BendBEAT Brian Ladd

Welcome to BendBeat Podcast!
In today's episode, we had the opportunity to talk with Chris & Erin van der Velde, better known as Tetherow. Brian Ladd took this opportunity to dive deep into the impact that the Tetherow resort has had in Bend, Oregon.
Tetherow encompasses 700 acres on Bend, Oregon’s west side. They boast a 50-room boutique hotel, pool, three restaurants, 40 vacation rental homes, event pavilion, an 18-hole golf course, golf academy and various residential neighborhoods. They ensure environmentally-sound philosophies and practices are integrated into nearly every aspect of the resort’s development.
In this podcast episode between Brian Ladd with Chris & Erin van der Velde, you’ll learn more about: - Chris & Erin van der Velde Origin Story and about being part of the Bend Community. - Tetherow History and growth - The impact that Tetherow had in the community. - Bend ups and downs and how much has it growth.

Welcome to our next episode of the BendBeat where Brian Ladd and Lynne McConnell  delve deep into the heart of Bend, Oregon's evolving landscape of affordable housing. With a clear vision that housing forms the foundation of success, this episode explores the myriad of inventive strategies the city of Bend is working on to ensure everyone has a place to call home. From leveraging middle-income housing programs to pioneering safe parking initiatives and bolstering state and federally supported shelters, Bend is on a mission to shape growth in ways that genuinely benefit its residents.

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
 

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 
 

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/

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