Deschutes County residents have a chance to learn the details of Ballot Measure 9‑185 at a community‑focused event this Sunday, Sept. 13, hosted by the nonpartisan organization Deschutes For All. The meeting will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Smith Rock Ranch, 1250 NE Wilcox Ave. in Terrebonne.
Measure 9‑185 asks voters to approve the creation of five geographic commissioner districts across Deschutes County. Under the proposal, each district would elect one commissioner who resides in that district, with the first district‑based elections slated for 2028. The measure follows the 2024 vote that expanded the County Commission from three members to five, a change intended to improve representation.
What attendees can expect
Attendees will receive complimentary snacks, family‑oriented activities, and back‑to‑school supplies while supplies last. A local beverage vendor will also be on site. The program includes a brief presentation on the measure, followed by a question‑and‑answer session from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., giving residents a direct line to the organizers and to officials who helped develop the district map.
According to Deschutes For All, the proposed district map was drawn through a public process that considered population balance, communities of interest, transportation corridors, and adjacent precincts. The organization emphasizes that all five commissioners would continue to work together on county‑wide decisions, preserving a unified governing body while providing more localized representation.
Why the measure matters
Proponents argue that geographic districts will ensure that each area of Deschutes County has a dedicated voice on the commission, potentially leading to more responsive governance on issues such as land use, public safety, and infrastructure. Critics, however, caution that redrawing districts can sometimes create political advantages for certain groups. The upcoming meeting offers a neutral forum for both sides to present their perspectives.
Measure 9‑185 will appear on the November 2026 ballot. If approved, the new district‑based commissioner elections will begin in 2028, giving voters a clear timeline for when the changes would take effect.
How to get involved
Residents who cannot attend in person are encouraged to visit the Deschutes For All website for additional information and to submit questions ahead of the event. The organization also plans to distribute printed materials at the gathering, ensuring that community members leave with a comprehensive understanding of the measure.
With the election only months away, the meeting serves as a timely opportunity for families, seniors, and business owners alike to engage directly with the issue that could reshape county governance for the next decade.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
