A neighbor proposes a new ward system for creating more equitable representation on the Bend City Council
Summary: Approximately 60% of Bend's population lives on the east side and 40% lives on the West Side, based on 2020 census tract data by the US Census Bureau. Yet 5 of the 7 City Councilors live on the West Side of Bend, leaving the east side vastly underrepresented with just 2 councilors. Alongside this imbalance of geographic representation on City Council, we have also seen the vast majority of homeless shelters sited/proposed (see maps) on the east side of Bend. Is there a correlation here? If so, establishing a geographically-based ward system for city council positions would help to alleviate geographical bias that may be impacting City Council decisions.
Specific problems with shelter siting:
Concentrating shelters in certain parts of town can perpetuate and deepen existing inequalities, impacting the economic well-being and social fabric of the community as a whole. This concentration of shelters can also lead to economic segregation and the creation of pockets or poverty that reenforce the generational pattern of poverty.
Concentrating shelters in certain parts of town can perpetuate and deepen existing inequalities, impacting the economic well-being and social fabric of the community as a whole. This concentration of shelters can also lead to economic segregation and the creation of pockets or poverty that reenforce the generational pattern of poverty.
- It can create or reinforce the perception of certain neighborhoods as "less desirable" or "high-need," which can impact property values and further marginalize residents living in those areas. This can lead to a cycle of disinvestment and limited economic opportunities for residents in these neighborhoods.
- Concentrating shelters in specific areas can create a disproportionate burden on those communities, both in terms of resources and social impacts. These neighborhoods may already be facing economic challenges, and the concentration of shelters can strain local resources and limit opportunities for economic development.
- The concentration of shelters can contribute to a sense of stigmatization for residents in these neighborhoods, further dividing the community along economic lines. This can impact social cohesion and create barriers to economic mobility for residents in these areas.
Solution: Disperse shelters and other permanent facilities for the poor into all quadrants of Bend (NW, SW, NE, SE). As is frequently heard, the poor/housing challenged are our neighbors. Let's put out the welcome mat for them in every neighborhood in Bend.
The City and County should adopt a siting criteria for shelters and transitional housing that accounts for broader community impacts and not just "what's the cheapest place to put this?". Property cost should be just one of many weighted criteria considering the broader impacts of temporary housing on surrounding areas. These criteria might consider the following factors:
- areas of town that are under-served by these facilities, where more may be needed (i.e. in downtown Bend)
- proximity to schools, bus stops, school walking routes, parks
- the quantity of other similar facilities within a 0.5 mile radius
- the impacts on surrounding businesses
Big Picture Long-term Solution:
A ward system could be the key to breaking the cycle of economic segregation and giving all residents a seat at the table. This idea was previously considered in 2017 and should be put on the ballot for voters to decide this year. Bend could be split into four geographic districts, perhaps in quadrants, with one councilor for each plus another two councilors elected at large. This would ensure geographic representation for all quadrants of Bend and would give less-wealthy community members a chance at a council seat, by not having to compete with the well-funded campaigns of westside candidates. A May 21, 2023 Source article touched on this issue, writing "In 2017, when the Bend City Council considered moving to a ward system similar to the one used for the Deschutes library board, we advocated in favor of it. Back then, it seemed to our editorial board that geographic representation would be a better way to offer agency and direct representation for places like the east side, for example, where historically fewer city councilors live. The council ultimately decided against putting that issue on the ballot."
Below are responses to objections that have been raised against the ward system:
A ward system could be the key to breaking the cycle of economic segregation and giving all residents a seat at the table. This idea was previously considered in 2017 and should be put on the ballot for voters to decide this year. Bend could be split into four geographic districts, perhaps in quadrants, with one councilor for each plus another two councilors elected at large. This would ensure geographic representation for all quadrants of Bend and would give less-wealthy community members a chance at a council seat, by not having to compete with the well-funded campaigns of westside candidates. A May 21, 2023 Source article touched on this issue, writing "In 2017, when the Bend City Council considered moving to a ward system similar to the one used for the Deschutes library board, we advocated in favor of it. Back then, it seemed to our editorial board that geographic representation would be a better way to offer agency and direct representation for places like the east side, for example, where historically fewer city councilors live. The council ultimately decided against putting that issue on the ballot."
Below are responses to objections that have been raised against the ward system:
- "Ward Candidates would prioritize their neighborhood needs over city-wide concerns": Arguably, this is exactly the problem with the current system, because it has resulted in the dominance of west side councilors and the prioritization of west side concerns. A ward system can actually enhance representation by ensuring that diverse neighborhoods have a voice in city governance and bringing attention to issues that might otherwise be overlooked. All councilors must work together to pass city-wide policies and budgets. Ward representatives can bring a neighborhood-focused perspective to the council while working collaboratively to address city-wide issues. For similar reasons, the State and US congress consists of individuals representing a specific geographic area in decisions that effect the entire state or country.
- "Ward Candidates would be lower quality": This objection smells of exclusionary elitism. A ward system can attract candidates who are deeply connected to and passionate about their neighborhoods, bringing a grassroots perspective to city governance. This can enrich the diversity of ideas and experiences on the city council. Lowering the bar for entry can encourage more diverse and grassroots candidates to run for office, bringing new perspectives and ideas to the council. A ward system can ensure that candidates are connected to and reflective of the communities they serve.
- "Ward system will result in Horse Trading and Division": While there is a risk of parochialism, effective governance requires compromise and collaboration. A ward system would enable full geographical representation of all constituents while still facilitating councilors working together to address the needs of the entire city. The current system has resulted in a city council that lacks political and geographic diversity and is at odds with the interests of roughly half its constituents.
Is it time to better "DEMOCRATIZE" Bend? What do you think? One of the best ways to make your voice heard is with your VOTE!!