This work examined economic trends (national, state and local) and identified which industries and sectors are more concentrated in Bend and growing more than national and state averages. The goal was to identify these sectors before beginning work on an economic opportunities analysis (EOA) in 2026. An EOA is an evaluation of Bend's land supply for employment - land for commercial, industrial, and mixed and public facility uses for all economic sectors. It has been nearly 20 years since the City last commissioned this work to identify economic sectors that maintain, support and grow a diverse economy. 

The City contracted with ECONorthwest to complete data driven research and interviews with key economic development stakeholders. Data research covered national, state and local trends, employment forecasts, and analysis on which sectors are growing and/or more concentrated in Bend. The key stakeholders interviewed included Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), the Bend Chamber of Commerce, Business Oregon, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, Central Oregon Community College and the Innovation Hub at OSU Cascades.

You may view and download the final report from ECONorthwest through this link. The following graphics provide a good summary of the data and identify the target economic sectors. The list of target economic sectors captures both locally serving industries and those that are export oriented.