The City Club of Central Oregon will host a public forum on Thursday, March 19, exploring upcoming changes to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and what they could mean for upcoming elections.
Titled “The Deschutes County Commission’s Next Chapter and Your Vote in 2026”, the program will provide a look at the expansion from three to five commissioners, the proposed shift to district-based representation, how the district mapping process evolved, and what voters need to know for the May and November elections.
Moderated by Judy Stiegler of Central Oregon Community College, the discussion will feature:
- Jen Patterson, Strategic Initiatives Manager for Deschutes County and staff lead to the Deschutes County Mapping Advisory Committee (DMAC)
- Phil Henderson, former County Commissioner and DMAC member
- Melanie Kebler, Mayor of Bend and DMAC memberPanelists will outline how the mapping process unfolded, what voters can expect in the May primary and November general elections, and how these changes could shape the future direction of county leadership.
With significant races and ballot measures ahead, this forum offers Central Oregonians a clear, nonpartisan overview of the decisions that will define the county’s next chapter.
Forum registrants will be invited to submit questions in advance.
Event Details:
What: Cleared for Takeoff – Aviation’s Role in Central Oregon’s Past and Future
When: February 19, 2026 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon
Tickets: https://members.cityclubco.org/ap/Events/Register/52FQmAqFbCWCq
$15-$29 Members; $35-$49 Non-Members
For more information or to register, visit https://events.cityclubco.org/events
If cost is a barrier to attend, complimentary registration is available using code CivicCO when registering. This is made possible with the support of grants from St. Charles Health System and The Pacific Power Foundation.