About

Ian Karasz is a software engineer, boardgamer and rock climber with interests in urbanism and transportation. He cares about the ways people move about in their community and the structures that support it. He serves on the City of Bend’s Affordable Housing Committee.

Kim Ely is a scientist who studies the effect of environmental change on plants, and has a broad interest across the intersection of housing, transportation and sustainability. She believes that access to a safe and secure home is fundamental for the well-being of individuals and families, and the health of our entire community. She also serves on the City of Bend Transportation Bond Oversight Committee.

John Heylin is a University of Washington graduate, a former national champion rower, and a returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in Niger. John earned his MBA from Presidio Graduate School, focusing on sustainability and social impact.

John joined YIMBY because, having run a small business in downtown Bend, he understands firsthand the challenges of rising costs, workforce shortages, and housing instability. He serves on multiple City of Bend advisory committees, co-founded the Central Oregon Tool Library, and started Represent Deschutes, successfully expanding the County Commission from three to five seats.

Kathryn Olney is a retired attorney, gardener, and community activist. She serves on the Board of a statewide non-profit that raises money for legal services for low-income Oregonians, does pro bono legal representation, stewards a Little Free Library, and advocates for housing for all. 

Jim Roberts has been coming to Bend since the 1970’s. He’s seen it grow from a shuttered mill town into the wonderful city it is today. Jim helped start Bend YIMBY because he believes our great city can only grow and prosper if everyone who works here can afford to live here. He once accepted a beer from a developer. Once.

Rick Russell is the executive director of Mountain View Community Development (MVCD), a shelter operator and developer of permanent supportive housing.  MVCD operates Central Oregon’s largest Safe Parking operation, helping unhoused people in cars & RV’s access case management to support their journey back home.

Ryan Starr was born and raised on a farm in NE Oregon, worked as a videogame programmer for several years, and is now an architect practicing in Central Oregon with a focus on infill housing.  He’s interested in the built environment, how the systems we build impact our lives, and how minor adjustments can make large a large impact.  Ryan joined YIMBY because he’s seen the problems created by out-of-control housing costs during his time living in Vancouver, BC, Oakland, CA, and Austin, TX.  He is also currently serving on Bend’s HOME Committee which is looking for ways the city can help create affordable housing for both rent and ownership.

David Welton was born and raised in Oregon. When he moved to Bend, he and his family rented a place, and saw firsthand what the rising costs and scarcity of available housing look like. David became interested in housing and cities because of how deeply they affect everything, from the economy to the environment and people’s emotional well-being. He works professionally as a software engineer.