Nestled in the high desert of Central Oregon, Bend is a city that embodies the contradictions and complexities of contemporary America. From its logging roots to its tech-driven present, Bend’s history mirrors the nation’s struggles with climate change, housing crises, and cultural divides.
From Timber Town to Tourist Hotspot
The Early Days: Logging and Railroads
Bend’s origins are tied to the timber industry. In the early 20th century, the arrival of the railroad transformed the area into a hub for lumber mills. The Deschutes River powered the mills, and the town grew around them. For decades, Bend was a classic company town, where life revolved around the sawmills.
The Decline of Timber and the Rise of Recreation
By the 1980s, environmental regulations and declining timber supplies led to mill closures. Bend faced economic collapse, but it reinvented itself as an outdoor recreation paradise. The same forests once logged for profit became attractions for hikers, skiers, and mountain bikers. Today, tourism drives the local economy, but this shift hasn’t been without friction.
The Housing Crisis: A Tale of Two Bends
The Airbnb Effect
Bend’s popularity as a vacation destination has led to a surge in short-term rentals. Neighborhoods once filled with families now host rotating crowds of tourists. Housing prices have skyrocketed, pushing out long-time residents. The city council has debated caps on short-term rentals, but enforcement remains spotty.
The Vanishing Middle Class
Tech workers fleeing expensive coastal cities have flocked to Bend, drawn by its quality of life and remote-work flexibility. But their arrival has widened the wealth gap. Service workers—the backbone of Bend’s tourism industry—can no longer afford to live here. The city’s attempt to build more affordable housing has been slow, hampered by zoning laws and NIMBYism.
Climate Change: A Desert City Running Dry
The Deschutes River Dilemma
Bend’s lifeline, the Deschutes River, is under threat. Decades of irrigation for agriculture have depleted its flow. Now, climate change is exacerbating the problem. Summers are hotter, snowpack is shrinking, and wildfires loom larger every year. Conservation efforts are underway, but they’re often pitted against the needs of farmers and developers.
Wildfires and the New Normal
In recent years, Bend has been blanketed in smoke from nearby wildfires. The 2020 fires came dangerously close to the city, forcing evacuations. Residents are grappling with the reality that this isn’t an anomaly—it’s the future. Debates rage over forest management, with some calling for controlled burns and others resisting any interference with nature.
Cultural Shifts: Progressivism vs. Tradition
The Blue Island in a Red State
Bend leans liberal, a stark contrast to much of rural Oregon. This has created tensions, particularly around issues like gun rights and LGBTQ+ protections. The city’s pride parades draw crowds, but so do protests from conservative groups. The divide reflects a national struggle over identity and values.
The Indigenous Legacy
Long before settlers arrived, the land around Bend was home to the Northern Paiute and Warm Springs tribes. Their history is often overlooked in the city’s narrative. Recent efforts to acknowledge this legacy—like land acknowledgments at public events—have sparked both support and backlash.
The Future of Bend: Boom or Bust?
Bend stands at a crossroads. Will it become a sustainable model for post-industrial towns, or will it succumb to the pressures of growth and climate change? The answers will depend on whether the community can bridge its divides and confront its challenges head-on.
For now, Bend remains a place of stunning beauty and stark contradictions—a microcosm of America itself.