On May 15, 2025, the City Club of Central Oregon will host its much-anticipated County Administrator & City Managers Forum, bringing together key government leaders from across Deschutes County for a candid and collaborative discussion about regional issues, shared responsibilities, and the future of Central Oregon.
For the first time, this annual event will include a countywide perspective with the addition of Deschutes County Administrator Nick Lelack, joining city managers from Bend, La Pine, Redmond, and Sisters. The event aims to shed light on the roles and interactions between county and city governments while tackling some of the region’s most pressing topics.
“This year, we’re expanding the conversation,” said Amber Thacher, City Club Executive Director. “By including the County Administrator and sharpening our focus on the distinct cities in Deschutes County, we can better understand the dynamic interplay between jurisdictions—and how collaboration is key to tackling things like wildfire risk, housing shortages, economic development, and public safety.”
Joining the discussion will be:
- Tammy Baney, Executive Director, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (Moderator)
- Eric King, City Manager, City of Bend
- Nick Lelack, County Administrator, Deschutes County
- Geoff Wullschlager, City Manager, City of La Pine
- Keith Witcosky, City Manager, City of Redmond
- Jordan Wheeler, City Manager, City of Sisters
Key discussion topics include:
- Differentiating and overlapping roles of county and city governments
- Wildfire preparedness and mitigation strategies
- Economic development amid changing conditions
- Housing and homelessness challenges
- Public safety partnerships and law enforcement dynamics
- Infrastructure and transportation funding concerns
County Administrator Lelack will open the discussion with insights on service delivery within incorporated and unincorporated areas, the expansion of the County Board of Commissioners, regional public safety coordination, and updates on land use, including landfill site selection.
Following his remarks, each City Manager will address issues unique to their communities—from wildfire hardscaping efforts in Bend and Sisters, to airport expansions in Redmond, to housing growth in La Pine. A panel-style Q&A will allow for broader reflections on intergovernmental collaboration, service delivery models, and evolving strategies for managing growth and sustainability.
The forum will conclude with audience Q&A, allowing the public to directly engage with local leaders on the issues that matter most.
Event Details:
What: City Club of Central Oregon – County Administrator & City Managers Forum
When: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Where: Central Oregon Community College, Coats Campus Center, Wille Hall
Time: 8:00-9:30 a.m. *doors open at 7:30 a.m. for coffee and networking
Tickets/Info: Visit cityclubco.org for registration and additional information.
If cost is a barrier to attend, complimentary registration is available using code CivicCO when registering. This is made possible with the support of grants from St. Charles Health System and The Pacific Power Foundation.
