniors have excellent access to housing, health care, support services, facilities and programs. The community values, seeks and honors their collective wisdom.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
13 – Perpetuating Small-Town Feel. Bend continues to honor and perpetuate its small-town feel, cohesive neighborhoods, strong sense of community and quality of life. The community works together to maintain and enhance Bend's friendly, inviting atmosphere.
14 – Community History and Heritage. Bend supports local programs and institutions that preserve its historical buildings and key community features, to share its rich cultural heritage and ethnic traditions of Central Oregon.
15 – Community Gathering Places. Bend has established gathering places throughout the community and in every neighborhood where people can gather and connect safely.
1 – Community Vision and Action Plan. Bend uses its Vision and Action Plan to provide ongoing community direction. City elected officials and other community agencies use the community's vision and values to drive their missions, decisions and actions. The vision actions have been funded and accomplished through stakeholder commitment in the Action Plan.
2 – Bend 2030 Coalition. The citizens of Bend show ongoing support for a Bend 2030 coalition that works to monitor ongoing implementation of the Bend 2030 Vision and conducts periodic reviews with community input to ensure its dynamic adaptation over time.
3 – Citizen-Government Dialogue. Bend's leadership listens and learns from an ongoing dialogue with citizens, soliciting input from the wider community. Elected government officials are open, accessible, and accountable. There are ample opportunities for citizens to share their ideas and concerns and get involved, including an Annual Town Hall and interactive ‘virtual’ meetings.
4 – Public Meeting Spaces. Bend has assured a variety of appropriate, affordable venues are available to accommodate public meetings, including government agencies, civic and non-profit groups, and local business organizations.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
5 – Collaboration Among Community Groups. Bend's non-profit organizations work together to maximize limited resources for the good of the community. An umbrella foundation promotes greater collaboration among service clubs, neighborhood associations, volunteer organizations, religious organizations and community groups.
6 – Community Philanthropy. Bend has a great spirit of giving and growing support for civic participation. Bend’s philanthropic traditions and giving continue to shape and provide cohesion for the wider community.
7 – Active Volunteer Network. Bend has established an active volunteer network to match the community's many opportunities for volunteerism with an active, engaged citizenry – including youth and seniors.
8 – Community Support for Federal Lands. Bend’s surrounding federal lands have active community support for a common vision and land management goals that promote a sustainable local forest products industry, continue recreation opportunities, and protect cultural and natural resources. This vision is supported by both the economic and environmental communities.
INCLUSIVITY
9 – Opportunity for All Economic Levels. Bend promotes economic opportunity for all, knowing that a secure populace means a stronger community. Bend's sustainable economy, support for local business, tax structure, family wage jobs, affordable housing, and health care ensure that all groups are able to live here.
10 – Thriving Children and Youth. Bend provides numerous opportunities for children and youth to gather, connect and take part in healthy social activities, with youth-centered programs and facilities that include children and families, teens, parents and mentors. The City has a Youth Task Force and promotes youth involvement in programs that affect their lives.
11 – Honoring and Respecting Diversity and Equality. Bend honors its growing ethnic and cultural diversity, promoting respect and openness through education and awareness programs. Bend respects all points of view, encourages open dialogue, and supports equality.
12 – Active, Contributing Seniors. Bend's senior citizens are active, visible members of the community, integrated into every aspect of civic life. Seniors have excellent access to housing, health care, support services, facilities and programs. The community values, seeks and honors their collective wisdom.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
13 – Perpetuating Small-Town Feel. Bend continues to honor and perpetuate its small-town feel, cohesive neighborhoods, strong sense of community and quality of life. The community works together to maintain and enhance Bend's friendly, inviting atmosphere.
14 – Community History and Heritage. Bend supports local programs and institutions that preserve its historical buildings and key community features, to share its rich cultural heritage and ethnic traditions of Central Oregon.
15 – Community Gathering Places. Bend has established gathering places throughout the community and in every neighborhood where people can gather and connect safely.
