The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the City of Bend held their second annual joint government meeting on June 30, continuing a relationship established by a landmark Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2024 — the first such agreement between the Tribe and a city in Central Oregon.

What Was Discussed

The two governments met to address topics of shared concern, including:

  • Deschutes Basin water resources: The meeting focused on how to best conserve water in the basin, with particular attention to mitigating groundwater usage — a growing concern as the region faces continued population growth and climate-related drought pressures.
  • Tribal artwork in Bend: The councils received an update on an art program and the planned replacement of a tribal artwork installation at the Highway 20 and Cooley Road roundabout.
  • Bend's 20-year growth plan: City officials shared updates on efforts to plan for the next two decades of growth in Bend, which has seen explosive population expansion in recent years.

Tribal Leaders Set a High Bar

Edward R. Henderson, Secretary-Treasurer and CEO for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, offered measured words about the meeting's significance. "Both councils have new people at the table, and new relationships need to be built and old ones strengthened now. That is why this meeting mattered," Henderson said. "But meetings are not the goal. We have sat at many tables over the years. What matters is what happens after we leave them. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will measure this relationship by what is done, not by what is said."

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership. "Together we face challenges and opportunities that are best addressed by working collaboratively," Kebler said. "I'm grateful for this opportunity to listen, learn and continue building a strong relationship that benefits all of our communities."

Why This Matters for Jefferson County

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are the largest employer and most significant economic force in Jefferson County, with the reservation spanning nearly 1,100 square miles across Jefferson and Wasco counties. Water rights, land management decisions, and regional growth planning all directly affect tribal members and Jefferson County residents alike.

The annual meetings between the Tribe and the City of Bend represent a model of government-to-government engagement that advocates hope will expand to other jurisdictions in the region, including Jefferson County itself.