Thank you for subscribing to the Inside Deschutes County E-Newsletter! Here's what's making news across the County:

New North County Campus Opens in Redmond

On Friday, Jan. 12, Deschutes County opened its new North County campus in Redmond. The campus, which is located at 236 and 244 Kingwood, houses a variety of Deschutes County services, including Behavioral Health, Public Health and Veterans’ Services. County services will be offered alongside co-located primary care services provided by Mosaic Community Health.

Community partners and County staff gathered for a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new campus and offer public tours.

The County’s decision to invest in a new North County campus came as a direct response to the growing population and needs of the Redmond and surrounding community. It also provides much needed space for many Health Services programs that were outgrowing the space they previously occupied.

Health Services Reports Increase in Overdose Fatalities

Deschutes County Health Services has identified a recent increase in overdose fatalities and want to alert those who use substances and their families and friends to take additional precautions. 

Four overdose fatalities within a six-day period appear to be linked to the use of fentanyl and in combination with other substances. Please be aware of the signs of overdose.

For information about opioids, fentanyl, and response visit www.deschutes.org/stopoverdose.

The 2024 Legislative Session will convene on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, and run through Sunday, March 10, 2024. During even-numbered years, session is limited to 35 calendar days and is referred to as the short session. 

This upcoming Legislative Session presents an opportunity to support and advocate on topics and issues impacting Deschutes County. The County’s legislative budget and policy priorities for the short session include:

• Housing/Homelessness
• Ballot Measure 110 Reform
• Community Corrections
• Behavioral Health/Mental Health
• Groundwater Issues
• Transportation System Funding

Planning Commission and Facilities Project Review Committee Openings

Deschutes County seeks applications from residents who are interested in serving on the County’s Planning Commission. Applications will be accepted until Friday, February 9, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

The Planning Commission reviews land use policy and zoning regulations and makes recommendations to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Members are the official citizen involvement committee on land use planning for the unincorporated area of the County, providing a forum for community input.

There is one vacancy on the Planning Commission for an at large member that does not live in the city of Bend, La Pine, Redmond or Sisters. The at large member will complete a term from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027.

Here is a link to a video from Community Development Director, Peter Gutowsky, talking about the opportunity.

Deschutes County is also accepting applications from interested community members to serve on its Facility Project Review Committee.

The Facility Project Review Committee provides recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on pending and upcoming County building and facility projects, as requested by the Board.

The County is seeking applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds, including residents with experience in commercial and public sector general contracting, architecture, real estate, commercial building cost estimating, developer, and public sector project management.

Here is a link to a video from Facilities Director, Lee Randall, talking about these opportunities.

Deschutes County relies on volunteers to support many important committees which benefit Deschutes County residents. Click on the links below for a list of current volunteer openings or for a list of committees and their members appointed by the Deschutes County Commissioners.

New Historic Landmark Commission Members

Meanwhile, Deschutes County Community Development is pleased to announce the appointment of three new Historic Landmarks Commissioners and one new ex officio (non-voting) Historic Landmarks Commissioner.

These applicants were chosen from a pool of experienced and talented candidates after recruitment was reopened to the public in December 2023, following an earlier recruitment period that did not yield a sufficient number of candidates.

The HLC serves as an advisory body for issues concerning historic and cultural resources for unincorporated Deschutes County and the City of Sisters and reviews development applications for alterations to designated historic sites and structures.

The next HLC meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 5, at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. More information can be found at 

www.deschutes.org/meetings.

Episode 17 of the Inside Deschutes County podcast is now live.

As of Dec. 1, 2023, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can be permitted in certain zones in rural Deschutes County. But there are key steps that must be followed. We dive into the latest on the ADU process with Associate Planner Kyle Collins.



You can listen at deschutes.org/podcast or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Winter Weather Safety Tips from Public Health

Winter weather is upon us and Deschutes County Public Health reminds people to take precautions to prevent serious health and safety concerns.

“Winter weather can cause many health-related injuries like frostbite and hypothermia. You can also get injuries from falling on slippery or icy sidewalks and paths,” said Emily Horton, Program Manager for Public Health Preparedness. “Cold weather can put an extra strain on the heart. Make sure to dress warm, keep outdoor trips brief and take breaks when shoveling or working outside.”

Health officials offer the following tips to help keep you and your family safe and healthy during extremely cold weather:

• Try to stay indoors when weather is extremely cold, especially if winds are high.
• Make trips outside as brief as possible, if you must go outdoors.
• When going outside during very cold weather, adults and children should wear:
• A hat
• A scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
• Sleeves snug at the wrist
• Insulated and waterproof mittens or gloves
• Several layers of loose-fitting, thermal wear or material that “wicks” the skin
• A water-resistant or tightly woven coat
• Two layers of socks with boots or shoes that are waterproof and have flexible sole

If you need warm shelter, call 211 for warming shelter locations. 

"I Voted" Sticker Contest

We want to remind you the Deschutes County Clerk's Office is still inviting middle and high school students to enter the Deschutes County "I Voted" Sticker Contest. Middle-high school (6-12) sticker design submissions will be accepted through the end of June.

The winner of the elementary school (K-5) sticker design will be announced next month. To view the K-5 submissions, please click here.

The two winning sticker designs will be used during the 2024 Presidential Primary and General elections and featured in each election's Voters' Pamphlet.

Winning artwork will also be used in Deschutes County Elections materials, promotions and outreach and exhibited throughout the Deschutes County Services Building in downtown Bend.

Contest details at this link.

We're hiring!

We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,200 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices. 

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team!

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