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Reflecting on 2025: Bend & Central Oregon Mayors Celebrate Grit, Growth, and Community Partnerships Heading into 2026
Published 3 months, 3 weeks ago
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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Wednesday, December 31.
As we slide into the final hours of 2025, Central Oregon's mayors are reflecting on a year of grit and growth that hit home for all of us. Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler highlights how the city wrapped up 140 affordable housing units, easing the pinch for families with more projects brewing and rents finally stabilizing thanks to smart code tweaks. They added 25 safe parking spots, creating 36 beds to help folks step out of homelessness, while road upgrades from the Transportation Go Bond are smoothing traffic at spots like the Reed Market roundabout and safer crossings for bikers and walkers. Wildfire prep ramped up too, with over 850 risk assessments done—eight times last year's pace—arming neighbors against smoke season threats. Redmond's Ed Fitch cheers new builds like a police station, library, and upcoming rec center, plus traffic fixes on the Eastside arterial and water-saving turf removals that slash 15 million gallons yearly. Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz celebrates community partnerships powering events like the Folk Festival and Rodeo, alongside Gateway Park's mobility hub and wildfire-ready codes, proving small-town teamwork tackles big housing and storm woes head-on.[1]
Fires grabbed headlines lately—Bend Fire & Rescue contained a kitchen blaze on NE Vail Lane to minor damage, crediting quick smoke alarms and 911 calls that saved a renter's home, with Red Cross stepping in. A garage EV fire on NW Terra Meadow just before Christmas was knocked out fast, sparing holiday gifts despite toxic smoke risks, underscoring why those fire barriers in modern garages matter. No injuries, but a reminder to test your alarms.[2]
Tonight's the night to ring in 2026 Bend-style. Hoodoo Ski Area throws a family bash with the Easy Rider lift spinning 4 to 9pm, live tunes from Leroy and the Sidekicks, fireworks at 9:20, and lodge vibes till midnight—non-skiers welcome before they close for snow.[4] Downtown, snag New Year's Eve Pop-Up grub from Chef Adrien Calmels 5 to 10:30pm.[2] Riverhouse Lodge hosts a Cocktail Social from 6pm into the new year.[6] Dance it up at Midtown Ballroom with The Hasbens and Call Down Thunder till 2am,[10] or glam out at Eleganza's queer extravaganza at Dogwood in the Pine Shed starting 8pm, complete with champagne and VIP perks.[8] McMenamins packs dancing, live music, and a midnight toast,[12] while Mt. Bachelor Nordic lights luminaria trails for a magical ski under the stars.[13] Start your day right with the free New Year Botany Walk along Deschutes River Trail at Riverbend Park, 10am to noon, spotting winter wonders.[5]
This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
For more http://www.quietplease.ai
Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
As we slide into the final hours of 2025, Central Oregon's mayors are reflecting on a year of grit and growth that hit home for all of us. Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler highlights how the city wrapped up 140 affordable housing units, easing the pinch for families with more projects brewing and rents finally stabilizing thanks to smart code tweaks. They added 25 safe parking spots, creating 36 beds to help folks step out of homelessness, while road upgrades from the Transportation Go Bond are smoothing traffic at spots like the Reed Market roundabout and safer crossings for bikers and walkers. Wildfire prep ramped up too, with over 850 risk assessments done—eight times last year's pace—arming neighbors against smoke season threats. Redmond's Ed Fitch cheers new builds like a police station, library, and upcoming rec center, plus traffic fixes on the Eastside arterial and water-saving turf removals that slash 15 million gallons yearly. Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz celebrates community partnerships powering events like the Folk Festival and Rodeo, alongside Gateway Park's mobility hub and wildfire-ready codes, proving small-town teamwork tackles big housing and storm woes head-on.[1]
Fires grabbed headlines lately—Bend Fire & Rescue contained a kitchen blaze on NE Vail Lane to minor damage, crediting quick smoke alarms and 911 calls that saved a renter's home, with Red Cross stepping in. A garage EV fire on NW Terra Meadow just before Christmas was knocked out fast, sparing holiday gifts despite toxic smoke risks, underscoring why those fire barriers in modern garages matter. No injuries, but a reminder to test your alarms.[2]
Tonight's the night to ring in 2026 Bend-style. Hoodoo Ski Area throws a family bash with the Easy Rider lift spinning 4 to 9pm, live tunes from Leroy and the Sidekicks, fireworks at 9:20, and lodge vibes till midnight—non-skiers welcome before they close for snow.[4] Downtown, snag New Year's Eve Pop-Up grub from Chef Adrien Calmels 5 to 10:30pm.[2] Riverhouse Lodge hosts a Cocktail Social from 6pm into the new year.[6] Dance it up at Midtown Ballroom with The Hasbens and Call Down Thunder till 2am,[10] or glam out at Eleganza's queer extravaganza at Dogwood in the Pine Shed starting 8pm, complete with champagne and VIP perks.[8] McMenamins packs dancing, live music, and a midnight toast,[12] while Mt. Bachelor Nordic lights luminaria trails for a magical ski under the stars.[13] Start your day right with the free New Year Botany Walk along Deschutes River Trail at Riverbend Park, 10am to noon, spotting winter wonders.[5]
This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
For more http://www.quietplease.ai
Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI