Building a Stronger Community: School‑Employee Housing Project Takes Shape
If you’ve ever fallen in love with Bend, you know it’s a place where mountains meet high desert, where neighborhoods are knit together by schools, parks and friendly faces. People move here for the natural beauty and stay because the community feels like home. Yet as our town has grown, finding an affordable place to live has become harder for many, including the people who teach our children and keep our schools running every day. A new partnership between Bend‑La Pine Schools and Habitat for Humanity aims to change that, and it offers good news for both newcomers and longtime homeowners.
What’s the project all about?
On Nov. 10 2025 the Bend City Council took an important step by voting to rezone a nearly two‑acre parcel of land next to a local high school. This procedural move clears the way for a housing development that will build more than 30 homes for school employees. The district owns about 72 acres of undeveloped land and selected Bend‑Redmond Habitat for Humanity as its partner to develop the first 32 units. The goal is to create affordable homeownership opportunities that allow teachers, bus drivers, custodians and other staff members to put down roots in the community they serve.
How will the homes be sold?
Habitat for Humanity will sell the homes under a model that keeps them affordable. Each home will be deed‑restricted, meaning there are special rules about who can buy it and at what price. The sale price is based on one‑third of the buyer’s household income. For example, a household making $70,000 a year would pay a monthly mortgage comparable to what they could comfortably afford. Some of the homes will be set aside for households earning 80% of the area median income (AMI) and others for those earning up to 120% of AMI. To give back to those who serve our kids, school district employees will receive priority in the application process, but the opportunity will ultimately be open to everyone.
When will construction start?
There is still work to do before shovels hit the ground. After the rezoning, the district must finalize designs and secure permits. According to planners, the first homes are expected to break ground in 2026, with more units following in 2027. Building in phases allows the district to learn from the first project and plan future developments on other parcels of land if this pilot proves successful. When complete, the new neighborhood will include a mix of single‑family houses and townhomes in a setting close to schools and public transit.
Why does this matter for our community?
If you already own a home in Bend, you might wonder why you should care about this project. Here are a few reasons:
- Supporting our schools strengthens our community. When teachers, bus drivers and school secretaries can live near their workplace, they become more invested in our neighborhoods. Stable housing helps reduce turnover and ensures that the adults in our schools can focus on educating children rather than worrying about long commutes or rising rents.
- Affordable homes for workers do not lower property values. Housing experts note that well‑designed affordable homes blend into existing neighborhoods and maintain property values by stabilizing the local market. They add diversity to the housing stock without flooding the market with high‑end units, which helps keep overall demand balanced. In fact, communities with a range of housing options tend to be more resilient during economic ups and downs.
- Growing responsibly protects what we love about Bend. Building homes for essential workers doesn’t mean paving over wild spaces or pushing out current residents. The district is using its own land and working within city planning guidelines. This thoughtful growth ensures that as more people discover Bend’s beauty, we don’t lose the small‑town feel that makes it special.
For those considering a move to Bend, this project offers a hopeful sign. It shows that our city is looking for creative solutions to keep housing accessible. It also means new residents will be moving into a community that values its educators and invests in the people who make our schools great. Knowing that your child’s teachers are your neighbors fosters a sense of connection and safety.
Encouragement for current homeowners
Homeowners who have built equity in Bend should take heart. Adding moderately priced housing does not diminish the value of your investment; in fact, it can enhance it. By maintaining a balanced housing market, we avoid the dramatic swings that can occur when only luxury or only affordable units are built. Mixed‑income neighborhoods tend to have lower crime rates, stronger social ties and more stable local economies.
Moreover, the new project could inspire other employers to consider similar partnerships. If this pilot succeeds, Bend‑La Pine Schools might replicate it on other districts‑owned sites, and other employers may follow suit. A diverse range of housing options helps ensure there are buyers for homes at many price points, which supports a healthy real estate market.
Looking ahead
Bend is growing and changing, but we have the power to shape that growth in ways that reflect our values. The school‑employee housing project is a reminder that communities thrive when they invest in people as well as places. By welcoming new neighbors and supporting those who already call Bend home, we can build a future where everyone has a chance to belong.
As the project moves from idea to reality over the next couple of years, there will be opportunities for community input and volunteer support. Habitat for Humanity often partners with local volunteers to build homes, and their workdays are a fun way to meet your neighbors and contribute to a lasting legacy.
Whether you’re a long‑time resident or thinking about making Bend your new home, this project invites you to join a community that cares about its educators, its families and its future. Together, we can ensure that the place we love remains welcoming, vibrant and strong.