ABOUT

–Hi! My name is Liz and I'm the manager of Lark Mountain Modern. I moved to Central Oregon when I was 25 and have been here for 31 years. I have seen a ton of changes in Bend and the Central Oregon area, but love that if you look a little below the surface, you still find the kindness and the unique area it was when I moved here. I love Downtown Bend and have a great time working at Lark. I want downtown to thrive for our businesses, locals, and visitors! That's why I ran for the DBBA Board 2 years ago and have decided to run again. This will be my 2nd term, if elected. Being on the board I've been able to meet so many business owners, employees, and building owners. These interactions have helped me understand what our downtown community cares about and needs. I have really enjoyed being part of the Signature Events put on by the DBBA over the past 2 years. I feel that these events help to bring people downtown and into our businesses. Yes, we get lots of visitors but with these events we also get to see so many local faces! I am most proud of what the DBBA did with the Holiday Tree Lighting last year. (If you weren't there, IT WAS INCREDIBLE!) I look forward to being involved with the events we have coming up. Being part of the DBBA and the Downtown business community has been something I really enjoy and getting elected again would be awesome!!!

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST ASSETS?

1. We have so many unique local businesses. 2. Our small-town vibe! The way our downtown is decorated for all the seasons and our holidays is beautiful. From the flower baskets, balloons on First Friday Art Walk, to holiday decorations and our twinkle lights! The cohesive look of our building is something that most downtowns don't have. Makes you feel like you're on a small-town movie set!!! 3. Bend still feels so safe! It's nice to see people wandering the streets with smiles on their faces and saying hello to each other. I hear more comments on this than anything else about our town!

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST OPPORTUNITIES?

1. Bring more diversity to our downtown. In 2025 we were lucky enough to have the Dia De Los Muertos event during First Friday. It was incredible! So many people enjoying a traditional ritual and learning about celebrations from a culture different from what we have here in the U.S. I love seeing everyone enjoy the food, music and celebration of those who have come before us. I think we have a great opportunity to bring more of these types of events to Downtown. 2. We have a chance to work with the city to create a flex space/parking lot. It would relocate markets and events that would normally close Downtown streets to a lot and we would have our coveted on-street parking open and allow events to still happen in downtown. I feel this is a win-win for downtown and the community. And we have the possibility of getting public restrooms in this space, too! (which takes care of my #3 answer!)

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST CHALLENGES?

1. Restrooms- WE NEED THEM! 2. Parking- There is a lot of confusion about how our parking system works; specifically, the cost, how long people can park in various zones, and how tickets are issues and paid. 3. Reduced foot traffic in slow seasons. I'm adding a forth! - I'd love to figure out a solution for fast moving traffic.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE ON THE DBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

I think that our downtown is such a special place. I've felt this way since I first moved here! I know each town experiences growth and changes. What I hope to accomplish with my time on the DBBA Board is to make sure we have a voice in these changes. I've always loved how events like First Friday and other Signature Events bring customers into the shops. I'd love to ensure that we have events that continue to do just that, create a fun atmosphere for everyone in our community to enjoy and support us!