The city of Bend is looking to fill vacancies on three of its community advisory committees, which are groups appointed by the City Council to advise the council or city administrative staff on policies.

The city is looking for new members for the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, the Bend Economic Development Advisory Board and the Human Rights and Equity Commission, said Jacob Larsen, city spokesperson, in a news release. All three groups typically meet once a month. 

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is a highly technical committee that gives the City Council policy, code and funding recommendations. 

“Members are expected to have a high degree of technical expertise in affordable housing development or operation, or services that accompany affordable housing operation, or to have lived experience in poverty or affordable housing,” the city’s release said.

The committee has three positions open — one at-large member and two alternates — all with three-year terms beginning July 1. Contact Lynne McConnell, the city’s housing director, at 541-388-5514 or lmcconnell@bendoregon.gov. More information about the committee can be found at bendoregon.gov/ahac.

The Bend Economic Development Advisory Board gives the City Council input on business and economic issues. Recently, board members have been involved in advising the council on its transportation fee. The board has one open seat with a three-year term that begins July 1. Contact Ben Hemson, the city’s economic development manager, at 541-388-5529 or bhemson@bendoregon.gov. More information about the board can be found at bendoregon.gov/BEDAB.

The Human Rights and Equity Commission advises the City Council on its goals and policies from a diversity, equity and inclusion perspective. It’s currently seeking to ensure marginalized and underrepresented people in Bend “have equal access to City programs and services, representation in City decision-making, and a venue to raise concerns and complaints about discrimination,” the release said.

The commission has three open seats with four-year terms all beginning July 1. Contact Cassandra Kehoe, the city’s accessibility and equity manager at 541-693-2141 or ckehoe@bendoregon.gov. More information about the commission can be found at bendoregon.gov/hrec.