BendBEAT

What does the future of Bend, Oregon look like—and who gets to help shape it? In this full episode of the BendBeat Podcast, host Brian Ladd sits down with Matt Muchna, Executive Director of Envision Bend, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing one of the fastest-growing communities in the Pacific Northwest. From urban planning and housing to social capital and cultural inclusion, Matt shares how everyday residents can get involved in guiding Bend's future. This conversation is for anyone who cares about Bend's growth, identity, and the collaborative spirit that defines our region.

In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Stephanie Betteridge, Bend's Chief Innovation Officer and Assistant City Manager, to explore how innovation, data, and a people-first mindset are shaping the future of Bend. From AI and public dashboards to snowplow tech and roundabout art, Stephanie reveals the behind-the-scenes work that makes Bend not just function—but thrive. If you've ever wondered how local government can be both high-tech and human-centered, this is a must-listen.

In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Bobby Grover, founder of Thump Coffee, to explore his journey from high-pressure corporate life to crafting a purpose-driven coffee brand in Bend, Oregon. Bobby shares what inspired his bold move—from stepping away from a high-paying job to pursuing a slower, more intentional life centered around coffee, community, and personal values. Discover how Thump Coffee isn't just about the brew—it's about balance, creativity, and being deeply rooted in what matters most. Whether you're a coffee lover, entrepreneur, or just someone rethinking life's priorities, this episode will hit home.

In this episode of the BendBeat Podcast, we dive into the incredible work of Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS), an organization dedicated to making outdoor recreation accessible to individuals with disabilities. Hosts Colleen Dougherty and Pat Addabbo share the inspiring journey of OAS—from its grassroots beginnings to serving over 2,500 adaptive experiences annually. Join us as we discuss the impact of adaptive sports, the power of community support, and how OAS is breaking barriers to outdoor access. Whether it's skiing at Mt. Bachelor, cycling, or paddling, this conversation highlights the life-changing opportunities made possible by OAS.

In this episode of BendBeat podcast, Brian Ladd welcomes Kayley Mendenhall, Vice President of Strategic Communications, and Jenny O'Bryan, Executive Director of the St. Charles Foundation, for an inspiring conversation about the legacy, challenges, and future of St. Charles Health System, 100 years of community-centered care in Bend, Oregon. St. Charles has been a cornerstone of Central Oregon for over 100 years, beginning as a small hospital run by nuns and growing into a vital nonprofit health system serving over 250,000 people across four hospitals. Learn how St. Charles remains committed to “Care for All,” its evolving role as a Level II Trauma Center, and the innovative ways it is addressing the region's growing healthcare needs. Key topics include: The historical roots of St. Charles, starting in 1918. The foundation's philanthropic efforts, including the Redmond Cancer Center. Workforce development initiatives to train future healthcare providers. The collaborative spirit and community partnerships that fuel St. Charles' mission. Discover the untold stories, challenges, and triumphs of Bend's most critical health institution and find out how you can contribute to shaping its future. Listen now to explore what it truly means to live, work, and play in Bend, Oregon.

While it might be hard to believe, Bend's population growth has noticeably slowed over the past two years, with last year's increase falling to just under 1%. This marks one of the slowest growth rates Bend has seen since 2010-2012, a stark contrast to the rapid expansion of the previous five years. While this deceleration may be alarming to some, it's important to note that many communities in Oregon would welcome an annual population growth rate of around 1%. So why is Bend, a city that seems to be thriving, experiencing this slowdown? Taking a step back and understanding a bit more about Bend's history of decelerated and accelerated growth might offer some clarity. We were thrilled to sit down with Damon Runberg, Chief Economist for Business Oregon, who explores with Brian the potential reasons behind this new trend and offers his insights into what the future may hold for Bend.  

Growing and thriving are part of our everyday lives, but there is always another side. In this episode, alongside Cassi MacQueen and Brian Ladd, we dive deeper into what Deschutte's Children Foundation is doing and how it is promoting and helping other non-profit organizations to be successful, in order to keep the help going where it is needed. Deschute's Children Foundation's mission is to provide the space and support where nonprofits succeed at helping children and families. Their vision is a community where all children and families have the resources they need to thrive. Get to know more about: Cassi MacQueen, the Executive Director of Deschute's Children Foundation The key mission of Deschute's Children Foundation How you can be a part of this and give back to our beloved community Do you want to help? visit: https://deschuteschildrensfoundation.org/ If you want to know more about the Ladd Group, please visit: https://www.bendpropertysource.com/   

Welcome to BendBeat Podcast! In today's episode, we had the opportunity to talk with Chris & Erin van der Velde, better known as Tetherow. Brian Ladd took this opportunity to dive deep into the impact that the Tetherow resort has had in Bend, Oregon. Tetherow encompasses 700 acres on Bend, Oregon's west side. They boast a 50-room boutique hotel, pool, three restaurants, 40 vacation rental homes, event pavilion, an 18-hole golf course, golf academy and various residential neighborhoods. They ensure environmentally-sound philosophies and practices are integrated into nearly every aspect of the resort's development. In this podcast episode between Brian Ladd with Chris & Erin van der Velde, you'll learn more about: - Chris & Erin van der Velde Origin Story and about being part of the Bend Community. - Tetherow History and growth - The impact that Tetherow had in the community. - Bend ups and downs and how much has it growth.

Welcome to our next episode of the BendBeat where Brian Ladd and Lynne McConnell  delve deep into the heart of Bend, Oregon's evolving landscape of affordable housing. With a clear vision that housing forms the foundation of success, this episode explores the myriad of inventive strategies the city of Bend is working on to ensure everyone has a place to call home. From leveraging middle-income housing programs to pioneering safe parking initiatives and bolstering state and federally supported shelters, Bend is on a mission to shape growth in ways that genuinely benefit its residents.

The subjects of Oregon land use laws, the urban growth boundary, and zoning all take center stage in this informative conversation between Brian Ladd and Deschutes County Commissioner, Phil Chang. Commissioner Chang is giving us an inside look at how Bend is a driving force in the decisions that are made for Deschutes County as a whole.  Serving as one of Deschutes County Commissioners since 2019, Commissioner Chang shares how his history as a long-time resident and extensive education and experience working in natural resources management have shaped his ideas and perspective on sustainable growth for the city of Bend.  In this podcast episode between Brian Ladd and Commissioner Phil Chang, you'll learn more about: Phil Chang's education and background Growth management and land use  Environmental impact Land use laws in Oregon and zoning Deschutes County's urban growth boundary  A commissioner's role in serving the county Decisions that County Commissioners face  

Bend's city leaders are marching in the same direction and Mayor Melanie Kebler is at the front of the pack representing the voices of Bend's residents. As a Bend native, Mayor Kebler returned to her hometown and is matching her love for the city with her passion for leadership. As the city's Mayor, Kebler is hopeful that the city leader's unified vision will help Bend grow into its new skin by creating more opportunities for residents to engage and build trust with city staff.  Brian asks Mayor Kebler to address several hot topics and key issues Bend is facing today. Listen to their conversation to learn more about Mayor Kebler's perspective on these points and more.  Housing affordability, types, and inventory issues  Tax exemptions for multiple units program. This program helps make certain projects that qualify, viable for developers in the City of Bend.   Excitement for relocating City Hall and building a new campus in the Bend central district of town.  Transportation and the Neighborhood Safe Streets program.  City staff going into Bend neighborhoods for meetings to discuss their ideas and challenges Human rights and equity commission   

Brian is joined by Andrés Portela, Bend's new Director of Equity and Inclusion. Learn more about Bend's Human Rights and Equity Commission: https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/committees/human-rights-and-equity-commission Connect with Andres: https://www.instagram.com/portelainbend/

Brian Ladd sits down with Ranae Staley, Executive Director of Bend's local food pantry, The Giving Plate. Their mission is deeply rooted in compassion and hospitality, and they take a special interest in helping Central Oregon's food-insecure youth. Learn more about the staggering number of people, our neighbors, who are silently struggling as communities across Central Oregon face ongoing affordability challenges.  Learn more and donate today -  https://www.thegivingplate.org/donate  

Brian Ladd is joined by Brian Rankin, the Long Range Planning Manager for the City of Bend, in our latest BendBeat episode. They explore the impact of Oregon's latest housing bill, which opens doors to more diverse and affordable housing options for Bend residents. While the city plays a role in helping fund affordable housing, given Bend's urgent housing needs, the state has stepped in to relax regulations on converting traditional homes into multi-family units (ADUs, duplexes, triplexes, etc.) to increase the supply of affordable, multi-family housing in Bend. Many of these new regulations were not permissible by the state before, so these significant changes are relatively new, and time will tell how it all plays out. Rankin also delves into the concept of "complete communities," which is reshaping Bend's present and future neighborhoods. This idea, originally conceived by city planners in the 90s, is gradually becoming a reality. Its goal is to create neighborhoods with a blend of amenities that allow residents to live comfortably within their community without the need for extensive travel. These topics and more are covered in this dynamic conversation that sheds light on how the city hopes to address Bend's "growing pains" with a vision for developing a city for everyone.  

Brian Ladd talks to Eric King, Bend's City Manager for the past 16+ years. Get the inside scoop on how Bend is tackling pressing issues like homelessness, affordable housing, and evolving culture. Despite the challenges, Eric exudes optimism, relying on Bend's entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative networks to conquer these urban dilemmas. In this episode, discover Bend's strategies and insights on: Formation of a Human Rights and Equity Commission  Emphasis on collective efforts involving local government agencies, nonprofits, and the business community. Exciting changes in Bend's future. Building a stronger community through understanding diverse perspectives. The value of slowing down to foster human connections. An innovative Block Party Trailer initiative to unite neighborhoods. The enduring commitment to maintaining a culture of warmth and openness.  

Join us in the captivating 14th episode of Bend Beat, as we sit down with the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Chris and Marianne Cox. This engaging podcast unveils the inspiring journey of two remarkable entrepreneurs who have left an indelible mark on their beloved community. Episode Highlights: Entrepreneurial Insights: Get an exclusive peek into the entrepreneurial minds of Chris and Marianne Cox. Discover how they started their business ventures and what drove them to success in Bend. Bend's Changing Landscape: As Bend evolves, so do its challenges. Chris candidly discusses how the city's transformation affects his businesses and the hurdles they face in a city with rising living and operating costs. Marianne's Animal Welfare Crusade: Hear Marianne's heartfelt journey from entrepreneur to animal welfare champion. Learn how she founded Street Dog Hero, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to rescuing and caring for street dogs around the world. Discover the incredible impact this organization has had on both dogs and their communities. Navigating Non-Profit Territory: Marianne shares the challenges and rewards of running Street Dog Hero and her mission to make the world a better place for animals and communities through rescue, adoption, wellness, spaying/neutering, and education. The Decision to Sell: Dive deep into the pivotal moment when Chris and his partners made the decision to sell 10 Barrel Brewing Company. Understand the thought process behind this significant move and its impact on the business.  Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Chris and Marianne offer invaluable insights and advice for budding entrepreneurs in Bend and beyond. Learn about the determination and work ethic that have propelled them to success. Bend Beat is not just a podcast; it's heartfelt conversations with individuals who have made a profound difference in our Central Oregon community. Join us as we explore inspiring journeys, the challenges that many have faced and overcome, and the unwavering commitment these community leaders are making to help make Bend a better place for all.  

This podcast tells the inspiring story of entrepreneur, Preston Callicott, a Bend, Oregon resident who became civically active after his employees struggled to find affordable housing. Follow along as he works to make a positive change in his community and helps to address a pressing issue facing many entrepreneurs and businesses in Bend today. 

"Planning sustainably and being good stewards for the next generation." City council member, Anthony Broadman, sits down with Brian Ladd to discuss the challenges ahead of Bend in the midst of exponential growth, and how to manage it. 

Our latest podcast release introduces Anna Higgins, Assistant Superintendent at High Desert Education Service District in Bend, Oregon. Anna and Brian unfold the story of this organization, how they service our local education system, and how they have become the bridge between the community and school district.

Brian Ladd sits down with Mike Hollern. After helping to found Brooks Resources Corporation in the late 60s, Mike has had a large influence on the region over the last 50+ years. Mike guided Brooks Resources through the fat and thin years of the real estate industry, creating such memorable communities as Black Butte Ranch, North Rim, Awbrey Butte and NorthWest Crossing.

Learn more about Humm, their story, and how their success as a local business in Bend, Oregon relied heavily on the support of the local community. We were blown away by the refreshing perspective and philosophy Eric and Michelle shared with us about facing challenges of a growing town, what it means to be a true citizen in a community, and how each of us can contribute in our own way. Watch the video interview at BendBeat.com

Brian Ladd sits down with Bill Smith, arguably one of Bend's greatest visionaries, responsible for reimagining Bend and taking it from a tired mill town to a thriving, desirable destination. Cementing himself in our community's history, Bill Smith along with his wife, Trish, have had an undeniable impact on Central Oregon. “While the Old Mill District is Smith's signature piece, and widely credited as integral to Bend's rebirth, his prior work with Brooks Resources helped shape Central Oregon's evolution from timber outpost to outdoor mecca. From Black Butte Ranch, Sisters and La Pine to major developments in Bend, such as Awbrey Butte and Mount Bachelor Village, Smith oversaw work that helped transform Brooks-Scanlon from a mill operator to a purveyor of destination lifestyles—work that helped rebrand and redefine the region in the process. He launched William Smith Properties in 1985, extending his holdings to vast ranches in Eastern Oregon. His wife and co-owner of the firm, Patricia “Trish” Smith, has taken the lead on their significant civic and philanthropic work, supporting arts and culture, education, and healthcare in Bend and throughout the state.” Courtesy of Bend Magazine Thank you to Monkless Belgian Ales for providing the location for this interview.

+ Bend Oregon's mayor from 1997 to 1999 + Mountain biking Hall of Famer + Prolific journalist + COTA Co-founder + Medalist at Mountain Biking World Championships + Photographer and Jazz enthusiast Bob Woodward first visited Bend in 1976 and moved to the sleepy town of 12,500 for the outdoor lifestyle it provided. He never would have imagined Bend to grow into what it is today.  Bob's list of accomplishments, community involvement and hobbies are documented along the walls of his home museum, where Brian Ladd was honored to learn more about Bob's story. Brian brings to light the impact Bob's life has had on Bend's community and the outdoor lifestyle we have all come to love and enjoy. A conversation that will leave you reminiscing about Central Oregon's “good old days,” and ignite a genuine appreciation for Bend's history and the ones who fell in love with it first.

This webinar from May 21, 2020, features key players in the management of growth in Bend.

The Ladd Group nonprofit of the month is the Deschutes Children’s Foundation, which is dedicated to building a community of services for children and families by providing our nonprofit partners with drastically reduced cost classroom and office space, and free facility management. Executive Director Amy Ward met with Brian Ladd to discuss the mission of the Foundation.   For more about the Foundation, go to: www.deschuteschildrensfoundation.org

Introducing Marianne Cox of Street Dog Hero. For more about Street Dog Hero, click here: https://www.streetdoghero.org/about-1 For more about the Ladd Group's Giving Back campaign, click here: https://bit.ly/3mwjwUd

Amy Tykeson is the former CEO of BendBroadband, where she guided the company into a new era of digital technology and community partnerships. Tykeson is currently the managing trustee of the Tykeson Family Foundation, supporting education and healthcare in Oregon. She has served on numerous boards for nonprofits, startups and higher education initiatives in Central Oregon. Among other recognitions, Tykeson was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame in 2013 and was awarded “Person of the Year” by the Bend Chamber of Commerce in 2018. Read more about Amy.

Check us out on YouTube! Heidi Wright was Chief Financial Officer of The Bend Bulletin’s parent company, Western Communications, from 2014 to 2017, before she departed for Salem-based EO Media, a family-owned publishing company. She worked as publisher in Butte, Montana, for Lee Enterprises and was president of Klamath Publishing and publisher of The Herald and News in Klamath Falls from 2004 to 2014. Heidi is now the publisher for the Bulletin and the COO for EO Media.

Kirk Schueler is an institution here in Bend who has moved the needle on its growth and helped shape its neighborhoods and communities. He is the CEO of Brooks Resources, the leading land and community developer in Bend, Member of the board of trustees for the Oregon State University, and the Chief Administration Officer for St. Charles Health Center.

Roger Lee is the CEO of the Economic Development Council of Central Oregon (EDCO), which has been responsible for economic strategy for the area, recruitment of businesses, and the expansion of commercial air services and commercial parks. Jim Schell, a prominent community builder for Bend, rightfully called Roger “the architect for the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Bend.” Roger is considered by many to be the king pin of the Bend entrepreneurial world and the shining example of private and public collaboration at its best.

Marinus Koning | Founder, ReachAnother Foundation

Jim Schell | Board Chair at Opportunity Knocks

Introducing Bend Beat