Bend Shines in Strongest Town Contest, Celebrating Housing and Transportation Advances
Bend, Oregon, has reached the final 16 in the prestigious Strongest Town Contest, garnering national attention for its innovative approaches to housing and transportation. Local developer Jesse Russell nominated the city for its progress in enhancing housing density and transforming streets to be more pedestrian and bike-friendly.
“We’re starting to really prioritize our streets for pedestrians and for bikes,” Russell remarked, emphasizing the importance of creating housing for all residents. As the founder of Hiatus Homes, an urban infill development company, Russell points to a recently built triplex as an example of Bend’s intelligent growth strategies. “This was a lot that just had one house on it… now it’s a triplex,” he noted, showcasing how urban infill can help accommodate a growing population.
Karen Douglas, a spokesperson for Strong Towns, described the contest as a celebration of communities overcoming housing and transportation challenges. “This competition highlights the hard work cities have done to tackle their housing and financial problems,” she stated, underscoring the contest’s role in amplifying the winners’ stories.
For Russell, the competition is not merely about accolades; it represents a commitment to preserving Bend’s distinctive character while embracing growth. “We want to maintain the lifestyle that defines living in Bend while also accommodating new residents,” he said.
Bend is now engaged in a five-round competition against 16 other cities, with voting currently open to the public. The winner will receive a mini-documentary showcasing their efforts and achievements. Residents eager to support their community can cast their votes online and help propel Bend to the forefront of urban development recognition.
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