Inside Deschutes County

Deschutes County
  • 4.8 (6)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Deschutes County is in the heart of Central Oregon, located between the towering Cascade Mountains to the west and the high desert plateau to the east. The county encompasses 3,055 square miles of scenic beauty, mild climate, diverse recreational opportunities and a growing economy. Join us as we discuss the exciting progress and growth of our area.

  1. JAN 30

    Lessons From a Career in Solid Waste and Public Service

    In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, Solid Waste Director Tim Brownell reflects on his career in public service and the evolution of Deschutes County’s solid waste system as he prepares for retirement. The conversation covers how the system works day to day, key milestones during his tenure, and the challenges of managing waste for a growing community. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how local waste management affects daily life and the long-term planning needed to keep the system running effectively.

    34 min

  2. JAN 13

    Emergency Management and Winter Readiness

    In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, Ben Duda, Emergency Manager with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, explains how the County prepares for winter storms, wildfires and other large-scale incidents. Even when winter is slow to begin, planning and coordination continue behind the scenes to keep the community ready. The discussion also covers how alerts and warnings are issued and practical steps community members can take to stay informed and prepared.

    25 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    Recycling Updates, Holiday Sorting, and a Quiz

    In this episode, Jackie Wilson from Deschutes County Solid Waste shares updates on the County’s expanding recycling options and the broader recycling modernization effort underway. The conversation also looks at why this is such a busy time for Solid Waste, with more waste and recycling generated during the holidays, and wraps up with a fun Recycle or Trash quiz to help clear up some common recycling questions.

    35 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    A Conversation With Deschutes County’s New Health Services Director

    In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, we talk with the County’s new Health Services Director, Holly Harris. She shares what drew her to the role, her background in behavioral health, and how those experiences shape her approach to leading one of the County’s largest and most complex departments. She also offers her perspective on the work ahead and her vision for how Health Services can best support the community.

    28 min

  5. 11/07/2025

    Changes to County Outdoor Lighting Rules

    How dark should the night sky be in Deschutes County? In this episode, we talk with Tanya Saltzman from the Community Development Department about new lighting standards that take effect Dec. 23. Then, Chris Hill and Bill Kowalik from Dark Sky Oregon join the conversation to share why protecting our night skies matters for wildlife, human health, and our view of the stars.

    37 min

  6. 10/27/2025

    Understanding the County Budget

    In this episode, we take a closer look at how the County budget comes together. With property tax statements recently going out, it’s a good time to ask how Deschutes County decides where those dollars go. Commissioner Tony DeBone, Chief Financial Officer Robert Tintle, and Budget and Financial Planning Manager Cam Sparks break down how the County budget works, what drives it, and why transparency matters.

    35 min

  7. 09/29/2025

    Vaccines and Respiratory Health in Central Oregon

    In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, we sit down with Dr. Richard Fawcett, Deschutes County Health Officer, and Sarah Van Meter, Immunization Program Coordinator, to talk about vaccines and the upcoming respiratory season. They share what community members should know about flu, COVID-19, and RSV, along with updates on vaccine access in Central Oregon.

    32 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    The Courthouse Expansion Project

    In this episode, we take a closer look at the Deschutes County Courthouse expansion. Facilities Director Lee Randall and Capital Improvement Manager Eric Nielsen walk us through the next big milestones and what’s ahead for construction.  Presiding Judge Wells Ashby also shares what the expansion means for those who work in the courthouse, reminding us it’s not just about bricks and steel but about creating a space that supports fairness, access, and the people at the heart of our justice system.

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Deschutes County is in the heart of Central Oregon, located between the towering Cascade Mountains to the west and the high desert plateau to the east. The county encompasses 3,055 square miles of scenic beauty, mild climate, diverse recreational opportunities and a growing economy. Join us as we discuss the exciting progress and growth of our area.

Information

  • Creator
    Deschutes County
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Inside Deschutes County