Understanding the City Budget with Finance Director Janette Townsend

September is National Preparedness Month, so that begs the question: Are you prepared for an emergency? This month’s episode of the Inside Bend Podcast will focus on just that as we talk to our Director of Emergency Management Carrie Karl. She explains what her role is and how is helping to make sure the community is in the best position possible if a disaster were to happen. She also has some great tips on what you can do to be prepared in an emergency.

On today’s episode, we’re learning more about a topic that is becoming increasingly important: Cyber security. The City’s Information Security Manager Adam Young joins us to explain what the City’s doing to keep online data and information safe. He dives into the types of bad actors the City’s trying to combat and explains how the City’s being proactive in order to stop the hackers.

The Inside Bend podcast is turning two! Our very first ever podcast came out in July of 2021 and the topic we covered then is just as important today: Wildfire Safety. So, we’re doing a revisit of that podcast. In it, you will hear from Bend Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Trish Connolly as she gives some great tips on what you can do to help protect your home and the rest of the community from wildfire.

For this episode of the ‘Inside Bend’ podcast we wanted to honor the great work that the public works department does for the community! From designing and maintaining roadways to maintaining our water systems, the public works team is at the core of the services that are provided by the City and are the people that keep everything running. On this episode you’ll hear from three staff members who each play a vital role in our community. Dan Denning from the Utility Department talks water conservation and even gives some great tips on how you might be able to save some money. Carrie Theus from the Engineering and Infrastructure Planning Department will explain more about the Olney Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Project which aims to give more people more options to get around town. And finally, Paul Neiswonger in the Transportation and Mobility Department dives into the Street Preservation Program and why it’s so important for keeping our good roads good

Recently the Bend Police Department released the results of the 2023 Police Survey which gauges community feedback on trust and safety. We decided to take a closer look at what the survey found with Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller as she explains the results of the survey. We discuss what the department is doing well and what they are looking to improve upon.

It’s that time of the year where the City sets its budget for the coming two years!   Finance Director Janette Townsend is the guest on the podcast this month as she is here to break down the City budget and explain exactly how and what City funds can be spent on.

We’re joined by Mayor Melanie Kebler as she discusses what it was like growing up in Bend and what lead her to run for Mayor. She also explains her vision for the council moving forward and what goals she hopes to accomplish over the next two years.  She also touches on ways community input influences policy decisions. You are not going to want to miss this episode! 

Bend Fire & Rescue provides medical serves not only the City of Bend but 1,450 square miles of surrounding rural area. That’s a big job! Making sure there are enough firefighters and paramedics to cover that area is imperative to keep our community safe. Deputy Fire Chief Drew Norris is our guest on the Inside Bend podcast this month as he explains how important it is to make sure there are enough resources to properly serve the community.

On this month’s episode, we take a look ahead at what’s to come for the City of Bend as we head into the new year. We’re joined by City Manager Eric King as he explains the process for goal setting, the creation of the City budget and how you can get involved in that process to help shape the work City Council will tackle over the next two years.

This month. we’re joined by Housing Director Lynne McConnell as we take a look at the work her department is doing.  We cover the need for more types of housing options, discuss affordable housing, and the role that this department plays in helping to create shelters.