Central Oregon unemployment rates hold steady; job numbers up slightly over the past month and year

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates in Central Oregon were little changed this April, the Oregon Employment Department said Tuesday. Private nonfarm employment increased slightly over the past month and year in all three Central Oregon counties, while total nonfarm employment showed varied growth. 

Here’s the full report KTVZ News received from Regional Economist Nicole Ramos:

Bend MSA (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties): Labor force statistics for Oregon metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) are produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Through June 2025, seasonally adjusted data are not available for Oregon MSAs or other MSAs around the country. New MSA definitions resulting from the 2020 Census are being incorporated into the history of the data series back to 1990, as well as other updates to the processing of labor force estimates for substate areas. Read more on this pause in seasonally adjusted metro area data here

The Bend MSA gained 850 jobs (+0.8%) from March to April and total nonfarm employment is now 111,800. Job gains were concentrated within leisure and hospitality (+450 jobs); professional and business services (+130 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+110 jobs); and the public sector (+110 jobs). Other notable supersector gains took place in private education and health services (+70 jobs) and manufacturing (+70 jobs). Losses were seen within trade, transportation, and utilities (-130 jobs) with the majority of losses occurring within the retail trade (-80 jobs) subsector. 

Total nonfarm employment increased by 1.2% (+1,370 jobs) from April 2024 to April 2025. Over the year job gains were concentrated within private education and health services (+750  jobs); manufacturing (+420 jobs); professional and business services (+370 jobs); and the public sector (+250 jobs). Other notable gains took place in mining, logging, and construction (+140 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (+110 jobs). Over-the-year losses were largest within trade, transportation, and utilities (-580 jobs) with 460 jobs lost within the retail trade subsector. Smaller job losses were also recorded in information (-70 jobs), financial activities (-10 jobs), and other services (-10 jobs). 

Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased slightly over the month of April and is now 5.1%, down from a rate of 5.2% in March—in April of last year, it was 5.5%. The unemployment rate remains 0.6 percentage point above the record low set before the pandemic, in late 2019, when it hit 4.5%. 

Crook County saw an increase in total nonfarm employment over the month with a gain of 90 jobs (+1.2%) in April. These gains were primarily concentrated within leisure and hospitality (+50 jobs) and the public sector (+40 jobs), with smaller increases in professional and business services (+20 jobs) and construction (+20 jobs). Modest losses were also seen in manufacturing; wholesale trade; private education and health services; and other services (-10 jobs each).  

Over the past year, the county lost 10 jobs (-0.1%). Losses were concentrated within public-sector employment, with a decline of 90 jobs over the year primarily in local government (-100 jobs). The private sector gained 80 jobs over the year.

Notable private-sector job gains occurred in professional and business services (+60 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+50 jobs); construction (+50 jobs); and private education and health services (+40 jobs). Over the year private-sector job losses were not as large and occurred within trade, transportation, and utilities (-60 jobs); manufacturing (-20 jobs); information (-20 jobs); and mining and logging (-20 jobs). 

Deschutes County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.3% over the month of April, unchanged from March’s 4.3% rate. In April 2024 the unemployment rate was slightly lower at 4.1%. The unemployment rate is 1 percentage point above its record low of 3.3% before the onset of the pandemic.  

Deschutes County gained 670 jobs (+0.7%) from March to April and total nonfarm employment is now 97,330. Job gains were recorded primarily within leisure and hospitality (+370 jobs) and professional and business services (+100 jobs).

Smaller but noteworthy gains also occurred within private education and health services (+80 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+80 jobs); manufacturing (+80 jobs); and government (+60 jobs). Private-sector losses were weaker with losses concentrated within trade, transportation, and utilities (-140 jobs)—retail trade losing 80 jobs over the month. 

Total nonfarm employment increased 1.1% (+1,040 jobs) from April 2024 to April 2025. Over-the-year job gains were strongest in private education and health services (+660 jobs); manufacturing (+440 jobs), specifically durable goods manufacturing (+340 jobs); and government (+240 jobs). Other notable gains took place in professional and business services (+130 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+80 jobs); and other services (+40 jobs).

The majority of over-the-year losses occurred within the trade, transportation, and utilities (-470 jobs) supersector with retail trade declining by 390 jobs. Smaller losses were also seen in information (-40 jobs); financial activities (-30 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (-10 jobs). 

Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged in April, holding steady at 4.6%. Last year, the unemployment rate was slightly lower at 4.5% in April. Shortly before the first impacts from COVID-19 were felt the rate was 4.3%. 

Total nonfarm employment increased by 90 jobs in April (+1.3%). Private-sector gains were seen in leisure and hospitality (+30 jobs); professional and business services (+20); manufacturing (+10 jobs); construction (+10 jobs); and other services (+10 jobs). The public sector also gained 10 jobs over the month within local government. All other industries held steady over the month with little to no change.   

Jefferson County’s total nonfarm employment rose by 130 jobs over the past year (+1.9%). Job gains were concentrated within the public sector (+110 jobs); professional and business services (+40 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+40 jobs); and manufacturing (+40 jobs). Public-sector growth was driven by both local (+70 jobs) and state (+40 jobs) government employment. Notable job losses occurred within trade, transportation, and utilities (-40 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-30 jobs); and financial activities (-20 jobs).  

Next Press Releases 

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the May county and metropolitan area unemployment rates and employment survey data on Tuesday, June 24, and the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for May on Wednesday, June 18.        

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As Memorial Day nears, Bend-based Project Recover remembers the fallen by bringing heroes home

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. — As families across Central Oregon prepare to honor those who gave their lives in service to the nation, one Bend-based nonprofit is working year-round to bring missing heroes home.

Project Recover, a national leader in the search for and recovery of Americans Missing in Action (MIA), is using Memorial Day to remind the community of the powerful work still being done to keep our nation’s promise: that no one is left behind.

In the last six months, Project Recover has played a key role in the identification and repatriation of seven American service members, with more identifications to come.

“These are not just names etched in stone. These are individuals who sacrificed for our nation and  whose families have waited decades for answers,” said Derek Abbey, Project Recover CEO. “Memorial Day is not only a time to remember their sacrifice, but also to renew our commitment to bringing them home.”

This Memorial Day weekend, Project Recover team members will attend services for two WWII airmen whose remains were recently recovered and identified following the organization’s efforts in locating their B-24 in 2017:

SSgt Eugene Darriagan, to be honored in Wappingers Falls, NY, on Saturday, May 24

2nd Lt. Thomas V. Kelly, Jr., to be honored in Livermore, CA, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26

Both men served aboard the B-24 bomber Heaven Can Wait, which was shot down over Papua New Guinea in 1944. Their homecomings are the result of years of research, search, and recovery missions, and unwavering dedication.

Locally, Project Recover invites the community to continue honoring fallen heroes at an upcoming ribbon cutting and open house for their new Bend office on Tuesday, July 22 at 3:30 p.m. in partnership with the Bend Chamber of Commerce. The new office, located at 803 SW Industrial Way, is helping bring national impact to Central Oregon.

“As Memorial Day reminds us, freedom is not free,” said Derek Abbey. “At Project Recover, we’re doing our part to make sure every sacrifice is remembered—and every hero has the chance to come home.”

To learn more about Project Recover’s mission or attend the July event, visit www.projectrecover.org.

Project Recover has completed over 100 missions in 25 countries, discovered and documented more than 75 aircraft associated with MIAs, developed a growing database of more than 700 cases associated with more than 3,000 MIAs, accounted for over 90 missing-in-action service members, repatriated 26 American heroes, and anticipate additional identifications before the end of 2025.

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Central Oregon’s yearly ‘Point in Time’ count finds number of homeless has risen 17% in past year, 89% over five years

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — There were 2,108 Central Oregon homeless people counted in January’s annual Point in Time Count, a 17% increase from last year, the Homeless Leadership Coalition said Monday.

The coalition said the regionwide survey is part of a federally mandated nationwide survey of people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. Surveys were conducted between Jan. 28 and Feb. 3, asking people where they slept the night of Jan. 27.

Although the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development only requires a full count every other year, the HLC said it chose to conduct a full yearly count of both sheltered and unsheltered populations.

Of the total homeless surveyed across the region, two-thirds were unsheltered, and 1,442 said they were living outside in a vehicle. Also, 80% of those counted said they’ve been homeless for over a year.

Nearly 60% of the people surveyed say they’ve lived in Central Oregon for a decade or longer. And more than half said they’d been without a permanent residence for at least three years. Also, 54% reported having a mental health disorder.

The coalition said the total number of people surveyed who were experiencing homelessness has grown 89% in the past five years.

Here’s the full PowerPoint presentation:

2025 PIT presentation (1)Download

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Elmer’s is set to move into Bend, but it’s far from their first time serving customers in Central Oregon

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As shuttered Shari’s storefronts rocked Central Oregon, many residents were thrilled to hear another Oregon favorite – Elmer’s Restaurants, is set to move in. Now, KTVZ News has uncovered that Elmer’s operated for nearly 20 years in Bend, and its previous location is filled by a local favorite for breakfast.

The Elmer’s Restaurant group shared a fascinating piece of Central Oregon history – an old matchbook from the previous Bend restaurant.

Back then, it was called Elmer’s Colonial Pancake and Steakhouse and took up the whole property, which is now split into two businesses.

Elmer’s tells KTVZ News it came to Bend in 1966 and stayed for nearly 20 years, though it was not clear exactly why they left. However, if you look very closely at the front of the matchbox, you can see their old address: 415 East Third Street on Highway 97 in Bend.

So what’s there now? As it turns out, another casual family spot to eat, and a salon.

KTVZ visited the location to find locally owned Laurie’s Grill is currently there. Though they serve lunch and dinner, the restaurant has a particular focus on breakfast.

At some point, that building was then renovated to accommodate two businesses. Laurie’s currently shares the building with Bamboo Salon and Spa.

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Deschutes National Forest plans 422-acre prescribed burn off Forest Service Road 18

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — If conditions are favorable, the Deschutes National Forest plans to conduct prescribed burn operations on Tuesday 15 miles southeast of Bend, on the east side of Forest Service Road 18 just south of the junction with FSR 18 and FSR 25 and about a half-mile east of the Camp II Trailhead.

Firefighters are planning up to 422 acres of ignitions on the Opine 5D Prescribed Burn. 

Ignitions are slated to begin around 10 a.m. Portions of Trail #40 and #50 will be temporarily closed due to operations. While no arterial roads will be closed, numerous three-digit routes will be temporarily closed for safety.  

Overnight smoke impacts are likely in the area around the Camp II Trailhead and Road 2510 Staging Area. Residents in the Pine Mountain area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early-morning hours. 

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. 

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when the weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.  

What does this mean for you? 

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.  

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. 

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible. 

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating. 

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional. 

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources. 

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

Opine5D_PIODownload

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National Weather Service Pendleton office reportedly won’t have forecasters overnight due to budget cuts

Barney Lerten

(Update-Adding Video and Comments from Representative Janelle Bynum)

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — A Northwest senator sounded the alarm Monday over a report that the National Weather Service Pendleton forecast office, which provides forecasts for Central and Eastern Oregon and Washington, won’t have overnight forecaster staffing due to Trump administration job cuts and a hiring freeze.

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the statement regarding news that the NWS office in Pendleton will not have overnight meteorologist staffing due to the cutbacks.

The Washington Post reports that the Pendleton office is one of seven around the country due to halt overnight forecaster staffing. It says those duties will be redistributed to other NWS offices, which are also facing cutbacks.

“The Trump Administration’s dismantling of the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administraton) workforce is crippling the National Weather Service,” Cantwell said.

“It is unacceptable that the Weather Forecast Office for central Washington state will no longer have enough meteorologists to staff overnight shifts, which will jeopardize local forecasts and warning information, which is imperative for firefighters, transportation workers, the public, and emergency managers.

“The administration should immediately approve NOAA’s request for a public safety exemption and lift the hiring freeze,” Cantwell added.  

NBC News and KTVZ News reported earlier this year about expected cuts at NOAA, and the agency said the Pendleton forecast office has about 25 employees.

On February 19, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, calling on him to exempt the National Weather Service from the federal hiring freeze, and protect all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) workers from firings “that would jeopardize the safety of the American public.”

KTVZ news reached out to our state representatives to ask about this.

We did not hear back from Clif Bentz, but Janelle Bynum had this to say: “Well, we know this adds insult to injury. So first we lost our wildfire fighting, resources, our planning resources. I brought one of those workers to the joint session to look Trump in the eye, to have him look her in the eye. And now this is a double whammy.”

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Bend drivers due some relief: Portland Avenue, Wall Street-Olney Avenue intersection will reopen to traffic Friday

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTV) — The city of Bend had some good news for Bend drivers Monday ahead of the big holiday weekend: Portland Avenue and the intersection of Wall Street and Olney Avenue, closed for months for construction projects, will reopen to traffic on Friday.

But it’s limited good news: The city says Olney Avenue (east of Wall Street to NE Second Street) will remain closed through fall as water, sewer and roadway improvement work continues.

Three projects synchronized schedules to condense and minimize construction impacts in the area, officials said in their announcement.

They include the Olney Avenue Improvement Project, which is replacing the aging water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, upgrading the roadway and retrofitting intersections to make it safer for all users of the road; the West Side Pump Station Project which provides needed electrical and sewer pump station improvements; and the Awbrey Waterline Project, which provides water distribution system upgrades and includes Portland Avenue roadway safety improvements.  

Projects Overview

In addition to reconstructing Portland Avenue and the Wall Street and Olney Avenue intersection, these projects include the following improvements:

Olney Avenue Improvements Project:

Olney Avenue and Wall Street Intersection

The Olney Avenue improvements for new bike lanes and sidewalks tie back to Olney Avenue being identified as one of 12 “Key Walking and Biking Routes” in the City’s Transportation System Plan. These routes are designed to be the safest walking and biking routes in Bend with the highest amount of protection for users from vehicles.

The Olney Avenue and Wall Street intersection has been retrofitted with the following safety improvements:

Cyclist and pedestrian movements are intuitive at crossing locations, each user has a defined space

Crossing distances are shortened for people walking and biking

Shared space is wider between pedestrians and bicyclists

Vehicles and cyclists face each other at a 90-degree angle at the conflict point

Corner islands provide a natural slowing of vehicles and cyclists to less than 20 mph

Lighting, striping, and signing improvements, including bike signal detection, to increase visibility

Water lines along Olney Avenue

Most of the existing main water lines along this section of Olney Avenue were installed in the 1950s and are made from cast iron pipe, ranging in size from 8 inches to 12 inches. The main water line will be upgraded to an 18-inch ductile iron pipe. The project will install 2,500 linear feet of water pipe, including a section under the railroad. Ductile iron pipes have increased durability and life expectancy compared to cast iron pipes. Replacement of waterline work is essential to prevent future pipe ruptures, create a flexible water system for emergency response, support Bend’s growth and meet updated fire flow requirements.

Sewer lines along Olney Avenue

Most of the existing main sewer lines along this section of Olney Avenue were installed in the 1970s.  The project will install 2,000 linear feet of sewer pipe, including a section under the railroad. The project will shorten the City’s sewer force main line as well as upsize the sewer gravity main line to support the growing demands on Bend’s sewer system. 

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of fall 2025

Westside Pump Station Project:

Electrical and pump improvements at the Westside Pump Station

Awbrey Waterline Improvements Project:

Waterline Installation

The project includes the installation of approximately 4.25 miles of new pipeline with pipe sizes ranging from six to 30 inches in diameter. Spanning from Mt. Washington Drive to Portland Avenue Bridge, these upgrades represent a significant investment in Bend’s long-term infrastructure needs.

New Awbrey Transmission Line and Valve Building

The new transmission line enhances water flow efficiency, ensuring consistent pressure and supply across the city, while also increasing capacity to support future growth and improve fire protection. Major upgrades to pressure and flow control valves at the Awbrey Reservoir, along with a new valve building designed to accommodate future in-conduit hydroelectric power generation and the integration of state-of-the-art electronics for improved monitoring, further strengthen the resiliency of Bend’s water system.

Synergy Projects and Coordinated Improvements

In coordination with the Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project, the City implemented several infrastructure upgrades to maximize efficiency and minimize disruptions to the community. These synergy projects included:

Installation of 1,500 feet of new 15-inch sewer main along Shevlin Park Road.

Stormwater improvements along College Way, Saginaw Avenue, Juniper Street, and Portland Avenue as part of the South Awbrey Butte Drainage Project.

Street improvements funded through the Portland Avenue GO Bond Project include buffered bike lanes west of Ninth Street, updated signage, striping, and lighting for safer travel and ADA upgrades. Sidewalk improvements on the south side of Portland Avenue, from Fifth to Sixth Streets and from Fifth to Third Streets, were also included, with installation completed as budget allowed.

Construction will be completed by the end of May 2025.

Get Updates

Stay updated on construction impacts by signing up for emails – select “Weekly Road and Traffic Reports”

For more information about the upcoming work on this and other projects, please visit our website, bendoregon.gov/bendprojects.

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BLM transfers fire engines to fire departments ahead of busy fire season, one to Juniper Flats in Wasco County

Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire season approaches, the Bureau of Land Management is increasing readiness and bolstering rural firefighting efforts by transferring surplus BLM fire engines to local cooperators. Two recently

Through the Rural Fire Readiness program, these transfers aim to improve wildfire preparedness, strengthen interagency cooperation, and help protect vital community resources.

The RFR program provides eligible, local cooperators with essential firefighting resources, including training, tools, communications equipment, and vehicles. By supporting these cooperators, the BLM helps expand firefighting capacity across private, state, tribal, and federal lands, particularly in remote and high-risk areas.

By working together, these groups help protect homes and infrastructure that anchor rural communities, as well as important local resources, including grazing lands that support rural economies, recreational areas that draw tourism and outdoor enthusiasts, and critical wildlife habitat.

The BLM recently transferred engines to two departments:

Lincoln County Fire District 8 (Spokane District) received a Type 6 engine, a nimble vehicle capable of accessing rugged terrain and quickly extinguishing small fires before they grow.

Juniper Flats Rural Fire Protection District (Prineville District) received a Type 4 engine, ideal for extended attack operations and increased suppression capacity.

On the Juniper Flats transfer, Fire Chief for Juniper Flats RFPD, Eugene Walters, commented, “This engine will help control wildland fires in our community so they don’t become major fire events and will provide greater capabilities to protect local lives and property.”

Through continued collaboration and support, the BLM and its rural fire partners are helping ensure faster, more effective responses to wildfire threats across Oregon and Washington.

“We’re happy to see this truck go to a good partner.  We work on challenging incidents with Juniper Flats most every summer, I hope this truck gives them even more capacity,” said James Purswell, Assistant Fire Management Officer-Preparedness.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

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Deschutes County Sheriff van der Kamp expelled from Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association board

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, who has been barred from testifying at trials due to false information given from the witness stand, has been expelled from the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors, the organization announced Monday.

The news of his removal in a unanimous vote by 32 fellow Oregon sheriffs comes just three days before van der Kamp is scheduled to appear before the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training’s Police Policy Committee. The sheriff told KTVZ News late last month he would decide whether to resign within 90 days.

Here’s the full announcement KTVZ News received Monday from the sheriffs’ organization. We have reached out to the sheriff for any comment or statement:

“A few weeks ago, the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association (OSSA) learned that the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, led by District Attorney Steve Gunnels, had conducted a lengthy investigation into issues involving the truthfulness of Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp.  The investigation found that Sheriff van der Kamp had been untruthful about his educational credentials in multiple criminal cases.  As a result of this investigation, DA Gunnels determined that the DA’s office would no longer use Sheriff van der Kamp as a witness in any criminal trial – a status commonly referred to as being placed on the Brady list.

“Upon learning of this information, the OSSA Executive Committee met and determined that, under the OSSA Bylaws, the Board of Directors should decide whether to temporarily suspend or permanently revoke Sheriff van der Kamp’s position as a Director on the OSSA Board.  Sheriff van der Kamp was notified that this question would be presented to the OSSA Board at the Spring Conference, and that he would have an opportunity to address the Board before a decision was made. Sheriff van der Kamp did not appear to address the Board, nor did he submit any written materials for the Board to consider.

“On May 14, the Board met and considered the issue.  A motion was made to permanently expel Sheriff van der Kamp from serving as an OSSA Director.  The motion passed unanimously, with 32 Oregon sheriffs voting on the issue. Sheriff van der Kamp was immediately expelled from the OSSA Board of Directors. 

About the Oregon State Sheriffs’ AssociationThe Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1916 to provide training and support to Oregon Sheriffs and their offices. “

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City of Redmond invites artists to submit concepts for new downtown mural

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding Video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places is seeking artists interested in painting a mural in the heart of Redmond as part of the RCAPP Sponsor Mural Program.

The proposed location is at the NW corner of Black Butte Boulevard and 6th Street.

Interested artists and artist teams are encouraged to review the Request for Proposals available at redmondoregon.gov/Mural2025 and submit their proposal(s) before 11:59 pm June 22, 2025. 

“This is RCAPP’s second sponsor mural, and RCAPP is incredibly excited to be bringing more art into downtown,” stated RCAPP Staff Liaison Claressa Davis. “We greatly appreciate folks sharing this opportunity to anyone they know who may be interested in contributing to Redmond’s vibrant art culture, as it helps us get as many proposals as possible before the June 22nd deadline.” 

The Sponsor Mural Program brings talented artists to Redmond, enhancing community identity and public art appreciation. The selected artist(s) will receive a contract for $18,000 for painting the 6th Street façade or $25,000 to paint on both the 6th Street façade and the Black Butte façade.  

For more information about the RFP or RCAPP, please visit www.redmondoregon.gov/RCAPP or contact RCAPP Staff Liaison Claressa Davis at 541-923-7718, claressa.davis@redmondoregon.gov

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About RCAPP 

The Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places (RCAPP) enhances Redmond’s community identity by strategically placing art in public places, advising city policies, fostering community engagement and partnerships, d securing funding for arts and culture initiatives. To learn how you can get involved with RCAPP programs, please visit redmondoregon.gov/RCAPP or contact City of Redmond Long-Range Claressa Davis and 541-923-7718 or claressa.davis@redmondoregon.gov. You can also follow RCAPP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RedmondPublicArt or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/redmond_rcapp/ for future updates and opportunities.

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