As the realities of climate change become increasingly evident across the High Desert, the City Club of Central Oregon invites the community to a solutions-focused forum, “The High Desert Goes Low Impact,” on Wednesday, October 16, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at the Central Oregon Community College in Bend.
This timely conversation will feature local and regional experts exploring the urgent challenges of a changing climate—while spotlighting innovative, homegrown efforts to achieve less impact in our communities. The forum will focus on practical, scalable strategies that are already making a difference across Central Oregon and offer a roadmap to a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.
Forum Highlights:
- Real-world examples of sustainable development and low-impact infrastructure and programming
- Regional strategies for climate adaptation
“This forum isn’t about doom and gloom—it’s about action,” said Amber Thacher, City Club Executive Director. “Our region is full of creative thinkers and doers, and we want to shine a light on the real progress being made right here in Central Oregon.”
Speakers:
- Dr. Ihab Elzeyadi, University of Oregon, School of Architecture and Environment (Keynote/Moderator)
- Cassie Lacy, City of Bend, Senior Management Analyst, Environment and Climate Committee
- Jarrod Penttila, OSU Cascades, Associate Director of Capital Planning and Construction
- Justin Alvarado, Hayden Homes Amphitheater, Sustainability Manager
- Owen Murphy, Central Oregon Community College, Ponderosa Project lead faculty
Event Details
- When: Thursday, October 16 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. (PDT)
- Where: Central Oregon Community College, Coats Campus Center, Wille Hall, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97703
RSVP Information: Registration is encouraged. Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure a spot. https://members.cityclubco.org/ap/Events/Register/52FzORlibCWCq
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.