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Bend Budget Boosts Public Safety, Central Oregon Gives Kicks Off, & New Shops Coming to Town
Published 5 months, 2 weeks ago
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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Thursday, November 6th, 2025.
It’s a brisk fall morning in Central Oregon, and the city of Bend is buzzing with new developments as we look ahead to the colder months. The big headline today is Bend’s new two-year budget. City leaders have unveiled a one point four eight billion dollar plan to keep up with our rapid growth. With a population now topping one hundred four thousand, public safety is taking center stage, funding nearly one hundred seventy police employees and over one hundred fifty fire and rescue staff. The city’s also prioritizing infrastructure—think over nine hundred eighty miles of sewer and water lines and almost a thousand miles of streets. As Bend expands, Mayor Melanie Kebler says this spending will help residents see real change, from safer neighborhoods to investments in future housing and transportation. If you want to weigh in on city priorities, keep an eye out for public engagement opportunities as the capital plan moves forward.
Local generosity takes the spotlight today as the Central Oregon Gives campaign officially kicks off. For those new to the region, this annual effort raises funds for more than eighty nonprofits across everything from housing and mental health to the environment and animal welfare. Donors can visit centraloregongives.com, pick their favorite causes, and—bonus—every gift over twenty five dollars earns you a treat from local businesses like Backporch Coffee or Cascade Lakes Brewing. If you have kids or are under twenty-one, check out the Family Giving program, which offers extra rewards and lets young people get involved in philanthropy. Last year, this campaign topped a million in donations, all of which went straight to area nonprofits. There are cash prizes for the top fundraisers and plenty of chances to support your neighbors in need.
If you’re feeling festive, there are several happenings around town today and this weekend. From five thirty to seven this evening, Flowers by Eryn is hosting a fall drop-in floral arranging happy hour where you can build your own bouquet, a fun way to add some autumn color to your home. Tonight also brings Pollinator Trivia at the Broken Top Bottle Shop—bring your nature knowledge and win some prizes alongside a pint. And for those looking for a little adventure, the Ultimate Scavenger runs all week in Redmond, with new hunts and clues daily for the family or a group of friends.
Looking a bit ahead, tomorrow night French string quartet Quatuor Agate performs in Bend, and don’t forget Bourbon and Bellows at Silver Moon Brewing later this month for an evening of blues and gypsy jazz. Meanwhile, there’s exciting news for fans of pop culture: Pika Pika, a new Asian-inspired collectible shop and cafe, is opening soon on Bond Street, promising everything from designer toys to plushies and bubble tea.
In community news, local health care providers are joining forces with a reminder to get your flu and COVID vaccines as the winter respiratory virus season ramps up. Clinics across town are offering shots, and the message is clear—stay healthy and protect the people around you. And speaking of community efforts, the Deschutes County Sheriff kicks off his first town hall tonight in La Pine, the start of a regional listening tour aimed at strengthening ties and bringing your concerns straight to local law enforcement leadership.
Finally, a big happy birthday to KTVZ News, celebrating forty-eight years on the air serving Central Oregon. Through changes and growth, they’ve been right here sharing your stories.
That’s what’s happening this Thursday—from major city investments to neighborly giving, fall festivities and new businesses, Bend is full of life and possibilities. This has been Bend Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
For more ht
It’s a brisk fall morning in Central Oregon, and the city of Bend is buzzing with new developments as we look ahead to the colder months. The big headline today is Bend’s new two-year budget. City leaders have unveiled a one point four eight billion dollar plan to keep up with our rapid growth. With a population now topping one hundred four thousand, public safety is taking center stage, funding nearly one hundred seventy police employees and over one hundred fifty fire and rescue staff. The city’s also prioritizing infrastructure—think over nine hundred eighty miles of sewer and water lines and almost a thousand miles of streets. As Bend expands, Mayor Melanie Kebler says this spending will help residents see real change, from safer neighborhoods to investments in future housing and transportation. If you want to weigh in on city priorities, keep an eye out for public engagement opportunities as the capital plan moves forward.
Local generosity takes the spotlight today as the Central Oregon Gives campaign officially kicks off. For those new to the region, this annual effort raises funds for more than eighty nonprofits across everything from housing and mental health to the environment and animal welfare. Donors can visit centraloregongives.com, pick their favorite causes, and—bonus—every gift over twenty five dollars earns you a treat from local businesses like Backporch Coffee or Cascade Lakes Brewing. If you have kids or are under twenty-one, check out the Family Giving program, which offers extra rewards and lets young people get involved in philanthropy. Last year, this campaign topped a million in donations, all of which went straight to area nonprofits. There are cash prizes for the top fundraisers and plenty of chances to support your neighbors in need.
If you’re feeling festive, there are several happenings around town today and this weekend. From five thirty to seven this evening, Flowers by Eryn is hosting a fall drop-in floral arranging happy hour where you can build your own bouquet, a fun way to add some autumn color to your home. Tonight also brings Pollinator Trivia at the Broken Top Bottle Shop—bring your nature knowledge and win some prizes alongside a pint. And for those looking for a little adventure, the Ultimate Scavenger runs all week in Redmond, with new hunts and clues daily for the family or a group of friends.
Looking a bit ahead, tomorrow night French string quartet Quatuor Agate performs in Bend, and don’t forget Bourbon and Bellows at Silver Moon Brewing later this month for an evening of blues and gypsy jazz. Meanwhile, there’s exciting news for fans of pop culture: Pika Pika, a new Asian-inspired collectible shop and cafe, is opening soon on Bond Street, promising everything from designer toys to plushies and bubble tea.
In community news, local health care providers are joining forces with a reminder to get your flu and COVID vaccines as the winter respiratory virus season ramps up. Clinics across town are offering shots, and the message is clear—stay healthy and protect the people around you. And speaking of community efforts, the Deschutes County Sheriff kicks off his first town hall tonight in La Pine, the start of a regional listening tour aimed at strengthening ties and bringing your concerns straight to local law enforcement leadership.
Finally, a big happy birthday to KTVZ News, celebrating forty-eight years on the air serving Central Oregon. Through changes and growth, they’ve been right here sharing your stories.
That’s what’s happening this Thursday—from major city investments to neighborly giving, fall festivities and new businesses, Bend is full of life and possibilities. This has been Bend Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
For more ht