Why Engagement Matters: A Conversation with COCC’s Zak Boone
BendBEAT
Education, Engagement, and the Heart of Bend: A Conversation with COCC’s Zak Boone In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Zak Boone, Vice President of College Advancement at Central Oregon Community College and Executive Director of the COCC Foundation, for a deep conversation about what keeps Central Oregon thriving—its people, its institutions, and its culture of giving back. From the origins of Bend’s philanthropic spirit to the transformative role COCC plays across the region, Zak shares insight into: How education, equity, and access shape Bend’s long-term...
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Work. Earn. Learn. Transforming Bend’s Next Generation
BendBEAT
Empowering Central Oregon’s Youth: Heart of Oregon Corps on BendBeat What if the next generation held the key to solving some of Central Oregon’s biggest challenges? In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Laura Handy, Executive Director of Heart of Oregon Corps, to explore how this locally founded nonprofit is transforming lives—and our community. For 25 years, Heart of Oregon has been engaging youth ages 16–24 in a “work, earn, learn” model: young people gain job skills, earn wages and scholarships, and give back through projects that protect public lands,...
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Can Smart Design Solve Bend's Housing Crisis?
BendBEAT
What does it take to build a better Bend? In this conversation, we sit down with Christopher Jones, COO & Partner at Project^, to talk about the architectural vision shaping some of Bend’s most iconic spaces, from The Grove and Range Apartments to Basecamp and the ambitious Aretē project. A former professional cyclist and ski mountaineer, Chris brings a global perspective and a deeply personal connection to the outdoors into every community his firm designs. This episode dives into: - The intersection of outdoor lifestyle and architectural design - How modular construction could unlock...
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From Landfill to Landmark: How OSU-Cascades Is helping Bend
BendBEAT
What happens when a community rallies behind higher education—and decides to build a cutting-edge university on top of a former landfill and pumice mine? Welcome to OSU-Cascades in Bend, Oregon. In this powerful conversation, OSU leaders Christine Coffin and Jared Pantella share how Oregon State University–Cascades is not only transforming Central Oregon’s built environment but also driving sustainable innovation, education, and community connection. Learn about their audacious vision for a triple net-zero campus, the inspiring story of student-led businesses like Snowblanks, and...
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Building a Better Bend: Matt Muchna on Vision, Growth & Community Action
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...
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Inside Bend: Innovation, AI & Community Impact with Stephanie Betteridge
BendBEAT
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. 🔎 Topics Covered: What “innovation” really means for a city like Bend How AI is...
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What Happens When You Trade Comfort for Purpose? Thump Coffee Bend’s Favorite Coffee Spot
BendBEAT
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...
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Transforming Lives Through Adaptive Sports
BendBEAT
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...
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Inside St. Charles: 100 Years of Community-Centered Care in Bend, Oregon.
BendBEAT
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...
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Is Bend still growing? Economic outlook with State Economist, Damon Rundberg
BendBEAT
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...
info_outlineThe 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:
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Phil Chang’s education and background
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Growth management and land use
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Environmental impact
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Land use laws in Oregon and zoning
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Deschutes County’s urban growth boundary
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A commissioner’s role in serving the county
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Decisions that County Commissioners face