The Sisters Roundup
October 2026
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City Celebrates the Completion of the Adams Avenue Streetscape Project
The City of Sisters invites community members to celebrate the completion of the Adams Avenue Streetscape Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will take place at the corner of N. Ash Street and Adams Avenue in Sisters (across from Sisters Artworks).
This project represents a significant investment in the City's downtown commercial district and is designed to create a more welcoming, connected, and functional corridor for the community. The improvements complement existing design elements within the downtown core, with a focus on connectivity, business and residential access, and landscaping.
“This project is an important investment in the heart of Sisters,” said Mayor Jennifer Letz “The improvements strengthen connections throughout our downtown, enhance access for businesses and residents, and create a more inviting public space for everyone to enjoy.”
The ceremony will include remarks from City officials and project partners, followed by the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Community members are encouraged to attend and help celebrate the completion of this important downtown improvement project.
The City of Sisters appreciates the community's patience and support throughout the project and extends its thanks to the businesses, residents, contractors, designers, and project partners who contributed to its completion.
You can find more information on the project at
www.ci.sisters.or.us/publicworks/page/adams-avenue-streetscape-project
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Welcome to Councilor Corner — a section of The Sisters Roundup where you’ll hear directly from the Sisters City Council each month about City goals, important community issues, and the work being done.
Councilor Corner - Sarah McDougall
Sisters Partnership on Houselessness
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Since the spring of 2024, the City of Sisters has acted as the convener for a Sisters-area Partnership on Houselessness. This partnership includes local government agencies, service providers, and nonprofits committed to addressing houselessness. This group currently meets bimonthly to share information and collaborate on local solutions.
Wanting a seat at the table with this partnership, where I could advocate for the well-being and safety of both our entire community and specifically vulnerable populations, was part of my “why” in running for city council.
This year we had an internal presentation from our local fire district and forest service representatives on how they prepare for fire season to reduce risk surrounding people camping in the forest, noting that there are strategies for both recreational and longer-term camping. We also received presentations from two external organizations, NeighborImpact and Mountain View Community Development, on their housing and transitional housing models.
To increase clarity and transparency, the Partnership on Houselessness created a document outlining the role of each organization in these efforts. Additionally, the partnership created an action plan, where local partners track accomplishments, goals, and ongoing actions that support our houseless and otherwise vulnerable neighbors. This plan was created based on current activities and with input from community conversations on houselessness in both 2024 and 2025. In 2026, to further illustrate details around the action plan and answer common questions, the partners created a series of FAQs that cover the four areas of action: Support & Services, Safety, Housing, and Coordination & Community Education.
As a member of this partnership, I see how closely our local agencies work together to find solutions to difficult situations. I encourage anyone interested in learning more to read the documents linked in this brief overview. Members of the partnership also presented at the September 23, 2026 Sisters City Council meeting and gave current updates. That presentation can be watched here.
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Learning & Collaboration
Councilors attended the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) Annual Conference in Salem to learn, share ideas, and bring back valuable insights for our community.
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UGB Comprehensive Plan Map
On October 14, the City Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 547 regarding the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) Comprehensive Plan Map. See below for more details and next steps.
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November 3 Election
Ballot drop boxes are open for the November 3 midterm election.
Sisters City Council Candidates:
Therese Kollerer
Cheryl Pellerin
Rick Retzman
Gary Ross
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Upcoming Public Meetings
Stay informed by attending or viewing
public city meetings!
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- Public Art Board - Oct 27, 3pm
- City Council - Oct 28, 5:30pm
- City Parks Board - Nov 4, 4pm
- Planning Commission - Nov 5, 4pm
- Urban Forestry Board - Nov 9, 3pm
- Public Works Board - Nov 10, 4:30pm
- Public Art Board - Nov 17, 3pm
- City Council - Nov 18, 5:30pm
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For information about these and other Boards & Committees, view the public meeting calendar, listen to prior meetings, and access meeting information at: www.ci.sisters.or.us/meetings.
Subscribe to receive meeting notifications and city announcements by email.
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The City of Sisters is seeking City residents to serve on several of its advisory boards. These volunteer positions offer residents an opportunity to help shape the city's future by providing guidance and recommendations to the City Council.
Advisory board members serve in a volunteer capacity and play an important role in local decision-making. The City encourages all interested individuals to apply and become directly involved in civic life.
The City is seeking applicants for the following advisory boards:
Application Period:
Opens: October 5, 2026
Closes: November 15, 2026
Interviews will be scheduled in the weeks following the application deadline, with appointments to be made during the City Council meeting on December 16, 2026. New terms will begin with the first board meetings of 2027.
How to Apply:
Submit your completed application by:
For more information or to download an application form, visit www.ci.sisters.or.us or contact City Hall directly.
| | Urban Growth Boundary Update | | |
Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) Amendment: The City of Sisters is nearing the conclusion of the local adoption process for the 318-acre UGB Amendment boundary expansion, as recommended by the UGB Steering Committee. On May 21, 2026, the City Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve the proposed UGB Amendment and, on October 14, 2026, the City Council approved the application.
The final step in the process is for the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners to review the proposal. They will hold a public hearing on the matter at 4 pm at the Sisters City Hall on Thursday, October 22, 2026. On September 9, 2026, the Deschutes County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board approve the request. Oral testimony will be taken at the meeting and written comment can be submitted ahead of time (submit them to County Planner Kyle Collins at kyle.collins@deschutes.org. After local adoption of the UGB Amendment, acknowledgement by the State of Oregon is required.
Questions or comments can be directed to Scott Woodford, Community Development Director for the City of Sisters at swoodford@ci.sisters.or.us or 541-323-5211.
Annexation Ordinance Amendment: Efforts continue on updating the City’s annexation ordinance to prepare it for annexation requests upon adoption of the UGB. Both City Council and the Planning Commission are required to approve amendments and each has held multiple workshops on the matter. The annexation ordinance will determine the process for future annexations and requirements, such as affordable housing. The next workshops will be in front of the City Council on October 28, 2026 and Planning Commission on November 5, 2026. For more meeting information, visit www.ci.sisters.or.us/meetings
Area Plan: The Area Plan process will commence after local UGB adoption and will include public engagement opportunities. An Area Plan is a planning framework plan that establishes a more detailed vision for the UGB expansion area and will address zoning, transportation, housing types, employment lands, parks and other related subjects. Once complete, future annexation requests will be required to comply with the adopted Area Plan.
More information on the UGB amendment process can be found at www.ci.sisters.or.us.
| | Dark Skies: Are Your Outdoor Lights Compliant with City of Sisters Code? | | |
Outdoor Lighting Rebate Program:
Do your outdoor lights meet the city’s lighting ordinance? Are they too bright? Can you see the light source from your property line? If so, they likely do not comply with the ordinance and are required to be changed by February 2029.
Why wait? Get ahead of that deadline and take advantage of the city’s rebate program to help defray the costs of replacing lighting fixtures while supplies last! The rebate allows for up to $50 per lighting fixture replaced with a maximum of $200 per property/owner. Currently, this rebate applies to residential properties but could be expanded in the future, if successful.
The goal of the rebate is to reduce light pollution by replacing overly bright lighting, unshielded lighting and lighting not directed downward with Dark Skies compliant lighting. Doing so will help ensure the star-filled skies remain for viewing, protect wildlife and human health, and help us all be good neighbors in the process.
Not sure if your lighting complies? Call Scott Woodford, Community Development Director at 541-323-5211 or Jacob Smith, Code Enforcement Officer at 541-323-5214 for assistance.
Apply here: https://www.ci.sisters.or.us/community-development/page/dark-skies-lighting-rebate-program
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SPRD Trunk or Treat
October 31, 2025 | 2 - 4pm
Village Green Park | 305 S. Fir St., Sisters, OR 97759
Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween bash! Join SPRD for thrilling holiday activities, eerie tunes, and the ultimate Trunk-or-Treat experience—all in one hauntingly fun location! Don’t forget to wear your best costume and bring a canned food donation to support the community.
Interested in hosting a Trunk-or-Treat station? Sign up now!
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