REDMOND
With approximately half the landmass of Bend, yet one-fourth the population, Redmond is a community that expects to continue to be one of Oregon's fastest growing communities. Redmond's location at the geographic center of the region makes it a current and future hub for a variety of things such as the regional airport, regional exposition center at the new $37 million Deschutes County Fairgrounds, and regional Technical Training Complex/Manufacturing & Applied Technology Training Center for Central Oregon Community College. Local leaders are poised for industrial expansion - planning for a long list of improvements to ensure that Redmond continues to be a great place to live and do business.
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History
Oregon had been a State for 45 years by the time Frank and Josephine Redmond pitched their first homestead tent near the area that would later take on their namesake in 1906. With these agricultural roots, the city was platted by an irrigation company building a major canal project. In 1911, a year after the town was incorporated; electrification reached Redmond as well as the Oregon Trunk Line Railroad, which opened new markets for farmers and merchants in the area. By 1930 the town had grown to 1,000 people, and ten years later population had nearly doubled. (During the 1940's Redmond was selected as a US Air Force Base and establishment of commercial air service at Roberts Field after WW II.) The following three decades (1950's, 60's, 70's) and most of the 80's the town's population remained relatively static, growing slowly around a small commercial/retail center and manufacturing industry.
However, during the 1990's, the town's population growth was among Oregon's most rapid fueled by a strong regional and national economy.
Population
Since 1985, Redmond's population has over doubled, from 6,740 to over 18,000 today making it one of Oregon's fastest growing rural communities. A certain number of these new residents commute 15 minutes south to Bend; however many are working in new jobs created in the past decade. Remarkably, expansion of the employment has actually outpaced even the population growth in recent years. Redmond leaders expect the region's second largest city to be combined for demographic purposes into Oregon's sixth and newest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as a result of the 2000 census. If this were to have the MSA designation, it would be in the top 5 (of 320 MSAs) fastest growing in the U.S.
Population projections forecast that Redmond's population will double again to over 34,000 residents within the next 10 years.
Development
Redmond has been a hotbed of recent construction activity and investment. For instance, the City of Redmond building inspection department reports an average of two new home building permits processed each day! In 1999 the $37 million Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center opened its doors for a host of year-round indoor and outdoor events, conferences, and trade shows. Nearby, the Redmond municipal airport quietly became Oregon's second fastest growing commercial airport (just behind Portland International) in terms of percentage growth in passengers and enplanements. The City-owned and managed airport is now embarking on a visionary expansion plan to accommodate growth through expansion of the passenger terminal, reconstruction of the approach apron, and development of a new business park within the airport footprint. Adjacent to these projects, new business and industrial parks are springing up with commercial, office and manufacturing developments.
Manufacturing has found fertile ground in Redmond due to one of Oregon's most active rural Enterprise Zones that offers qualifying businesses 100% property tax exemptions on new investment in plant and equipment. Additional incentives offered by the City of Redmond can include reduction of sewer and water charges, rebates on building permits, land use development fees, and system development charges.
With increased commerce and traffic on US Hwy 97, the region's main transport corridor, Redmond city leaders are focused on construction of a $25 million highway bypass or parkway to relieve congestion and safety concerns in the downtown while making travel through the community more efficient. In 2001, Redmond's new wastewater facility became operational and is providing additional capacity for continued growth.
Finally, population growth has necessitated expansion of school facilities, so the Redmond School District is in the process of securing resources to build a new high school, elementary and possibly new middle school as well.
Livability
Redmond's affordable housing costs combined with an average 15 minute commute to most other communities in the Central Oregon region makes it an attractive place for residents and businesses. Redmond and the small town of Terrebonne are the gateway to the world-famous Smith Rock State Park - a destination for rock climbers across the globe.
It is also a city with a strong sense of community and active citizenry. The agricultural and ranching heritage of Redmond remains strong and carries over into the work ethic of the area's labor force. With recent growth, Redmond now has "big city" amenities, yet very much maintains its small town charm, low crime and excellent schools.
Climate
Summer temperatures in Redmond range from an average high of 86 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity to a low of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters average highs are in the 40's to lows in the 20's.
Fun Facts
Redmond is the region's "banana belt" receiving more sunny days per year (302) than Houston, Texas and only 14% less one of the nation's sunniest cities, Phoenix, Arizona. Year-round golfing is also one of the community's "claims to fame." The town is home to Oregon's largest County Fair (Deschutes) - a 10-day event held the first week of August Flag City! Redmond has more commemorative flags per capita than any other community in the country. Redmond has for several years in the 1990's had the distinction of being Oregon's fastest growing community.
