Growth

How homelessness became a crisis in Central Oregon

Erin Smith came to Central Oregon in 2001 to escape California’s high cost of living. She and her…

Bend

Two decades on, education faces funding gaps and other challenges in Central Oregon

As people drive by the rapidly-growing Oregon State University-Cascades campus on Century Drive, the dust flies from construction…

Growth

Transportation challenges mirror those from two decades ago

As Deschutes County’s population eclipses 200,000 and Bend continues to explode with growth into a small city, the…

Business

Deschutes County’s population growth strains health care

Over the past quarter of a century, the population in Deschutes County has doubled in size, but the…

Business

Central Oregon tourism drives economy, but not without negatives

To many, the Mt. Bachelor ski area kick-started tourism in Central Oregon when it was built in the…

Business

Diversification breeds success but not affordability

When Matt Tobolski moved his business from sunny San Diego, he couldn’t have thought of a better place…

Bend

Central Oregon growth has provided challenges, opportunities for wildlife advocates

Elk Meadow Elementary School in southwest Bend sits on busy Brookswood Boulevard, surrounded by side streets lined with…

Explore

Central Oregon groups get creative to manage recreation growth in the region

Easy access to outdoor recreation has long been a key driver for Central Oregon’s rapid growth. People want…

Bend

Bend overcame air pollution caused by woodstoves, now a new threat has emerged

When wildfire season is at its peak in late summer, Shalee Hanks-Mink is usually up at the crack…

Environment

Rising population, shrinking water: Central Oregon works to solve chronic water troubles

Water shortages and groundwater problems have been a chronic issue in Central Oregon for over a century. Soaring…

Marketplace