BEND, Ore. – A significant cleanup effort is currently underway in downtown Bend as local authorities and community groups tackle the rising issue of protest stickers and posters that have been affixed to public spaces throughout the area. This initiative comes in response to a surge in vandalism that has seen a variety of unauthorized materials, including political messages and protest symbols, appear on storefronts, utility poles, and other downtown infrastructure.
In recent months, the number of complaints about such vandalism has increased sharply, prompting both the City of Bend and the Bend Park and Recreation District (BPRD) to mobilize resources. As of April 2024, the BPRD has reported that it spent over 900 hours and $45,000 addressing graffiti and sticker-related vandalism. City officials anticipate these figures could exceed last year’s totals, highlighting the ongoing nature of the issue.
“The city and local agencies are working together to restore public spaces and ensure that Bend remains an inviting place for residents and visitors alike,” said a spokesperson for the BPRD. “This includes cleaning up graffiti, removing stickers, and addressing any other forms of vandalism that damage our shared environment.”
To aid in the cleanup efforts, the City of Bend has partnered with local residents, businesses, and organizations through the Bend Beautification Program. This program encourages volunteer participation, providing necessary tools and organizing waste disposal for those involved. The program, designed to foster a sense of community pride, has become an essential part of Bend’s response to the rising tide of vandalism.
“It’s really about everyone coming together to keep our city beautiful,” said Kate Miller, a local business owner who participated in the cleanup. “We want to make sure our downtown is a place people can feel comfortable and proud to be in.”
However, it’s not just city agencies and volunteers that are bearing the brunt of the cleanup. Many businesses in downtown Bend, particularly those owned by marginalized groups, have found themselves repeatedly targeted by vandals. For example, Turtle Island Coffee Shop, a queer and Indigenous-owned café, has been the victim of multiple acts of vandalism in the past year. The café’s Pride flag was defaced several times, and protest stickers were plastered on its windows.
Despite these challenges, the community has rallied around the business. “We’ve seen an outpouring of support from our neighbors, which has been heartwarming,” said the shop’s owner, Tanya Morris. “It’s a reminder that while we face this vandalism, the spirit of our community is stronger than ever.”
While the cleanup effort is progressing, local authorities are also taking steps to deter future incidents. Increased patrols and surveillance in high-target areas are part of a broader strategy to maintain public spaces free from disruptive and unauthorized materials. The ongoing challenge has brought attention to the delicate balance between free expression and maintaining a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing environment.
As the effort continues, Bend’s leaders remain focused on working with the community to maintain the city’s charm and character. With ongoing collaboration between local government, businesses, and residents, downtown Bend is set to emerge from this cleanup as a more united and resilient community.
The City of Bend encourages all residents to join in the ongoing beautification efforts, emphasizing that even small acts of volunteerism can have a significant impact on maintaining the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
For more information on how to get involved, residents can visit the Bend Beautification Program’s website or contact the BPRD directly.
