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The Slow Boat to Recovery

On the last weekend of June, the occupancy rate at local hotels and short-term rentals was at 92%. Will tourism keep Bend’s economy and city budget afloat?

During the Great Recession, some believed tourism in Bend rescued the local economy. Travelers poured money into Central Oregon’s restaurants and coffeeshops, millhouses were transformed into profitable vacation rentals and national sports events attracted first-time visitors. Some visitors decided to relocate to the area, which reinvigorated the real estate market and construction industry. “As far […]

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Bend is Awesome. Don’t Come Here.

In an city dominated by tourism, Bend’s city manager makes an order aimed at keeping visitors away

Eric King, Bend City manager released an order Friday, โ€œdiscouraging tourist travelโ€ through the end of April. It doesn’t outright outlaw it, however, nor does it pose any fines for violations, nor demand cancellations for current bookings. But for some locals, it’s just the type of direction around outside visitors that they’ve been looking for […]

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Recession Proof?

Local economists report on Bend’s growing tech sector, low unemployment and a strong housing market

As whispers of the next economic downturn grow to a roar in the national news, two regional economic experts believe Central Oregon will not be “bulldozed” this time around. A host of insulating factorsโ€”like sustainable job creation in the professional sector, and an unmet demand for affordable housingโ€”may combine to shield the region from a […]

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