Written by Sophie Brentlinger
Compass Commercial Real Estate Services is proud to announce that Rich Reese, VP of Construction, has been appointed to both the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee with the City of Bend and the Bend Chamber’s Advocacy Council. With over 35 years of experience in commercial construction development and management, his expertise and dedication will be invaluable to both organizations as they tackle key issues impacting the community.
The City of Bend’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee plays a critical role in advising the Bend City Council on matters related to affordable housing. The committee evaluates proposals for Community Development funding and other financial resources that support housing initiatives, while also responding to City Council requests on policy considerations. Reese has been involved in the development of affordable housing on a local and national level for three decades.
“The most pressing housing challenge in Bend is supply,” Reese explained. “There’s an overwhelming demand for affordable and workforce housing. Many people simply can’t afford the cost of living here, and young professionals entering the workforce often choose other cities because of the expense.”
Reflecting on his experiences, Reese shared how meaningful it is to witness the impact of successful housing initiatives. “Seeing how excited individuals and families are to be able to have their own place—sometimes for the first time in their lives—is great motivation. Workforce housing, especially in Bend, is also essential. We want employees to live close to their jobs, reducing their commute and financial stress. Creating these opportunities also encourages young professionals to relocate here, giving them an affordable entry point into the community.”
The Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Advocacy Council is tasked with assessing policy issues affecting the business environment. They review and recommend positions on advocacy issues at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as review and approve the annual legislative agenda. Additionally, the council evaluates and advises on advocacy requests from both Bend Chamber members and non-members. Reese shared insight into some of the council’s current priorities, including reducing barriers for affordable housing development, expanding buildable land availability in Bend, enhancing funding streams from Deschutes County, and supporting infrastructure investments.
“With Bend’s rapid growth, new roads and utilities are critical to sustaining further development,” Reese emphasized.
As Bend continues to expand, leaders like Reese are essential in shaping the city’s future. His knowledge in construction and passion for housing solutions will contribute significantly to both committees as they work to address these pressing issues. Through his involvement, Reese is helping drive meaningful progress toward a more accessible and economically thriving Bend. At the same time, Reese continues to lead Compass Construction, where he and his team consistently complete projects ahead of schedule.
“Rich Reese is taking Compass Construction to an entirely new level of sophistication, assembling a top-tier commercial construction team that will serve the community for years to come,” said Dan Kemp, Compass Commercial partner and broker. “His commitment to excellence is matched by his deep engagement in the community—networking, collaborating, and ensuring that Compass Construction remains at the forefront of Bend’s growth.”
Learn more about Rich Reese at CompassCommercial.com/Rich or visit the Compass Commercial Construction website at CompassCommercial.com/Construction.
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