Category: ktvz-local-news

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The KTVZ Studio was bustling with questions and great stories from Sandy and Bruce Cummings as they made a special visit Wednesday. The couple came to tell stories and give advice from their decades of work at NBC.

Sandy worked as a Senior Producer for Dateline, and Bruce served as a Senior Producer for NBC Nightly News. They have worked with everyone from Tom Brokaw to Jane Pauley and Keith Morrison.

The couple has lived in Bend for over a decade and are proud KTVZ viewers.

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Barney Lerten

Beginning with the landing of a U.S. Army MH-47G Chinook on its Bend campus athletic field, a Central Oregon Community College dedication event for its newly revamped Robert D. Maxwell Veterans Resource Center will celebrate veterans and a new space for student veterans beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at the Coats Campus Center.

Members of the community are invited to attend this free event, with refreshments served.

The official ceremony, complete with color guard, national anthem and folding of the flag in honor of the center’s namesake, Robert Dale Maxwell, a WWII Medal of Honor recipient, will take place from 4-4:45 p.m.

Event speakers include Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, U.S. Army veteran and director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and Command Master Chief J.W. Terry, U.S. Navy, retired, who serves on the Central Oregon Veterans Outreach’s board of directors.

An open house of the Robert D. Maxwell Veterans Resource Center precedes and follows the ceremony, until 6 p.m., and crew members and active-duty U.S. Special Operations Forces with the “Nightstalker” MH-47G Chinook will remain on the ground to engage with the community and share their experiences.

One of the most advanced helicopters in the world, the MH-47G is specifically designed to support complex and high-risk missions in any environment. It’s the U.S. military’s only special operations rotary-wing unit supporting all branches of U.S. Special Operations Forces. This event provides a rare opportunity for the community to see the aircraft up close.

Maxwell, who passed away in 2019 at age 98, served in Europe and Africa during World War II as a U.S. Army communications technician and received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor, for throwing himself on a German grenade in a battle near Besancon, France, on Sept. 7, 1944, to save the lives of others.

Following the war, Maxwell settled in Oregon and used the GI Bill to study automotive technology. He became an instructor, first teaching at Bend High School in downtown Bend before helping COCC launch its automotive program in 1958, where he served for eight years. For many years, the college has offered an automotive training scholarship in Maxwell’s name, sponsored by High Desert NAPA.

Funding for the updated resource center — which included a relocation and a remodel — came from $600,000 provided by the U.S. Department of Education, combined with $81,128 from the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs to support tuitions and emergency assistance for veterans. For the current academic year, 7.2% of certificate- and degree-seeking COCC students identify as veterans.

In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should call 541-383-7775. For accommodation because of other disability, such as hearing impairment, contact disability services at 541-383-7583.

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Central Oregon Community College is celebrating 75 years of opportunity. Founded in 1949, COCC — Oregon’s first community college — marks a major milestone this academic year (2024-25) of bringing higher learning, connection and enrichment to the region.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Legislative priorities for the 2025 Central Oregon Caucus focus on the region’s unique needs around economic development, housing, wildfire and transportation, the newly formed caucus said Wednesday.

Caucus co-chairs Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) and Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) set out the priorities in the caucus’s inaugural agenda.

The Central Oregon Caucus formed this year, composed of legislators representing parts of Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties and representing a bipartisan, bicameral approach. The caucus will facilitate collaborative policymaking and improve the lives of Central Oregonians.

“Central Oregonians expect and deserve collaboration from public servants,” said Senator Broadman (D-Bend).  “This caucus and our priorities center on housing, economic development, and ensuring the middle of our state is a safe, sustainable place to live.”

“Forming the Central Oregon caucus is an important first step. It allows legislators representing the region to speak with a united voice,” said Representative Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). “For far too long, decision-making in Salem has been dominated by more populous regions of the state. Central Oregonians deserve the strongest possible representation.”

Top Priorities Include:

Economic Development

CORE3: Statewide Emergency Response and Training Center

House Bill 2411: Helps fund industrial land projects

Collaborating with local organizations to grow local businesses and fully leverage state funding for economic development

Housing and Community Services

Removing regulatory barriers to housing development

Prioritizing housing infrastructure

Funding for a new Pediatric Mental Health Care Facility for youth east of the Cascades

Wildfire and Natural Resources

House Bill 3135: Managing juniper growth

Senate Bill 83: Addressing challenges with wildfire maps and strengthening recovery planning

House Bill 3349 and House Bill 3350: Supporting Rangeland Fire Protection Agencies

Transportation

Investing in rural roadways

Winter road safety

Maintaining bridge infrastructure

The Central Oregon Legislative Caucus is co-chaired by Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) and Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). Members include Representative Jason Kropf (D-Bend), Representative Emerson Levy (D-Bend), Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner), Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls), Senator Diane Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls), Representative Mark Owens (R-Crane), Senator Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), and Senator Todd Nash (R-Enterprise).

The caucus meets regularly to keep Central Oregon constituents front and center in Salem.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: More comments from Bend Airport Manager Tracy Williams)

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Oregon lawmakers announced Wednesday that seven Oregon airports, including the Bend Municipal Airport, have secured about $22.7 million combined in federal grants for infrastructure improvements to taxiways, drainage, snow removal equipment and more.

“These federal investments to modernize and improve airports large and small throughout our state benefit Oregonians relying on these facilities for their communities’ economic health and for everybody’s safety during wildfires and other emergencies,” Senator Ron Wyden said. “I’m gratified these resources are heading to Oregon, and I’ll keep battling to provide similar funds for airports all across our state.”

“Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities, including supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Senator Jeff Merkley said. “This federal funding will allow several Oregon regional airports to tackle important projects like expanding taxiways, construction projects, and new equipment. I’ll continue to fight to ensure Oregon has the resources for safe and efficient travels for the folks who rely on Oregon’s airports.” 

“I’m pleased to see that airports in NW Oregon and across the state are receiving federal investments to improve the reliability of our transportation system,” said Rep. Bonamici. “Because of these modernization projects, Oregonians and anyone traveling to our beautiful state for business or pleasure will be safer. I will continue to advocate for other important transportation and infrastructure projects that will help Oregonians and the Oregon economy thrive.”

“Airports are vital infrastructure for our communities—supporting local economies, emergency response, and everyday travel for Oregonians,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “I’m proud to see federal investments coming to Eugene and Corvallis to improve safety, modernize facilities, and prepare these airports for future growth. These upgrades will make a real difference for our region, and I’ll keep fighting for resources that strengthen our transportation and infrastructure.”

“I’m glad to see these federal investments coming to airports across Oregon,” said Rep. Salinas. “Modernizing and improving Oregon’s airport infrastructure is critical to the safety and economic growth of communities both large and small. I’ll keep fighting to deliver the resources that Oregonians need and deserve.”

“It’s important to me that as people come in and out of our beautiful state that we give them the best possible experience,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum. “This funding provides the resources to do just that, improving safety and reliability and helping Oregon airports modernize and grow. I was ecstatic to see this announcement, and I’ll always fight for projects that improve Oregonians’ quality of life.”

“Investing in our airports means investing in the safety, connectivity, and economic strength of our communities,” said Rep. Dexter. “I’m thrilled that more than $15 million is headed to PDX. This funding—fueled by the Biden Administration’s historic infrastructure investments—is a clear example of what it looks like when the federal government shows up for local communities.” 

The $22.7 million in airport improvement grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:

$15.22 million to the Port of Portland for Portland International Airport to rebuild 2,700 feet of the existing paved taxiway A pavement that’s reached the end of its useful life.

$3.14 million to the Port of Portland for Hillsboro Airport to build a new 1,300-foot taxiway K to reduce delays and accommodate more aircraft operations.

$2.14 million to Bend Municipal Airport to rehabilitate 12,000 feet of the existing southwest, northwest, and west taxi lanes pavement to extend their useful lives.

$1.66 million for Eugene’s Mahlon Sweet Airport to build new airfield drainage for wetland mitigation to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

$261,938 for Corvallis Municipal Airport to build a new 1,100-foot taxi lane to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

$215,000 for Burns Municipal Airport to acquire snow removal equipment.

$76,000 to Joseph State Airport to reseal 5,210 feet of existing Runway 15/33 pavement and joints to extend its useful life. This project reseals 6,990 feet of the existing Taxiway A pavement and joints to extend its useful life.

“Reconstructing and adding taxiways at PDX and Hillsboro Airport is vital to maintaining the transportation system that our region relies on,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We appreciate the continued support of Senators Wyden and Merkley on projects that help to ensure safe and efficient operations at our airports.”

“Funding for this important airport capital improvement project will support asphalt patching, crack sealing and repair, surface sealing, and new painted striping on paved surfaces at the Bend Municipal Airport,” said Airport Manager Tracy Williams.

Williams told KTVZ News on Wednesday that the funds were anticipated.

“Each July, I travel to Washington D.C., meet with the Representatives on the Hill,  thank them for their support, provide an update on projects they supported, and make any ask if necessary. Merkley, Wyden, and Chavez-DeRemer have always been strong advocates.  I put in a call, but have not met Bynum yet. She’s on my radar!

“The grant will cover 95% of the total project,” Williams said. “Some of the work will begin late summer 2025.”

Williams also told us that the airport’s new control tower “is coming along nicely (slight delays outside our control) and should be substantially complete by the end of this year.”

“On behalf of the City of Burns and the Burns Municipal Airport, we sincerely appreciate the recent grant awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration for the acquisition of essential snow removal equipment,” said City Manager Judy Erwin. “This funding will significantly enhance our operational capabilities during the winter season, ensuring safer and more reliable service for all airport users. The support from the FAA continues to be instrumental in maintaining and improving the safety and efficiency of our airport infrastructure. This equipment will allow us to better serve general aviation, emergency services, and regional operations, especially during severe weather conditions.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from shelter)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — It’s been two weeks since the closure of the Bend area’s largest homeless camp, off China Hat Road. Homeless advocates in Central Oregon are now navigating an increase in demand for services.

“We’ve certainly had people from the camps come into our services throughout the time that we’ve existed,” Lighthouse Navigation Center Director Naomi Blair said Wednesday. “And there are extra layers of challenges in learning how to adapt to community living situations and adapting to kind of our rules and guidelines, to keep our safety intact. “

According to City Manager Eric King, since last week, Bend’s shelters are at 98% capacity. 59 people were placed in permanent housing, 11 others in temporary housing. An estimated 30 new camps have also popped up in Juniper Ridge on Bend’s north side.

The Lighthouse Navigation Center says it’s remained at full capacity, but only recorded three new visitors from China Hat Road: “I think there was that initial anxiety with the magnitude of the numbers and what that might look for us, but, we we have been able to wrap our arms around the one that had the ones that have come our way.”

The Forest Service first announced the planned closure of 30,000 acres south of Bend nearly four years ago, citing the need to reduce wildfire risk and increase prevention. 

Since then, the population in the area boomed, with some estimating more than 100 people were camped in the area. It’s been the center of crime, drugs, and large amounts of garbage in the city. Much of the garbage remains, with many having to leave their belongings behind when the May 1 deadline to leave arrived.

“The larger discussions that are happening certainly trickle down and impact us, but we don’t know what to expect,” Blair said. “We’re just working with what we’ve got, and we really stay focused on what we’re able to do.”

The shelter says that with the warmer temperatures in the area, fewer people will be using the facility, and more will be around the streets. This week, they reported 10 open beds.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Four prescribed burns conducted Thursday)

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest was conducting more than 250 acres of prescribed burn operations Thursday on the Bend-Fort Rock, Crescent and Sisters ranger districts, as well as a cross-boundary burn with partners on the Metolius Basin.

Officials said Thursday afternoon that test fire ignitions were favorable and the burns were underway.

Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District firefighters plan to conduct up to 111 acres of ignitions on the Odin North Block 7 Prescribed Burn, located approximately four miles northeast of La Pine, east of Newberry Estates and south of Paulina Lake Road.

Ignitions will be continuing on Friday, if conditions remain favorable. No road or trail closures are anticipated.

Smoke will be visible from La Pine, Sunriver, Highway 97, and the surrounding area. Residents in La Pine and Newberry Estates are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. Smoke impacts are also possible across Highway 97 during ignitions and overnight and in the early morning hours.

Firefighters on the Cresent Ranger District plan to conduct up to 96 acres of ignitions on the DMR 11 Prescribed Burn located approximately five miles southeast of Crescent, east of Highway 97 and south of Boundary Springs Campground.

Smoke will be visible from Highway 97 and 58, Crescent and the surrounding area. Residents in Crescent are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.

Also on Thursday, the Sisters Ranger District plans 30 acres of prescribed burning on the SAFR Unit 34 Prescribed Burn three miles south of Sisters and east of Forest Service Road 16 near the PRT – Whychus Horse Ford Tie Trail.

While no road or trail closures are anticipated, the public is asked to avoid recreating in the vicinity of the prescribed burn. Residents in Sisters and the surrounding 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.

Meanwhile, the Deschutes Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and the Deschutes National Forest plan a cross-boundary prescribed burn Thursday on 50 acres of the Deschutes Land Trust’s Metolius Preserve and five acres of Forest Service land. Firefighters attempted to conduct this prescribed burn last week; however, upon conducting a test ignition, firefighters determined that conditions were not favorable to proceed with operations.

Smoke will be visible from the Metolius Basin and surrounding areas. Residents in the Metolius Basin are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.

The Metolius Preserve will remain open during the burn period. The public is encouraged to avoid the Lake Creek Trail and other trails in the northern section of the Preserve due to operations and smoke impacts.

This cross-boundary prescribed burn is being conducted through a formal agreement between the Deschutes Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and the Forest Service. Implementation of the prescribed burn will include support from federal, state, and municipal firefighting resources.

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when 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. 

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.

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. 

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video)

Jillian Fortner has a report on KTVZ News at 6:00 p.m.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Triathlete Andy Krueger is gearing up to defend his title at this year’s Pole Pedal Paddle, a race he’s been familiar with since childhood.

“I grew up watching my parents compete in it,” Krueger said.

The SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle, a multi-sport race that starts at Mt. Bachelor and ends at Riverbend Park. Participants must ski, bike, run and paddle their way to the finish line.

Krueger finished last year’s race in under 1 hour and 45 minutes.

He claimed first place in the male elite individual category, while Grace Perkins won the female elite title in 2024.

“I think running through the woods, realizing you were just skiing a few minutes before, is pretty cool,” he said.

The event, which began in the 1970s with just 16 participants, has grown significantly. This year, more than 1,900 competitors are signed up to race.

Race Director Marieka Greene said, “It’s the longest-running multi-sport event in Oregon, and those of us who call Central Oregon home really value what it means to our community.”

Organizers say the event will follow a similar format to last year, but will feature new categories.

“We have a family pairs division, mostly for parents and their kids, as well as a military division for active or veteran military and their family and friends,” Greene said.

Krueger is looking forward to competing again this weekend, though he expects tough competition.

“There are some new names, some returning names. Some people who were injured last year are now back,” Krueger said. “It’s going to be a hard race to win this year, but I’m excited to do my best and hopefully come out the two-time champion.”

Krueger shared some advice for racers competing for the first time.

“I’d say check the weather for the weekend. It’s going to be cooler, so make sure to layer up. If you can, take a moment to enjoy the views. It’s a part of history that you get to be a part of,” Krueger said.

The PPP is the largest fundraiser for the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation. Funds generated from the event allow MBSEF to make program fees affordable for youth athletes in Central Oregon. 

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. [KTVZ] — One of the main agenda items in Tuesday’s Redmond City Council meeting, was the approval of ordinance 2025-09; the Antelope Flats Master Plan Development. 

“I’m struggling with, why we wouldn’t have that access to Antelope, like, with a speed bump or something, because it is narrow., but it does take a lot of pressure off the neighborhoods to the north,” said Mayor Ed Fitch. 

City Planner: “Yeah. Our partial roadway standards require a 25ft width and pavement width, and we just don’t have it at this point.” 

Clearly, Mayor Fitch needed additional information from a City Planner as to why access and a road are limited on southwest Antelope Avenue as a new development means more traffic for residents.  

Nevertheless, in a significant move aligning with the Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan, the Redmond City Council has approved the Antelope Flats Master Development Plan and tentative subdivision.  

Assistant City Engineer, Lindsey Cromsigt talks about the new development. 

“The Antelope Flats Master Plan was brought to council tonight. It’s a 32-home subdivision in the southwest part of Redmond, located along Helmholtz, just south of Wickiup Avenue.”  

There are some residents that reside in that area, don’t believe the city has taken the necessary steps for exit routes since more housing will be added to the area. 

“We are soon to have well over 200 houses with only one viable exit out of our community in case of a fire. And since we are up against the urban growth boundary, we are surrounded by trees and vegetation, so the fire is very real,” said Redmond resident, Ed Hughes. 

The Assistant City Engineer, Cromsigt says, they have done their due-diligence for this project. 

“Typically, city staff reviews any subdivision. We begin with a transportation impact analysis review to look at the number of vehicles being added on the system, due to the development, and we look at safety and congestion related to that request. We also work with the Redmond Fire & Rescue District to review primary and emergency access requirements for all ofs our development code requirements and fire code requirements. And, Antelope Flats brought to Council tonight, does meet all of those requirements.” 

Now that the Antelope Flats Master Plan Development has been approved, Redmond will break ground between 6 months to a year. After that, it’ll take an additional 2 years to complete construction. 

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Business & Industry, in partnership with Here is Oregon, is excited to announce the third annual Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest, in which Oregonians will vote for the coolest thing manufactured in the Beaver State.

Finalists will be chosen from a list of products nominated by the public. They will participate in a bracket-style tournament, and four rounds of voting will produce a winner. The winning manufacturer will receive formal recognition and, more importantly, enjoy bragging rights for producing Oregon’s coolest thing.   

The window to nominate products will remain open until July 10. The 16 finalists will be announced in September, and the winner will be revealed at OBI’s Vision Oregon Event on Oct. 22. Nominations can be made at Here is Oregon’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon page. 

Developing a list of only 16 finalists won’t be easy. Oregon’s manufacturing sector employs more than 200,000 people and contributes more than $36 billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product, according to a 2024 ECONorthwest study funded by OBI. You don’t get numbers like this without manufacturing a lot of things, in terms of both volume and variety.  

Oregon’s manufacturing sector has helped make the state an export powerhouse. As noted in OBI’s 2025 Oregon Competitiveness Book, the per-capita value of Oregon’s exports was the nation’s ninth highest in 2023. Oregon exports more than $6,500 in goods for every one of the state’s residents. The value of Oregon’s exports topped $27 billion in 2023.  

Manufacturing pays well, too. On a per-hour basis, Oregon’s median manufacturing income exceeds those in all other industries by almost 17%. 

Freres Engineered Wood’s Mass Ply Panels won the inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest in 2023. And Epic Aircraft’s E1000 GX won in 2024. 

More information about the contest is available on OBI’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon web page,  which will feature all updates. 

To qualify for the contest, products must be manufactured substantially within Oregon and be legal to buy in all 50 states. Anyone can nominate a product, and manufacturers are encouraged to do so. Nobody knows how cool a product is more than the people who make it.  

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OBI is a statewide association representing businesses from a wide variety of industries and from each of Oregon’s 36 counties. In addition to being the statewide chamber of commerce, OBI is the state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Retail Federation. Our 1,600 member companies, more than 75% of which are small businesses, employ more than 250,000 Oregonians. Oregon’s private sector businesses help drive a healthy, prosperous economy for the benefit of everyone.  

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — There were 737,157 Oregon households unable to afford the state’s cost of living in 2023, according to the ALICE Report released Monday by United Way of Central Oregon and United Ways of the Pacific Northwest.

The report was released in partnership with United For ALICE, a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for people in financial hardship.

ALICE in Oregon: A Study of Financial Hardship places a spotlight on what United For ALICE calls the ALICE population — households earning more than the official Federal Poverty Level, but less than the cost of basics such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, technology, and taxes in their local community. 

ALICE® stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — a large population of hardworking residents who work at low-paying jobs, have little or no savings and are one emergency away from falling into poverty.

The report is the most comprehensive depiction of financial need in the state to date, using the latest data from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Census. The Report unveils new measures, based on 2023 income levels and expenses, that quantify how many Oregon households are struggling financially, and why.  

In 2023, out of Oregon’s total 1.7 million households, a total of 528,716 households fell into the ALICE population. This number was more than double the official poverty rate, which accounted for another 208,441 households in the state.

Combined, ALICE households and households in poverty made up the population below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival and accounted for 42% of all households in Oregon. Details about Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties are below:

      Crook: 34% ALICE & 9% below the Federal Poverty Line (FPL)

      Deschutes: 23% ALICE & 9% below the FPL

      Jefferson: 28% ALICE & 14% below the FPL

“We all know ALICE,” said Diana Fischetti, Regional Executive Director of United Way of Central Oregon. “ALICE is the young family squeezed by the cost of child care, the recent college graduate living with roommates because rent is out of reach, and the mid-career professional underemployed despite doing everything ‘right.’ These are the people who teach our kids, care for our elders, and keep our economy running — and yet they’re struggling to afford the basics. That’s not a personal failure; it’s a sign of systems that no longer work for working people.”

The report is a project of United For ALICE, which leads a grassroots movement of United Ways, corporations, nonprofits and foundations in more than half the United States, all using the same methodology to document financial need. ALICE Reports provide county-by-county data and analysis of how many households are struggling, including the obstacles ALICE households face on the road to financial independence.

“This Report provides the objective data that explains why so many residents are struggling to survive and the challenges they face in attempting to make ends meet,” said the Report’s lead researcher, United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D. “Until now, the true picture of need in local communities and states has been understated and obscured by misleading averages and outdated poverty statistics.”

The ALICE Report reveals:

▪    Between 2010 and 2023, the total number of households in Oregon increased by 15%, the number of households in poverty decreased by 4%, and the number of ALICE households increased by 27%.

▪    Single-female-headed households are especially impacted by the harsh realities of our economic systems, with nearly 40% living under the federal poverty line and an additional 32% ALICE.

▪    Households below the ALICE Threshold span all races, ages and genders, closely mirroring the state’s basic demographic make-up. Yet for certain groups, the struggle is disproportionate. For example, 61% of Black and 50% of Hispanic households in Oregon were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023, compared to 41% of white households.

“ALICE often is forced to make choices that compromise health and safety in order to make ends meet,” Fischetti said, “putting both ALICE and the wider community at risk of long-term societal and economic repercussions.”

“This data confirms what we see every day: that far too many families are stuck making impossible choices — between childcare and health care, or between food and rent,” Fischetti continued. “At United Way, we’re using the ALICE data to drive real solutions — by convening cross-sector partners, informing smarter investments, and advocating for systems that help families not just survive, but truly thrive.”

United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity and financial security, United Way works towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.

For more information or to find data about ALICE in local communities, visit www.UnitedForALICE.org.

About United Way of Central OregonUnited Way of Central Oregon envisions a community where every person can meet their basic needs, every child thrives, every family has a stable home, and neighbors unite to recover stronger from disasters. Through initiatives focusing on financial security, community resilience, youth opportunities and healthy communities, UWCO is building a stronger, healthier Central Oregon. For more information, please visit https://www.unitedwaycentraloregon.org or contact Diana Fischetti at diana@uwco.org.

About United Ways of the Pacific NorthwestUWPNW is the regional trade association for 30 local United Ways in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. United Ways in the Pacific Northwest are committed to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good in the areas of education, income and health.

About United For ALICE

United For ALICE is a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and for all. Through the development of the ALICE measurements, a comprehensive, unbiased picture of financial hardship has emerged. Harnessing this data and research on the mismatch between low-paying jobs and the cost of survival, ALICE partners convene, advocate and collaborate on solutions that promote financial stability at local, state and national levels. This grassroots ALICE movement, led by United Way of Northern New Jersey, has spread to 31 states and the District of Columbia and includes United Ways, corporations, nonprofits and foundations in Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin; we are United For ALICE. For more information, visit: UnitedForALICE.org.

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