Published 8:54 am Thursday, October 29, 2026

Nonprofit organization Building a Better Bend will hold the second lecture in its 2026 series on creating Bend’s civic space from 6-7:15 p.m. on Nov. 5 in Edward J. Ray Hall at Oregon State University-Cascades.

The community is invited to join the discussion by public policy and economic development expert James Lima.

The lecture asks whether we are designing our city for public-private partnerships to create civic spaces. It will explore how public spaces like plazas, festival streets and public parks can foster connection, considering the rise in loneliness and isolation.

Bend is planning several projects that will change the city’s core area, including the future site of Bend City Hall and the Bend Central District. The lecture will explore how public-private partnerships can blend public spaces with private development to create places that are more connected.

“Public spaces serve a community in every part of life, in joy and in grief.…