The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the City of Bend held their second formal joint government meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, continuing a relationship established by a landmark Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2024 -- the first of its kind between the Tribe and any Central Oregon city.

What Was Discussed

The agenda covered three areas of shared concern:

  • Deschutes Basin water resources -- Both governments discussed how to best conserve water in the region, with a specific focus on mitigating groundwater usage. Water has become an increasingly urgent issue across Central Oregon, where rapid population growth has placed pressure on an aquifer system that scientists say is under serious stress.
  • Public art -- The two governments received an update on plans to replace the artwork at the Highway 20 and Cooley Road roundabout in Bend -- a project with tribal cultural significance.
  • Bend's 20-year growth plan -- City staff shared an update on Bend's long-range planning effort to accommodate significant population increases while managing infrastructure, land use, and resource impacts.

Strong Words From Both Sides

Edward R. Henderson, Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, offered a pointed assessment of the partnership:

"Both councils have new people at the table, and new relationships need to be built and old ones strengthened now. That is why this meeting mattered. But meetings are not the goal. We have sat at many tables over the years. What matters is what happens after we leave them. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will measure this relationship by what is done, not by what is said."

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration:

"Today's joint meeting was vital to continue meaningful conversations with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs about topics that have major impacts on our region. Together we face challenges and opportunities that are best addressed by working collaboratively."

Why This Matters for Jefferson County

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation covers approximately 640,000 acres in Jefferson County and is home to the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute peoples. The Deschutes River -- central to the water conversation -- runs through the heart of Jefferson County before reaching Bend.

Decisions about groundwater management and regional growth will shape water availability, economic opportunity, and the environment for Jefferson County residents for generations. The MOU between the Tribe and Bend established an annual rotating meeting schedule. Future meetings will continue to address matters of common interest.