Central Oregon Lawmakers Outline 2026 Session Priorities

Bipartisan caucus focuses on job growth, housing, OSU-Cascades, and emergency preparedness

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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State Senator Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, and Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville, announced the 2026 session priorities for the bipartisan Central Oregon Legislative Caucus. The group's focus areas include economic development, housing and community services, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure investments to support the region's growth and safety.

Why it matters

The Central Oregon Legislative Caucus is a bipartisan group designed to facilitate collaborative policy-making for the region, which has seen significant growth and development in recent years. The priorities outlined by the caucus reflect the key challenges and opportunities facing Central Oregon communities.

The details

The economic development efforts for the region include pursuing House Bill 4084 to retain and grow Oregon businesses while supporting job creation, as well as recreational waiver reform to maintain regional competitiveness. In the area of housing and community services, the caucus is advocating for House Bill 4035 to allow one-time urban growth boundary expansions to increase housing production, seeking investment in shelter funding, and requesting funding for the OSU-Cascades Student Health and Recreation Center. Emergency preparedness and natural resources priorities involve House Bill 4156 to provide reliable funding for rural emergency response and House Bill 4144 to reduce fire risks caused by batteries. Infrastructure investments are also planned to support road safety on rural roadways in Central Oregon.

  • The bipartisan Central Oregon Legislative Caucus announced its 2026 session priorities on February 11, 2026.

The players

Anthony Broadman

State Senator, D-Bend, and co-chair of the bipartisan Central Oregon Legislative Caucus.

Vikki Breese-Iverson

State Representative, R-Prineville, and co-chair of the bipartisan Central Oregon Legislative Caucus.

Central Oregon Legislative Caucus

A bipartisan and bicameral group designed to facilitate collaborative policy-making for Central Oregon, consisting of representatives from various districts in the region.

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What they’re saying

“These caucus priorities reflect our focus on continuing the collaborative work toward building the safe and prosperous region Central Oregonians deserve.”

— Anthony Broadman, State Senator, D-Bend, and co-chair of the bipartisan Central Oregon Legislative Caucus (ktvz.com)

“Our communities, families and small businesses in Central Oregon need real tools to keep up-affordable housing, stronger emergency response, safer roads and policies that help our local economy thrive without unnecessary burdens. I'm proud to be part of our bipartisan Central Oregon Caucus, to advance these practical priorities that put Central Oregonians first and deliver results for our region.”

— Vikki Breese-Iverson, State Representative, R-Prineville, and co-chair of the bipartisan Central Oregon Legislative Caucus (ktvz.com)

What’s next

The Central Oregon Legislative Caucus will work to advance its 2026 session priorities through the legislative process, including advocating for the passage of the specific bills mentioned.

The takeaway

The bipartisan Central Oregon Legislative Caucus is taking a collaborative approach to address the region's key challenges and opportunities, focusing on economic development, housing, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure investments to support the growth and safety of Central Oregon communities.