Bend, Oregon – For the first time in two decades, the City of Bend has conducted an in-depth analysis of its economy, unveiling key trends that highlight the city’s growing economic diversification. The new report identifies four major sectors—healthcare, bioscience, tourism, and technology—as the fastest-growing industries in the area, expanding at a pace greater than the rest of the state.
The findings underscore a notable shift in Bend’s economic landscape, reflecting the city’s transition from a tourism-dependent economy to a more diverse, resilient economic structure. While industries such as tourism and construction remain essential pillars, the city’s growing biotech and tech sectors are drawing attention, with companies like Bend Bioscience, Lonza, and Seran emerging as leaders in the field.
Katy Brooks, CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce, praised the results of the analysis. “I think the report really showed a really healthy economy,” she said. “When you come to Bend, you can find jobs in industries that didn’t exist here 20 years ago.”
The report highlights a shift in the workforce as well, with 28% of Bend’s employees now holding remote jobs, far exceeding the national average. This growing remote workforce signals the city’s increasing appeal as a hub for individuals seeking flexibility, alongside the expanding opportunities in industries like bioscience and technology.
Cyrus Mooney, Business Advocate for the City of Bend, emphasized the importance of the city’s evolving economic composition. “You see a balance of industries that are both export-oriented and locally serving,” Mooney said. “That makes us more resilient than we’ve been in the past because of that diversification.”
The analysis will play a key role in shaping Bend’s future urban renewal strategy. The city is preparing to offer incentives to businesses in these high-growth sectors, helping to foster continued growth. “Targeted sectors or businesses that fall into these criteria will be eligible to apply for certain development incentives,” Mooney explained. “We feel like they’re really well suited for our economy, and there’s a lot of community benefit they can offer.”
The biotech sector stands out as one of the city’s most exciting prospects, with Bend Bioscience and other emerging companies helping to establish Bend as a growing hub for biotechnology. City officials are optimistic about building on this momentum to ensure the continued expansion of this promising industry.
“We want to make sure we’re strategic,” said Brooks. “If you don’t do that well, you stagnate. So we want to make sure we’re growing clusters around different industry sectors.”
In addition to fostering industry growth, the report’s findings will also guide future land-use planning in the city. By ensuring space for businesses in high-growth sectors, Bend aims to accommodate expansion and further attract industry leaders to the region.
With a strategic focus on sustainability and diversification, Bend appears poised for a bright future, blending traditional industries with the rapidly evolving sectors that are driving its economic transformation. As the city adapts and grows, its ability to remain adaptable to future needs will determine its continued success.
