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

Rural ADU Permits

Starting Dec. 1, owners of eligible properties can apply for rural Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permits through Deschutes County Community Development.


On Nov. 1, the Board of Commissioners passed new rules to allow ADUs in certain unincorporated areas of Deschutes County after considering public feedback and recommendations from the Deschutes County Planning Commission.


Not all properties will be eligible for ADUs. Based on state and local ordinances, rural ADUs are subject to additional development standards compared to typical residential projects.

Zoning Standards, Requirements and To Apply

Winter Road Closures

Cascade Lakes Highway is now closed for the winter (and beyond.)


Cascade Lakes Highway will be closed west of Mt. Bachelor between the snow gates at Dutchman Flat and Deschutes Bridge at the intersection with Forest Service Road 4270.


Paulina Lake Road is also now closed at the ten-mile snow park gate, which will restrict access to Paulina and East Lake.


Both facilities will remain closed through the winter and will be targeted for reopening prior to Memorial Day, weather permitting.

Historic Land Commission Opportunities

Deschutes County has renewed efforts to recruit residents who are interested in serving on its Historic Landmarks Commission. Interested residents can apply at www.deschutes.org/jobs until Dec. 1 at 11 a.m.


The Deschutes County Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) serves as a hearings body for matters concerning historic and cultural resources within unincorporated Deschutes County and the City of Sisters. It also coordinates historic preservation programs of the county, state and federal governments, and advises the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on historic and cultural resource policy.

More Information

Community Development Team Award

Congratulations to our Community Development team for being recognized for their engagement work on the Deschutes County 2040 project.



The award comes from Oregon’s Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee and recognizes organizations and individuals who have actively promoted and implemented an outstanding community engagement strategy.


If you would like to learn about Deschutes County 2040, please visit deschutes.org/2040.


📷: Will Groves and Nicole Mardell, project managers

Retired LTC Dick Tobiason Recognized

This month, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners recognized retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and Vietnam War veteran Dick Tobiason for his service and unwavering support for veterans in Central Oregon.


“We are truly grateful for his service," said Commissioner Patti Adair.


“Dick is a tireless champion for local veterans,” said Commissioner Phil Chang. “He has changed the lives of many through his work.”

Avoiding Impaired Driving

Getting a driver's license can be an exciting time for a teenager and a little nerve-wracking for a parent.


Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your young driver safe, like talking to them early and often about safety, including avoiding impaired driving.


Learn more at sharedfuturecoalition.org.

Learn More

Episodes 12, 13 and 14 of the Inside Deschutes County podcast are now live.


In Episode 12, we talked to County Assessor Scot Langton about this busy time of year for his office and why property taxes can be difficult to understand.


In Episode 13, we have an in-depth conversation with Road Department Director Chris Doty about annual road closings and how his team prioritizes snow plowing.


In Episode 14, we talk with Senior Planner Tanya Saltzman about proposed new rules to let property owners rent out RVs.



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


Apple: https://apple.co/3JALtYB

Google: https://bit.ly/3LC8BqZ

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FptmlX

Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/40uM6bC

Employee Spotlight: Amber Knudsen

When you walk into Amber Knudsen’s office, you’ll quickly notice the colorful and creative drawings that surround her. All created by the youth she’s helped during her time with Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice.


For the past 12 years, Knudsen has worked as a Behavioral Health Specialist. Her job is to assess and help meet the mental health needs of youth who enter the detention facility.


It’s like being a triage nurse,” says Knudsen. “I’m not the mental health person you meet at 3 p.m. on a Thursday in their office.”


Many youth assigned to Juvenile Justice are there because of a home or school issue. However, Knudsen says there’s more crisis work now than when she started.


“I’m good in the storm, I’m good in the tornado.”


Youth can be struggling with anything from drugs to suicide. Knudsen is also a support for staff who intervene when someone is experiencing a crisis in the facility. Knudsen is quick to point out the amazing work of her colleagues.


“People are here because they care about kids. Detention is a consequence. We’re not here to punish or create more harm.”


The number of youth in detention varies, but the work doesn’t.


“Sometimes it’s ten, sometimes it’s two. Just because we have ten doesn’t mean it’s more stressful than having two,” says Knudsen.


That stress can be a lot. Knudsen works as a Zumba instructor and enjoys working in her garden to decompress.


“It feeds my soul.”


And just like the colorful drawings on her walls, Knudsen enjoys being a bright spot for the youth at Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice.


“They’re kids. They need our help and support.”

"I Voted" Sticker Contest


We want to remind you the Deschutes County Clerk's Office is inviting local students to enter the Deschutes County “I Voted” Sticker Contest. The winning stickers will be used during the 2024 Presidential Primary and General elections and featured in each election’s Voters’ Pamphlet.


Elementary school (K-5) sticker design submissions will be accepted through the end of the year. Middle-high school (6-12) sticker design submissions will be accepted through the end of June 2024.


Contest Details at this link.

Deschutes County provides locations for community members visiting on County or professional business who wish to have access to a private and secure space for lactation purposes.


Below is a link detailing Lactation Resources information, including rooms available at various Deschutes County locations.


Feel free to contact Deschutes County Human Resources at hr@deschutes.org or 541-388-6553 with any questions or to reserve a room.

Lactation Resource Information

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!

View Current Recruitments
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