As concerns about vacation rentals—and the number of applications—continue to rise, the City of Bend is taking steps toward finding a solution by forming a Vacation Rental Task Force, comprised of residents on all sides of the issues as well as representatives from other stakeholder groups.
The task force will "help shape decisions about vacation rentals in Bend," according to a release from the City. In seven meetings between now and March 2015, the 15-member group will be tasked with generating both programmatic and land use solutions.
According to the release:
The City recommends stakeholder groups nominate individuals to apply to represent their collective interests. Applicants should understand both sides of the debate, the vacation home rental industry, the land use process and/or have other pertinent experience.
There will be approximately eight to ten at-large Task Force seats to be filled by members of the community. The City intends to distribute those seats evenly amongst:
· Concerned neighbors who are impacted by the vacation home rentals
· Members of the community who own, manage or benefit from such rentals
· Neutral but interested individuals
There will be six other seats filled by representatives from the following stakeholder groups:
· Bend Planning Commission
· Old Bend Neighborhood Association
· River West Neighborhood Association
· Bend Chamber of Commerce
· Visit Bend
· Bend Economic Development Advisory Board (BEDAB)
Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The City stresses that regular attendance is expected. To apply, get an application online or call 541-388-5505. Questions should be directed to Assistant City Manager of Operations Jon Skidmore at 541-693-2175 or [email protected].
