Our Vision for a Vibrant Economy In the year 2030, Bend has a diversified economy that provides healthy work environments and sufficient living wage jobs to support our local population. Our economic vision has attracted people, resources, and investment focused on diverse industries that offer economic opportunity, longevity in the global market, and a clean and sustainable environment. Bend is a leader in ‘green' building materials and technology, and sustainable energy. An established university and a research center in Bend promote creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship that empower and advance a skilled and competitive local workforce. Our access to the global marketplace is efficient and viable due to enhancements of local and regional communications and transportation systems including air, rail, highways, and alternative modes of travel.
KEY VISION ELEMENTS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1 – Incentives for Healthy Economic Growth. Bend has worked to develop and implement a comprehensive regional approach that provides incentives to foster healthy economic growth.
2 – Living Wage Jobs. The Bend economy produces a sufficient number of living wage jobs to support its population, offering all local residents the opportunity to achieve a basic standard of living.
3 – Targeted Industries. Bend has a comprehensive program to recruit, retain and expand targeted business and industry, focusing on diverse and desirable industries that provide economic opportunity, longevity in the global market, and a clean environment.
4 –Intellectual Capital. Bend uses its intellectual capital as a catalyst to build success within economic clusters. A business campus links workplaces with research and development, manufacturing and marketing.
5– Support for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs. Bend promotes and supports its existing and potential small businesses and entrepreneurs with information, technical assistance and resources.
BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE
6 – Transportation Access. Regional transportation access and efficiency in Central Oregon has been increased through comprehensive enhancements to air and rail service, a new interstate system, the local highway system, and north-south and east-west arterial roads and commuter options.
7 – Available Industrial and Commercial Lands. Bend maintains an ample supply of available serviced industrial and commercial land that enhances business recruitment and allows for the expansion of existing businesses.
8 – Robust Communication infrastructure. Bend is served by a robust communication and technology infrastructure that supports business, government, education and citizen needs. Residents are fully connected locally, regionally, statewide, nationally and globally. The communication network offers competitive costs and is easily accessible throughout the region.
WORKFORCE
9 – Workforce Education and Training. Bend's local educational infrastructure supports its future economic needs and provides a skilled labor pool for local businesses and targeted industries. The community has expanded higher education programs and facilities, professional technical education, and trade school and training programs, providing the local and migratory workforce with improved employment opportunities.
10 – Safe, Healthy Work Environments. Bend has safe and healthy work environments that are drug-free, boost employee morale, productivity and knowledge, and enhance the quality of their products and services.
SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIES
11 – Tourism Benefits to Community. Bend promotes and supports year-round tourism based on its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors to Bend find a diverse mix of attractions including arts and culture, sports, clean air and water and environmentally focused tours and programs.
12 – ‘Green’ Building Leader. Bend is a nationally recognized leader in the research, development, manufacture and application of environmentally friendly ‘green’ building materials and technology.
13 – Investment in Sustainable Energy. Bend is a leader in developing sustainable energy and associated technologies. Bend has promoted and attracted substantial investment in the development and production of renewable and sustainable energy which supports economic growth.
14 – Health-Conscious Businesses. Bend uses its natural environment and healthy lifestyles to attract and develop holistic, health-conscious businesses. Such investment inspires community interest in preserving Bend’s scenic assets, environmental quality, and sustainable practices.
