21 episodes

BeatBeat is a collection of unfiltered conversations led by Brian Ladd with the optimistic leaders of Bend, Oregon, who made this all possible, and those who are looking to the future to solve our current challenges. Sponsored by The Ladd Group.

BendBEAT Brian Ladd

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 16 Ratings

BeatBeat is a collection of unfiltered conversations led by Brian Ladd with the optimistic leaders of Bend, Oregon, who made this all possible, and those who are looking to the future to solve our current challenges. Sponsored by The Ladd Group.

    Standing at the crossroads of growth

    Standing at the crossroads of growth

    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
     

    • 34 min
    Building Trust and Making Voices Heard: Mayor Melanie Kebler on Creating Authentic Dialogue Between the City and Residents

    Building Trust and Making Voices Heard: Mayor Melanie Kebler on Creating Authentic Dialogue Between the City and Residents

    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 
     

    • 36 min
    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - bendbeat welcomes Andrés Portela

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - bendbeat welcomes Andrés Portela

    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/

    • 40 min
    The Giving Plate is reimagining what food relief looks like

    The Giving Plate is reimagining what food relief looks like

    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
     

    • 41 min
    Value-driven Vision for Bend's growth - Brian Rankin, Long Range Planning Manager for Bend, Oregon

    Value-driven Vision for Bend's growth - Brian Rankin, Long Range Planning Manager for Bend, Oregon

    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.
     

    • 39 min
    Building a City for the Future - A discussion with Bend's City Manager, Eric King

    Building a City for the Future - A discussion with Bend's City Manager, Eric King

    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.
     

    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
16 Ratings

16 Ratings

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