Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - bendbeat welcomes Andrés Portela

The subjects of Oregon land use laws, the urban growth boundary, and zoning all take center stage in this informative conversation between Brian Ladd and Deschutes County Commissioner, Phil Chang. Commissioner Chang is giving us an inside look at how Bend is a driving force in the decisions that are made for Deschutes County as a whole. 

Serving as one of Deschutes County Commissioners since 2019, Commissioner Chang shares how his history as a long-time resident and extensive education and experience working in natural resources management have shaped his ideas and perspective on sustainable growth for the city of Bend. 

In this podcast episode between Brian Ladd and Commissioner Phil Chang, you’ll learn more about:

• Phil Chang’s education and background

• Growth management and land use 

• Environmental impact

• Land use laws in Oregon and zoning

• Deschutes County’s urban growth boundary 

• A commissioner’s role in serving the county

• Decisions that County Commissioners face

Bend’s city leaders are marching in the same direction and Mayor Melanie Kebler is at the front of the pack representing the voices of Bend’s residents. As a Bend native, Mayor Kebler returned to her hometown and is matching her love for the city with her passion for leadership. As the city’s Mayor, Kebler is hopeful that the city leader’s unified vision will help Bend grow into its new skin by creating more opportunities for residents to engage and build trust with city staff. 

Brian asks Mayor Kebler to address several hot topics and key issues Bend is facing today. Listen to their conversation to learn more about Mayor Kebler’s perspective on these points and more. 

• Housing affordability, types, and inventory issues 

• Tax exemptions for multiple units program. This program helps make certain projects that qualify, viable for developers in the City of Bend.  

• Excitement for relocating City Hall and building a new campus in the Bend central district of town. 

• Transportation and the Neighborhood Safe Streets program. 

• City staff going into Bend neighborhoods for meetings to discuss their ideas and challenges

• Human rights and equity commission 

Brian is joined by Andrés Portela, Bend’s new Director of Equity and Inclusion.

Learn more about Bend’s Human Rights and Equity Commission: https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/committees/human-rights-and-equity-commission

Connect with Andres: https://www.instagram.com/portelainbend/

Brian Ladd sits down with Ranae Staley, Executive Director of Bend's local food pantry, The Giving Plate. Their mission is deeply rooted in compassion and hospitality, and they take a special interest in helping Central Oregon's food-insecure youth. Learn more about the staggering number of people, our neighbors, who are silently struggling as communities across Central Oregon face ongoing affordability challenges. 

Learn more and donate today - 

https://www.thegivingplate.org/donate

Brian Ladd is joined by Brian Rankin, the Long Range Planning Manager for the City of Bend, in our latest BendBeat episode. They explore the impact of Oregon's latest housing bill, which opens doors to more diverse and affordable housing options for Bend residents. While the city plays a role in helping fund affordable housing, given Bend's urgent housing needs, the state has stepped in to relax regulations on converting traditional homes into multi-family units (ADUs, duplexes, triplexes, etc.) to increase the supply of affordable, multi-family housing in Bend. Many of these new regulations were not permissible by the state before, so these significant changes are relatively new, and time will tell how it all plays out.

Rankin also delves into the concept of "complete communities," which is reshaping Bend's present and future neighborhoods. This idea, originally conceived by city planners in the 90s, is gradually becoming a reality. Its goal is to create neighborhoods with a blend of amenities that allow residents to live comfortably within their community without the need for extensive travel.

These topics and more are covered in this dynamic conversation that sheds light on how the city hopes to address Bend’s "growing pains" with a vision for developing a city for everyone.

Brian Ladd talks to Eric King, Bend's City Manager for the past 16+ years. Get the inside scoop on how Bend is tackling pressing issues like homelessness, affordable housing, and evolving culture.

Despite the challenges, Eric exudes optimism, relying on Bend's entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative networks to conquer these urban dilemmas.

In this episode, discover Bend's strategies and insights on:

• Formation of a Human Rights and Equity Commission 

• Emphasis on collective efforts involving local government agencies, nonprofits, and the business community.

• Exciting changes in Bend's future.

• Building a stronger community through understanding diverse perspectives.

• The value of slowing down to foster human connections.

• An innovative Block Party Trailer initiative to unite neighborhoods.

• The enduring commitment to maintaining a culture of warmth and openness.

Join us in the captivating 14th episode of Bend Beat, as we sit down with the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Chris and Marianne Cox. This engaging podcast unveils the inspiring journey of two remarkable entrepreneurs who have left an indelible mark on their beloved community.

Episode Highlights:

• Entrepreneurial Insights: Get an exclusive peek into the entrepreneurial minds of Chris and Marianne Cox. Discover how they started their business ventures and what drove them to success in Bend.

• Bend's Changing Landscape: As Bend evolves, so do its challenges. Chris candidly discusses how the city's transformation affects his businesses and the hurdles they face in a city with rising living and operating costs.

• Marianne's Animal Welfare Crusade: Hear Marianne's heartfelt journey from entrepreneur to animal welfare champion. Learn how she founded Street Dog Hero, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to rescuing and caring for street dogs around the world. Discover the incredible impact this organization has had on both dogs and their communities.

• Navigating Non-Profit Territory: Marianne shares the challenges and rewards of running Street Dog Hero and her mission to make the world a better place for animals and communities through rescue, adoption, wellness, spaying/neutering, and education.

• The Decision to Sell: Dive deep into the pivotal moment when Chris and his partners made the decision to sell 10 Barrel Brewing Company. Understand the thought process behind this significant move and its impact on the business. 

• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Chris and Marianne offer invaluable insights and advice for budding entrepreneurs in Bend and beyond. Learn about the determination and work ethic that have propelled them to success.

Bend Beat is not just a podcast; it's heartfelt conversations with individuals who have made a profound difference in our Central Oregon community. Join us as we explore inspiring journeys, the challenges that many have faced and overcome, and the unwavering commitment these community leaders are making to help make Bend a better place for all.

This podcast tells the inspiring story of entrepreneur, Preston Callicott, a Bend, Oregon resident who became civically active after his employees struggled to find affordable housing. Follow along as he works to make a positive change in his community and helps to address a pressing issue facing many entrepreneurs and businesses in Bend today. 

"Planning sustainably and being good stewards for the next generation." City council member, Anthony Broadman, sits down with Brian Ladd to discuss the challenges ahead of Bend in the midst of exponential growth, and how to manage it. 

Our latest podcast release introduces Anna Higgins, Assistant Superintendent at High Desert Education Service District in Bend, Oregon. Anna and Brian unfold the story of this organization, how they service our local education system, and how they have become the bridge between the community and school district.