Kevin Gardiner & Associates, in partnership with Urbsworks, is serving as technical advisor to the City of Bend, Oregon to evaluate and improve its development review and permitting processes. The project focuses on identifying opportunities to reduce engineering review times and improve the quality and completeness of initial application submittals, with the broader goal of removing barriers to housing production. Building on Bend’s recent investments in process modernization, the team is assessing current workflows, coordinating across departments, and benchmarking best practices from peer jurisdictions to create a more efficient, transparent, and consistent permitting system.

The work is organized into a structured, six-month effort that includes stakeholder engagement, detailed process evaluation, and implementation-focused recommendations. Through focus groups, surveys, and a Technical Advisory Committee, the project brings together City staff and development stakeholders to identify challenges and opportunities. The final outcome will be a set of actionable strategies to streamline review procedures, improve interdepartmental coordination, and align Bend’s permitting framework with upcoming state requirements, including Senate Bill 974. The project will position the City to deliver faster, more predictable permit outcomes while supporting long-term housing and infrastructure goals.