
Let’s Talk Bend dives deep into local issues through conversations with City of Bend staff, stakeholders and community partners to understand the diverse perspectives that make up our vibrant community.
Episodes

May 10, 2024
May 10, 2024
20 min
We chat with Senior Management Analyst Cassie Lacy who explains more about the Community Climate Action Plan. This is a set of strategies that were adopted by the City Council in 2019 to guide the City and the community to work together on reducing fossil fuel use.
In this episode, you’ll learn what the Community Climate Action Plan is, how the strategies are being deployed and how the success of the program is being tracked.

Mar 15, 2024
Mar 15, 2024
21 min
Water plays a big role in our lives, but exactly how does that safe and reliable drinking water make its way to your faucet?
That’s what we cover in this month’s edition of the Inside Bend podcast. We spoke with Water Operations Manager Rod Mingus to learn more about our complex water system and understand why it’s so important that we conserve this precious resource.

Feb 2, 2024
Feb 2, 2024
20 min
February is Heart Health Month, so we sat down with EMS Training Captain Petar Hossick to learn more about how Bend Fire and Rescue is working hard to respond to community members experiencing a cardiac event as quickly and efficiently as possible. He also offers some great tips on how you can help save a life!

Jan 8, 2024
Jan 8, 2024
18 min
This month on the Inside Bend Podcast, we want to discuss the Transportation Fee. Joining us is Sarah Hutson who is the project manager of the Transportation Fee. Our transportation system is a public investment that needs regular maintenance to ensure mobility, public safety, economic activity and quality of life.
On this episode, you learn more about how the Transportation Fee came to be, what it will pay for and why it’s important that we implement it to sustain and improve our level of service for Bend Streets.

Nov 3, 2023
Nov 3, 2023
19 min
Colder temperatures have arrived and it’s feeling more and more like winter! Are you ready for the next time it snows?
We have you covered with the latest episode of Inside Bend where we chat with Transportation and Mobility Director David Abbas to learn more about how streets crews are preparing for winter and what you can do to be prepared.

Oct 6, 2023
Oct 6, 2023
17 min
What does Accessibility mean to you?
This month on the Inside Bend Podcast we dive into that question with our Accessibility and Equity Manager Cassandra Kehoe. She explains what her role is and how she’s working to make sure everyone in the community has access to the resources and information they need.

Sep 1, 2023
Sep 1, 2023
20 min
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.

Aug 4, 2023
Aug 4, 2023
16 min
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.

Jul 7, 2023
Jul 7, 2023
16 min
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.

May 26, 2023
May 26, 2023
30 min
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