As Bend exceeds the population drem of its founders, City Club asked leaders and experts for their thoughts about reaching 100,000 and the challenges we face.
Bend’s goal to reach 100,100 residents began over 100 years ago. Bend’s historic Emblem Club (which would later evolve into the Bend Chamber of Commerce) had a goal to reach the much anticipated 100K population. In fact, members of the Emblem Club swore to wear a pin – an emblem – to show their support of growth. They wore it as a symbol and as a reminder to grow intentionally with building a thriving local economy, and the pursuit of happiness as a collective value and priority.
The Emblem Club’s reached its goal. The US Census estimates that Bend’s population surpassed 100,000 for the first time in 2019.
As present day Bend looks to the future, these City Club video Sparks explore what community leaders believe have been challenges over the past decade and what we may expect to see as Bend continues to exceed the population dreams of its founders. We’ll hear from city leaders and experts in various disciplines on their thoughts about Bend reaching 100,000. A figure the founding settlers of Bend had long hoped for as the wild west was booming all around them.
Bend City Manager’s Perspective
Eric King, Bend City Manager
The history of the Emblem Club
Kelly Cannon Miller, Executive Director, Deschutes Historical Society
Impact on Parks
Don Horton, Executive Director, Bend Parks & Recreation
Education System
Lora Nordquist, Acting Superintendent
Bend-La Pine School District
Neighborhood Communities
Tammy Baney, Executive Director
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council
Housing
Steve Klingman, CEO
Hayden Homes
Healthcare
Megan Haase, CEO
Mosaic Medical
Arts & Culture
Jason Graham, aka MOsley WOtta
City of Bend Creative Laureate
