Newberry Regional Partnership develops 5-year plan to tackle homelessness, education, wildfire risk and more
Isabella Warren
(Update: Adding video, Adding comments from community coordinator, details on priorities)
La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Over the course of nearly two years, the Newberry Regional Partnership surveyed the community on top issues. The group has established a five-year strategic plan as the region grapples with growth.
Community coordinator Kathy DeBone talked with KTVZ News on Monday about the community’s priorities in the survey: “No. 1 was, expand enforcement of illegal camping laws on public lands, at 80.6%, No. 2 was develop critical care specialist and emergency room services in south county, at 75.8%.” she said. “No. 3 was expand after-school STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and summer activities to keep students engaged and learning, at 67%.”
The partnership includes local, state, and federal organizations. Action has already been taken for La Pine’s continuing homeless issue. Thousands of pounds of trash were picked up at abandoned camps by community partners last year, and more are scheduled through August and September.
“People think it’s just one thing that’s going to fix everything, but it’s not,” DeBone said. “It’s not going to fix everything. We have people who do need care. I think we have a lack of capacity for that care.”
The plan will also focus on infrastructure, like the expansion of Highway 97 and public transportation, improved recycling and the area’s culture.
“La Pine and this area has been discovered,” DeBone said. “So we are going to have to deal with it. It’s not, it’s not a question of if, but when.”
After 2030, the Newberry Regional Partnership says it has 67 more topics to tackle. You can find more information about the plan at newberryregionalpartnership.org.
Below is the group’s recent news release:
The Newberry Regional Partnership, in collaboration with the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, is proud to announce the publication of the Newberry Country Strategic Action Plan (2025-2030) booklet.
This pivotal plan establishes a clear road map for the future growth, development, and enhanced quality of life in south Deschutes County and north Klamath County, collectively known as Newberry Country.
The unveiling of this comprehensive plan marks the culmination of an extensive effort that brought together invaluable community input and a rigorous nine-month strategic planning process. This collaborative approach ensures the plan genuinely reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of local residents.
The Newberry Country Strategic Action Plan (2025-2030) presents a series of community-based strategies designed to inform and guide sustainable development, ultimately enhancing and improving the quality of life for all who call the region home.
“This plan is a testament to the power of community collaboration,” said Kathy DeBone, Newberry Regional Partnership Community Coordinator. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the community for its invaluable engagement, and to the NRP advisory board and our funders for making this transformative project possible. We believe the Newberry Country Strategic Action Plan will serve as a vital guide, helping us foster sustainable growth and a vibrant future for everyone in our region.
Geoff Wullschlager, City Manager for the City of La Pine, was quoted, “In one of Oregon’s hidden gems—Newberry Country—a bold movement is underway to preserve, protect, and expand the livability, resilience, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
James Lewis, General Manager of the Sunriver Owners Association, adds: “The ultimate goal is to provide Newberry Country with all of the elements inherent to a complete community— not only to fill in the missing elements, but to plan for growth.”
Newberry Regional Partnership would like to thank the community for its engagement, and the NRP advisory board and funders for making this project possible.
About the Newberry Regional Partnership (NRP):
The Newberry Regional Partnership is dedicated to advancing rural vitality in an evolving Newberry Country through civic engagement, community-led action, and partnerships.
About the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC):
The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council Rural Community Building Program empowers local community members to identify their unique goals and design projects to address local needs by developing connections with partners and resources to bring their visions to life.