Bend’s economy is shaped by its historic role as a trade, service, education and tourist center for Central Oregon. Bend is attractive to expanding companies primarily because of its quality of life, growing population dominated by in-migration, and access to a labor force that is young and well-educated. As Bend’s economy grows, its role as a regional center will guide and stimulate economic growth throughout Central Oregon and beyond.

This regional economic role will influence the number and types of jobs that existing and future businesses create. Downtown Bend is the cultural, culinary, and specialty retail hub of the region. Bend hosts the region’s largest medical facility, the largest news media organization, and numerous governmental agencies, from federal (U.S. Forest Service), to regional (Deschutes County seat), to local (City of Bend). Bend is also home to a majority of the region’s largest and most influential employers.

Bend’s role as a regional social and cultural center is also an important consideration as a driver of economic growth. Bend’s high quality cultural and natural amenities are repeatedly cited by business owners and employees as reasons to relocate to, or remain in, Bend. They are also the driver of much of the tourism industry, which is a significant portion of the economy. Such amenities play an important role in continuing to attract tourist dollars, new households and future firms.

Bend’s economic growth relies on the City’s ability to create an environment for businesses of the future to thrive. The industries of the past are not the industries of the future. Governments, economic development groups, and developers must play complementary roles in retaining, expanding, and recruiting businesses that will serve Bend’s 21st century economy.