The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the City of Bend held their second joint government-to-government meeting on Tuesday, June 30, continuing a collaboration that began with a landmark Memorandum of Understanding in April 2024.

That MOU was the first of its kind between the Tribe and a Central Oregon city, establishing a regular, rotating annual meeting schedule to address matters of shared concern. The meetings alternate between Warm Springs and Bend.

Topics on the Agenda

This year's meeting covered three main areas:

  • Deschutes Basin water resources — with a focus on conservation strategies and specifically mitigating groundwater usage in a region facing long-term water supply pressures
  • Public art — the two governments received an update on the replacement of artwork at the Highway 20 and Cooley Road roundabout in Bend
  • Bend's 20-year growth plan — City officials shared an update on the city's long-range planning effort, which carries significant implications for the broader Central Oregon region, including water and land use

Leaders Reflect on the Relationship

Edward R. Henderson, Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, offered a measured but direct assessment of what the meetings must ultimately accomplish.

"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. 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 emphasized the importance of the partnership to the broader region.

"Today's joint meeting was vital to continue meaningful conversations with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs about topics that have major impacts on our region. Together we face challenges and opportunities that are best addressed by working collaboratively. I'm grateful for this opportunity to listen, learn and continue building a strong relationship that benefits all of our communities."

Why It Matters for Jefferson County

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation spans much of Jefferson County and is a central part of the county's economic, cultural, and governmental landscape. Water rights and land use decisions made in these intergovernmental meetings can directly affect residents across the county — from ranchers along the Deschutes River to communities in Madras, Culver, and Metolius that draw from the same basin.

The next meeting is expected to rotate to the Warm Springs Reservation in 2027.