If you live or own a business in Bend, you are likely familiar with the Transportation Utility Fee (TUF) assessed on your monthly utility bill. This fee, used to shore up the City’s operations and maintenance budget was approved by City Council and implemented in July 2024. The fee was phased in to generate $5 million in year one, $10 million in year two and a proposed $15 million in year three.
The Chamber and the Bend Economic Development Advisory Board (BEDAB) have been analyzing data and reviewing potential scenarios for Phase 2, which aims to generate $10 million beginning July 2025. BEDAB was specifically charged with making recommendations to further refine non-residential assessments which constitutes 53% of the total $10 million revenue.
In a work session earlier this week, BEDAB and the Chamber advocated for a simplified tool to assess business impacts on the transportation system, recategorizing specific businesses with less ability to absorb the Phase 2 fees, and assessing a true doubling factor for residential rates, initially proposed in 2024. City Council largely adopted BEDAB’s proposal absent the recommendation to double the residential fee, a difference in $0.70 per household. The Chamber is continuing conversations with City Council members and continuing to advocate for BEDAB’s initial proposal.
You are invited to a business roundtable discussion to learn more about Phase 2 of the TUF on Thursday, April 24, from 5-6:30pm at City Hall. Click here to learn more and attend the open meeting.
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