Bend committee invited to transit work session; MPO outlines crash‑data TSAP update and 3D intersection models planned City staff invited COBAC to a March 11 transit work session to help reimagine local and regional transit; the Bend MPO previewed a Transportation Safety Action Plan update and consultants outlined a project to 3D‑print intersection models as tactile tools for people who are blind or low vision.

Bend is reimagining its transit system with exciting new initiatives, including 3D-printed intersection models designed for those who are blind or have low vision.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #PublicEngagement #BendAccessibility #InclusiveDesign

Bend accessibility advisory committee workshops 2026 work plan; members push biennial plan, letters and outreach, and raise parking and sidewalk concerns Members of the City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee debated annual versus biennial work plans, proposed restoring subgroups and quarterly meetings, and suggested advocacy actions including standardized letter-writing, walk-and-roll events, and awareness/enforcement around abusive accessible parking and sidewalk maintenance. Chair Halen moved to table the roundtable item and the committee approved the motion.

The Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee is shaking things up for 2026, pushing for a biennial work plan and tackling urgent issues like accessible parking and sidewalk maintenance.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #CommunityEngagement #AdvocacyActions #BendAccessibility

Bend MPO launches update to Transportation Safety Action Plan, forms broad advisory committee The board approved creation of a TSAP project advisory committee to guide a Safe Systems–based update, adding representatives from the Human Rights & Equity Commission and the Accessibility Advisory Committee to ensure outreach to people with disabilities and limited-English communities.

Bend MPO is taking bold steps to enhance community safety by forming a project advisory committee that prioritizes inclusivity and engagement for all, especially marginalized groups.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #CommunityEngagement #EquityInclusion #BendAccessibility

Councilor and accessibility manager update COBAC: equity review, vehicle-for-hire questions, crisis-response gains, and federal IDEA staffing cuts Councilor Ariel Mendez updated COBAC on the city’s equity program review, uncertainty over enforcement of federal vehicle-for-hire rules, and the community crisis response team’s drop in police-related calls. Accessibility & Equity Manager Cassandra reported concern about recent federal staff cuts to the Office of Special Education and local events

City Councilor Ariel Mendez reveals bold plans for improving accessibility and equity in Bend, but can the city enforce federal vehicle-for-hire laws without litigation?

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #BendAccessibility #EquityReview #MentalHealthResponse

Bend Council Acknowledges Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs During Meeting Council recognizes the original stewards of Bend, Oregon, during approval of meeting minutes.

The City of Bend's recent meeting honored the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, sparking vital discussions on cultural heritage and the importance of detailed documentation for community transparency.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #BendAccessibility #InclusivityCommitment

Cascades East Transit director Bob Townsend discusses transit fares and services in Bend Bob Townsend updates COBAC on transit fare issues and broader services in Central Oregon.

The City of Bend is taking bold steps to enhance community accessibility, with exciting new projects on the horizon and active participation from local stakeholders.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #BendAccessibility #CommunityEngagement #AccessibilityImprovement

Bend City Unveils Website Redesign Aimed at Improving Accessibility and User Experience City of Bend shares plans for a user-focused website redesign prioritizing accessibility features.

Bend is taking major strides towards inclusivity with a website redesign that prioritizes accessibility for all users, ensuring vital information is just a click away.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #UserExperience #BendAccessibility #DigitalInclusion #AccessibilityStandards

Central Oregon Council Approves New Transit Fare Structure After Pandemic Suspension Central Oregon intergovernmental council implements new transit fares after four years of no charges.

Bend's transit system is undergoing a major overhaul as new fare structures are introduced, raising concerns for low-income riders and those using paratransit services.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #BendAccessibility #CommunityOutreach #PublicTransit

Transit Leaders Address Dial-A-Ride System Usage Concerns in Redmond Officials discuss accessibility and funding challenges for Redmond's Dial-A-Ride service.

Bend's Accessibility Advisory Committee is tackling the Dial-A-Ride service's usage concerns, revealing a critical need for better public transit options in the region.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #BendAccessibility #TransitInfrastructure #EquitableAccess

New Mobility Programs Manager Derek Hoffbauer Emphasizes Accessibility in Bend Derek Hoffbauer discusses his new role focusing on mobility and accessibility enhancements.

Derek Hoffbauer is on a mission to transform mobility and accessibility in Bend, sparking optimism and collaboration within the community.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #BendAccessibility #MobilityInitiatives #CommunityEngagement #PublicTransitAccess

Bend City Council reallocates $800,000 for safety programming amid rising traffic fatalities Council approves budget amendment to enhance safety amid 33 percent rise in fatalities.

Bend City Council just reallocated $800,000 to tackle a shocking 33% increase in traffic fatalities, aiming to enhance safety measures across the community.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #LocalGovernance #BendAccessibility #CommunityEngagement #TrafficSafety

Full Access High Desert highlights transportation issues for individuals with disabilities Lisa from Full Access High Desert advocates for improved transportation accessibility for clients.

The City of Bend's Accessibility Advisory Committee is tackling urgent transportation issues for individuals with disabilities, highlighting the need for change and collaboration.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #BendAccessibility #CommunityInitiatives #DisabilityRights

Community raises awareness on dog attacks amid concerns in Bend Residents discuss frequent dog attacks and seek media attention on the issue.

A heartfelt discussion in Bend reveals the alarming frequency of dog attacks linked to the houseless community, as residents call for greater awareness and action.

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#BendDeschutesCounty #OR #BendAccessibility #PublicSafety #MediaAwareness #CommunityInclusivity