Bend, OR – The head of Bend’s private development engineering division resigned last month following an internal investigation into her involvement with a development group linked to former executives of Pahlisch Homes. The resignation comes after mounting questions about potential conflicts of interest and ethics violations in the city’s development process.
The official, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, had been under scrutiny after it was revealed she had connections to a real estate development group that included former executives from Pahlisch Homes, one of the region’s largest homebuilders. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the investigation focused on whether the development group received preferential treatment or access to city resources due to these associations.
City officials confirmed that an internal probe was launched earlier this year after concerns were raised about the official’s professional ties outside of her role with the city. While details of the investigation have not been fully disclosed, sources close to the matter indicated that the resignation was prompted by the findings, though no formal allegations of misconduct have been made public at this time.
The development group, which reportedly worked on a series of high-profile projects in Bend, has raised concerns among local residents and industry insiders. Critics have argued that the relationship between the city official and former Pahlisch executives may have created the appearance of a conflict of interest, potentially undermining public trust in the city’s development processes.
Pahlisch Homes, which has been a prominent player in Bend’s real estate market for decades, is no stranger to controversy. The company has faced questions in the past over its rapid expansion and its role in Bend’s housing affordability crisis, but no direct connection has been established between the resignation and any ongoing issues with Pahlisch Homes itself.
The resignation marks a significant moment in Bend’s ongoing efforts to improve transparency and accountability in its development practices. In recent years, the city has faced increasing scrutiny over the rapid growth and urbanization of its once small-town environment. Local residents, advocacy groups, and developers alike have raised concerns over the influence of major real estate firms and the potential for backdoor dealings.
Bend City Manager Eric King acknowledged the resignation, saying in a brief statement, “We take these matters seriously and are committed to ensuring that our public officials uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency. We are reviewing our processes to ensure there are no further issues and to maintain the public’s trust.”
As the city moves forward, local leaders and residents alike will be watching closely to see what actions are taken to ensure that Bend’s development process remains fair, open, and free from undue influence. For now, the investigation into the former engineering official’s actions appears to be concluded, but the implications for the city’s future development practices may continue to unfold in the months ahead.
