Bend to Host Key Housing Workshop with Gov. Kotek and Western Governors’ Association
The West is grappling with severe housing shortages, driven by years of underbuilding, underinvestment, and rapid growth. To tackle these issues, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) is hosting a two-day workshop in Bend, Oregon, focused on finding solutions to improve housing access in the region.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Chair of the WGA, introduced the Building Resilient and Affordable New Developments in the West (BRAND West) initiative to address the housing crisis. The initiative includes a series of workshops designed to discuss strategies and share insights on advancing housing development in the West.
The Oxford Hotel in Bend is hosting the second and final workshop, which is focused on improving rural, middle-income, and affordable housing. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek kicked off the event on Wednesday, addressing key strategies for housing development and emphasizing the need for federal program improvements to support Western states. Governor Kotek also led attendees on a tour of local housing developments in Bend.
Throughout the workshop, expert panelists will discuss important topics such as regulatory reforms, attainable homeownership, and resilient housing strategies. This workshop follows an earlier session held in Salt Lake City, hosted by Utah Governor Spencer Cox, where the focus was on expanding housing options, leveraging infrastructure investments, and building vibrant communities.
Governor Cox stressed the importance of housing efforts, stating, “This is legacy stuff… This is the work that will change lives.” He warned that without action, future generations may face a challenging housing landscape.
Also Read – Franklin Mountain Energy’s Light Pollution Reduction Efforts Shine in New Mexico
BRAND West – Oregon Workshop Agenda
Oxford Hotel, Bend, Oregon
Wednesday, January 15
- 1:15 pm: Welcome and Introductions, Jack Waldorf, WGA Executive Director
- 1:30 pm: Panel 1 – Advancing Middle Housing: Addressing the growing need for affordable housing options, including duplexes, townhomes, and small multi-family units.
- 2:35 pm: Housing Development Tour, led by Mayor Melanie Kebler, City of Bend
Thursday, January 16
- 8:00 am: Welcome and Day One Recap, Jack Waldorf
- 8:05 am: Panel 2 – Improving Access to Affordable Housing: Strategies for enhancing federal housing programs and fostering better coordination across all sectors.
- 9:15 am: Panel 3 – Planning and Development Challenges in Rural Communities: Addressing infrastructure, financing, and workforce challenges in rural areas.
- 10:25 am: Panel 4 – Encouraging Attainable Homeownership: Proposals to make homeownership more accessible and affordable.
- 12:15 pm: Panel 5 – Scaling Modular Housing Solutions: Exploring the role of modular housing to meet demand and improve affordability.
- 1:25 pm: Panel 6 – Building Resilient Housing: Discussing sustainable building techniques and policies to mitigate risks from extreme weather and natural disasters.
- 2:30 pm: Adjourn
This workshop is part of a broader regional effort to address the housing crisis in the West and create solutions that ensure future generations have access to affordable, resilient housing options.