jenn-color
Main-photo-mobile
Elect Jennifer Letz · Deschutes County Commissioner · Seat 5

"Voters don't want partisan decision-making to affect their lives. I am a candidate who fits that mandate."

— Jennifer Letz

Jennifer LETZ
For Deschutes County Commissioner, POSITION 5
Independent...like you
GET INVOLVED TODAY
LEARN MORE

Why I'm Running

Independent...
like you

In 2022, Deschutes County voters made it clear they wanted a non-partisan Board of County Commissioners. I, too, was one of those voters — because as a member of a non-partisan City Council and a life-long non-affiliated voter, I had first-hand experience getting work done without party politics getting in the way.

With me on the commission, you can count on someone who will listen to all sides of an issue and work with anyone willing to tackle challenges big and small to benefit the greater good.

Experience

Government, Elected &
Non-profit Service

Sisters City Council 2021–Present
Governor's Fire Service Policy Council 2025–Present
Central Oregon Area Commission on Transportation 2025–Present
Central Oregon Cities Organization 2025–Present
Oregon Mayors Association 2025–Present
Sisters Country Vision Implementation Team 2024–Present
Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 2023–Present
Sisters Country Economic Development 2023–2025
Economic Development for Central Oregon 2021–2025
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council Board 2021–2023
Sisters Urban Forestry Board 2021–2023
Deschutes Trails Coalition Grant Selection Committee 2022
The Environmental Center Board 2014–2019
City of Bend Street Maintenance Funding Committee 2016

Priorities for Deschutes County

Real issues. Grounded solutions. Focused on the people of Central Oregon.

HOUSING

Does a day go by where we aren’t talking about housing? The high costs, the lack of options, the need for senior-friendly options, the fear of rental rate increases, the desire for a place to create generational wealth… the list goes on and on.  While the housing crisis is a national issue, we have the opportunity to implement creative solutions to make sure we all have a place we’re proud to call home.

During my time on the Sisters City Council, we worked with a wide range of partners - from nonprofits and government agencies to land owners and developers - to facilitate the construction of a wider variety of housing options in Sisters - both rental and owned. I’m excited to work with housing partners across the county to explore new strategies and improve housing availability.

WILDFIRE MITIGATION

As a former wildland firefighter and co-owner of a wildfire mitigation business, I am acutely aware of the impacts living in a wildfire-dependent region can have on safety, home ownership, and business.

Smoke, rising insurance costs (or cancelations!), and loss of homes have impacted all of us in one way or another.  That is why the Sisters City Council, with help from the Sisters - Camp Sherman Fire District, drafted and passed some of the most progressive wildfire building and landscaping codes in the state. 

And we are working with our partners educating residents and businesses on how to protect their properties and families. I’m excited to share this experience and build upon the great work the County is already doing to support wildfire mitigation.

LIVABILITY

Ask a thousand people to define a livable community and you will get a thousand different answers.  But some words are very common - safe, clean, access to recreation and amenities, less traffic, affordable.  What can a county government do to promote these elements?  I’m dedicated to making sure the County:

  • Provides excellent law enforcement and behavioural health services.  
  • Makes recycling, composting, and waste disposal as easy as possible. 
  • Creates new recreation areas and open spaces close to our communities. 
  • Maintains and expands our roads, multi-use paths, and transit options. 
  • Provides services at reasonable rates and brings state and federal dollars to our communities.

WATER

Water demands, availability, quality, and costs vary greatly across Deschutes County.

Wells are going dry in the north, groundwater is contaminated in the south, and some cities are struggling to build needed housing without a guarantee of long-term access to water.  Yet the one thing we have in common is the need for clean, reliable water so residents, businesses, recreation, and agriculture can thrive in the high desert. 

I’ll work with cities, state agencies, and environmental groups to find solutions to these challenges.

HEALTH & COMMUNITY

Deschutes County is not immune to the physical and emotional health challenges of our time. From mental health crises affecting our youth to the rising costs of medical care, families across the county are feeling the strain. I helped bring the first pediatric clinic to Sisters, proving that dedicated local leadership can make a real difference in access to care — even in rural communities that are too often overlooked.

I'm committed to expanding medical services so that no family has to drive hours for basic healthcare, and I believe safe, well-resourced schools are the foundation of healthy communities.

I'll fight to ensure every child and family in Deschutes County has access to the mental health resources, medical services, and community support they need to thrive — because good health isn't a luxury, it's the backbone of everything else we're working to build.

ECONOMY & JOBS

A thriving local economy means good-paying jobs, small businesses that can survive and grow, and a county that doesn't price out the people who make it run — teachers, firefighters, healthcare workers, and tradespeople.

Deschutes County is one of the fastest-growing regions in Oregon, but growth without planning creates congestion, housing shortages, and strain on local services. Smart economic development means supporting existing businesses while attracting industries that align with our values and environment.

I'll work to streamline permitting for small businesses, partner with workforce development programs, and ensure county contracts prioritize local vendors — keeping dollars circulating in our communities

Hey, I'm Jennifer Letz.

Page 131 of the 1991 Bend Senior High School yearbook says it best: Voted Most LIkely to Run for Political Office - Jennifer Johnson. That’s me with my maiden name! I was always proud and inspired by that nomination, because I always had a desire to problem solve, help, and collaborate to create a better future for everyone.

Fast forward a few (ahem) years, and I’m in my 6th year on the Sisters City Council and 2nd as mayor. Everyday I’m learning, listening, and connecting the dots to help my neighbors in Sisters live their best lives. I’ve met truly amazing people who are equally passionate about their projects and issues, and I’m always in awe of the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork when something needs to get done in our community.

I’m excited to take these experiences, lessons, and working relationships to the county level, and tackle issues like technical land use planning, selecting the next landfill site for our county, helping cities build more housing, and providing best in class services from County departments to all of our residents and businesses.

— Jennifer

GET INVOLVED

Become a Letz Supporter!

Stay up to date on Jennifer's campaign, events, and priorities for Deschutes County.
!
!
Subscribe
Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.
"I’m excited to take these experiences, lessons, and working relationships to the county level, and tackle issues like technical land use planning, selecting the next landfill site for our county, helping cities build more housing, and providing best in class services from County departments to all of our residents and businesses.
— Jennifer Letz

Community Support

Endorsements

Gary Ross

Sisters City Councilor

John Nielsen

Redmond City Councilor

Asa Sarver

Sisters School Board Chair

Nancy Connolly

Former Sisters City Councilor

Christy Nickey

Small Business Owner

Peter Grube

Affordable Housing Developer

John Williamson

Commercial Construction Company Vice President

Lester M. Friedman

Realtor & Past President, Central Oregon Association of Realtors

Oliver Tatom

Vice President, Deschutes County Rural Fire District #2

David C. Green

Bicycling Advocate

Amy Tatom

Vice Chair, Bend–La Pine School Board

Read the latest
press release ►

Stay informed on Jennifer's announcements, positions, and campaign milestones.

ALL PRESS RELEASES

Local Mayor Announces County Commission Candidacy

Jennifer Letz, Mayor of Sisters and Sisters City Council member since 2021, announces her candidacy for Seat 5 in the Deschutes County Commission race.

March 10, 2026

pinecorn

Connect

Letz Do This!

Are you excited about supporting me in my journey to join the Board of County Commissioner? Please select your interests to the right, or drop me a line with your ideas on how you can help.

Spread the Word

Share on social media

Host a Yard Sign

Request a sign for your home

Volunteer Your Time

Join our ground team

Endorse Jennifer

Endorse my candidacy

Host an Event

Meet Jennifer in your community