Lynne Mildenstein
The mission of the Downtown Bend Business Association to which this candidate will serve to uphold:
The Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) is a small nonprofit dedicated to increasing the vitality of Downtown Bend by enhancing the experience, image, and lifestyle of the Downtown Bend Economic Improvement District (EID).
The Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) is a small nonprofit dedicated to increasing the vitality of Downtown Bend by enhancing the experience, image, and lifestyle of the Downtown Bend Economic Improvement District (EID).
Does this candidate support the mission of the DBBA and the funding of the EID? Yes
Bio:
I've worked in libraries for over 30 years after earning a Masters of Library Science degree from the University of Iowa. I moved to Bend from Colorado in 1999 to take a position at the Deschutes Public Library. As Assistant Director, I'm excited about the future of our Deschutes Public Libraries and more specifically, the re-imagining of the Downtown Bend Library for our local community. Currently I enjoy being an empty-nester with my husband, being outdoors, hiking the "butte challenge", losing in trivia contests, and sampling all the delicious food and spirits Bend has to offer.
I've worked in libraries for over 30 years after earning a Masters of Library Science degree from the University of Iowa. I moved to Bend from Colorado in 1999 to take a position at the Deschutes Public Library. As Assistant Director, I'm excited about the future of our Deschutes Public Libraries and more specifically, the re-imagining of the Downtown Bend Library for our local community. Currently I enjoy being an empty-nester with my husband, being outdoors, hiking the "butte challenge", losing in trivia contests, and sampling all the delicious food and spirits Bend has to offer.
Describe what you feel that you could contribute to the DBBA board:
I've worked in the Downtown area for over 22 years and have witnessed and experienced many changes to this historic area ranging from traffic issues, pedestrian/bike safety, vandalism, and concerns about people that are unhoused or experiencing mental or substance use disorders. I also serve on the Bend Parking Advisory Committee. The vitality of Downtown Bend is important to me, not just as a citizen, but also as an administrator who believes the Downtown Bend Library is key to the success of sustaining and promoting this amazing, one-of-a-kind neighborhood. Having worked with boards my entire library career, I am also very familiar with the role of a board member.
I've worked in the Downtown area for over 22 years and have witnessed and experienced many changes to this historic area ranging from traffic issues, pedestrian/bike safety, vandalism, and concerns about people that are unhoused or experiencing mental or substance use disorders. I also serve on the Bend Parking Advisory Committee. The vitality of Downtown Bend is important to me, not just as a citizen, but also as an administrator who believes the Downtown Bend Library is key to the success of sustaining and promoting this amazing, one-of-a-kind neighborhood. Having worked with boards my entire library career, I am also very familiar with the role of a board member.
Describe what you feel Downtown Bend's role is in our City/Community:
Downtown Bend is a living, vibrant representation of Bend's past, present, and future. As such, its role is to remind us of our humble beginnings, provide a canvas to portray what is happening in our community right now, and promote change for a better future that embodies the values of our local residents and embraces visitors from all backgrounds and cultures.
Downtown Bend is a living, vibrant representation of Bend's past, present, and future. As such, its role is to remind us of our humble beginnings, provide a canvas to portray what is happening in our community right now, and promote change for a better future that embodies the values of our local residents and embraces visitors from all backgrounds and cultures.
Describe 1-2 of the elements of your vision for the future of Downtown Bend:
Transformative Experiences - for both locals and visitors. There is a feeling of vitality and energy mixed with a strong sense of community/belonging that rejuvenates the mind and spirit. Welcome Environment for all. Downtown Bend exemplifies what it means to be an accepting, welcoming, and safe place to visit, work, and play. An experience that people will want to revisit again and again.
Transformative Experiences - for both locals and visitors. There is a feeling of vitality and energy mixed with a strong sense of community/belonging that rejuvenates the mind and spirit. Welcome Environment for all. Downtown Bend exemplifies what it means to be an accepting, welcoming, and safe place to visit, work, and play. An experience that people will want to revisit again and again.