Tony DeBone was first elected as Deschutes County Commissioner for Position 1 in 2010, bringing a strong rural perspective from his life and leadership in Southern Deschutes County to the Board. Over more than 15 years in office, he has provided steady, thoughtful leadership focused on delivering cost-effective services that benefit everyone—from funding public safety and supporting smart growth to advocating for regional projects like CORE3 and statewide emergency communications. Rooted in La Pine and committed to listening first, Tony continues to prioritize practical solutions that maintain Central Oregon's quality of life while addressing the needs of rural communities and the entire county with respect and results.
SIEC - State Interoperability Executive Council Chair (SIEC) - Chairperson SIEC 2024 to present. Governor appointment with Senate review. Preparation for statewide interoperability. Operability means the communication is working on the best day, Interoperability is when multiple agencies need to coordinate and communications capability is one of the basic needs of any event.
CORE3 Steering Committee Chair 2022-2024 and Executive Council ChairChairperson in 2024 -2025 - As former Chair of the CORE3 Executive Council, Tony DeBone spearheaded efforts to secure over $33 million in combined state, federal, and local funding and land contributions for the Central Oregon Ready, Responsive, Resilient (CORE3) emergency training and coordination center. This multi-agency hub will enhance disaster response, first responder training, and regional resilience—delivering lasting safety benefits for Deschutes County and Central Oregon.
Project Wildfire Steering Committee - Representing the commissioners for sharing best practices and coordinating neighborhoods for defensible space and forest fire resilience. As a member of the Project Wildfire Steering Committee, Tony DeBone helps guide Deschutes County's efforts to build fire-adapted communities through education, neighborhood coalitions, and updated Community Wildfire Protection Plans. His work supports practical measures like wildfire-resistant building standards and resident preparedness programs to protect homes, families, and the environment from increasing wildfire risks in Central Oregon.
Securing Federal Wildfire Mitigation Funding As Deschutes County Commissioner, Tony DeBone supported the successful award of a $3.4 million USDA Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) in 2025 for the La Pine Wildfire Mitigation Project. Through board approvals, advocacy, and collaboration with partners like Project Wildfire, local fire districts and community partners , he helped bring these funds to reduce wildfire fuels on county land, boost community preparedness, and protect south county residents from increasing fire risks.
911/Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) - Digital radio transition for public safety in Deschutes County. Added capacity for the system in partnership with the state of Oregon.
Statewide Public Safety Leadership Appointed by the President of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), Tony DeBone serves as Co-Chair of the Public Safety and Veterans Steering Committee. In this influential role, he leads statewide policy development and legislative advocacy on critical issues including law enforcement, emergency communications, courts, community corrections, veterans' services, and public safety funding. Drawing on his extensive experience in Deschutes County (as SIEC Chair, CORE3 Chair, and Project Wildfire Steering Committee member), Tony ensures county priorities are represented effectively at the Oregon Legislature, helping shape laws and secure resources that strengthen safety and support for communities across the state.
Central Oregon Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Team (COARECT) Team member and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) - COARECT is a group based in the La Pine, Oregon area dedicated to providing radio communications during emergencies and natural disasters. They support local emergency management, including partnering with local health clinics and operating a Mobile Interagency Communications Unit (MICU). COARECT is a group dedicated to providing radio communications during emergencies and natural disasters. They support local emergency management, including partnering with local health clinics and operating a Mobile Interagency Communications Unit (MICU).
Prudent Land Use & Property Rights Leadership Tony DeBone has built a well-known, consistent track record of thoughtful land use decisions on the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners, always standing up for property rights while advocating for prudent, managed growth that protects our rural character and natural resources. He prioritizes groundwater protection and has pushed for stronger state-level support to address Oregon's water challenges, while championing redevelopment on rural properties as a smart way to create energy-efficient, sustainable living opportunities for families and communities. Tony will continue to defend private property rights, make balanced land use decisions that respect both individual freedoms and community needs, press the state for meaningful groundwater improvements, and promote responsible redevelopment that enhances rural energy efficiency and long-term livability across Deschutes County.
Community Recreation & Land Stewardship Leadership - Prior to his election as Deschutes County Commissioner in 2010, Tony DeBone served as Board Chair of the La Pine Park and Recreation District, where he provided strong leadership to expand recreational opportunities for south county residents. He also played a significant role on the La Pine Rodeo Association's Land Acquisition Committee, contributing key efforts that helped advance the La Pine Land Conveyance Act—federal legislation that facilitated the transfer of approximately 920–930 acres of BLM land to the City of La Pine and Deschutes County.
Co-Vice Chair of the Central Oregon Workforce Consortium (COWC) - While supporting the skill trades fair, Commissioner DeBone represents Deschutes County in guiding regional efforts to build a strong, skilled workforce. Through partnerships with WorkSource, COIC and other local partners, he helps connect job seekers to training, apprenticeships, and opportunities that drive economic vitality and support families across Central Oregon.
Active member of the Eastern Oregon Counties Association - As a Deschutes County Commissioner, Tony DeBone actively represents the county in the Eastern Oregon Counties Association (EOCA), collaborating with 14+ eastern and central Oregon counties to advocate for rural priorities like forest health, wildfire risk reduction, public lands management, and economic development. His work helps amplify Central Oregon's voice in statewide and federal policy discussions affecting our region.
Newberry Regional Partnership - Tony DeBone actively supports the Newberry Regional Partnership's Strategic Action Plan (2025-2030) by aligning Deschutes County resources and policies with its vision for sustainable growth in southern Deschutes County. Through collaboration on comprehensive plan updates, wildfire mitigation, economic development, and community services, he helps advance community-identified priorities like homelessness solutions, education, and wildfire resilience—delivering real benefits for La Pine, Sunriver, and rural areas. DeBone has spent many hours cleaning up public lands with fellow community members to reduce the threat of wildfire.
Strengthening County Leadership & Workforce Commissioner DeBone has supported the recruitment and retention of skilled department heads and managers by championing stable, results-oriented governance on the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Through collaborative appointments, advocacy for competitive compensation, and regional workforce partnerships, he helps ensure Deschutes County attracts and keeps top talent to deliver efficient, high-quality services for residents across the county.
“As your commissioner I have been honored to craft the team that leads all of the internal departments of Deschutes County. The Human Resources, Health Department, Information Technology, Facilities as well as the Fairgrounds and Solid Waste services and the Road Department, Deschutes County has a dedicated and professional team of leaders. I have been involved with each of these recruitments. I empower our professionals to be the best they can be.”
Deschutes County Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) As liason, Commissioner DeBone supports efforts to improve services, advocate for funding (like youth mental health facilities), and ensure practical, compassionate solutions for mental health and addiction challenges across Deschutes County. This is and area where the state has really fallen down. We need to have the capacity to actively help the most in need.
Prudent Budget Leadership for Deschutes County - Tony DeBone has delivered steady, results-driven leadership on the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners since 2010, emphasizing great fiscal management and cost-effective services for all residents. He plays a key role on the Budget Committee for Deschutes County and special districts—including 4-H Service District, county-wide 9-1-1, Sunriver Police and Fire, and Black Butte Ranch Police—while supporting the two permanent public safety levies for the Sheriff’s Office. In these inflationary times, his prudent decisions have kept the county budget stable and structurally sound, enabling reliable services without unnecessary tax burdens. This fiscal excellence earned Deschutes County the prestigious "Triple Crown" award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the sixth straight year in 2025, recognizing outstanding financial reporting, accessible popular reporting, and budget presentation.
Code Enforcement to help keep our rural community livable. When residents raise concerns about properties that fall short of our shared cultural and neighborhood expectations—whether due to neglect, unsafe conditions, or code violations—he personally gets involved to ensure the issue is addressed. Once a code enforcement case is opened, it remains active and is followed through diligently until the violation is fully resolved, reflecting his commitment to accountability, fairness, and preserving the quality of life that makes our communities special.
South County water protection and onsite septic solutions, Tony DeBone has championed practical, responsible solutions for water quality and onsite septic systems in southern Deschutes County. He has led citizen committee work with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), provided testimony before the state legislature, and supported targeted Goal 11 exceptions on existing platted properties—balancing environmental protection with the real needs of rural homeowners and communities.
Supports and helps guide Cascades East Transit (CET)—the regional bus service connecting communities across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties (the tri-county area). His vision is to deliver a premier commuting experience through reliable, efficient, and user-friendly transit that enhances mobility, reduces congestion, and supports economic vitality in Central Oregon. Through his COIC leadership, he contributes to strategic decisions on service improvements, funding priorities, ridership growth initiatives, and expansions that make CET a stronger, sustainable, and more accessible option for residents and visitors alike.
Revitalizing Local Special Districts In 2025, the board successfully re-constituted the boards of directors for two special districts that had fallen below quorum: the La Pine Park and Recreation District and the 4 Rivers Vector Control District. By stepping in to appoint qualified members and restore functionality, Tony helped ensure these vital community services—providing parks, recreation programs, and mosquito/vector control—could continue operating effectively and serving residents without interruption.
Economic Development & Job Growth Leadership Tony DeBone has long been passionate about laying the groundwork for new businesses that create family-wage jobs and strengthen Central Oregon's economy. As a board member of Redmond Economic Development Inc. (REDI) and the Sunriver–La Pine Economic Development Committee (SLED) and past chair of EDCO, he helps drive investments and job creation in key areas like Redmond and south county. He supports the workers and builders who keep our region growing, while fostering a confident business environment through involvement in the Bend Venture Conference. As Deschutes County Commissioner, he has backed funding and initiatives for economic development in Sisters and La Pine—including partnerships with Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), Venture Catalyst Manager support, and targeted programs that have helped attract and expand businesses, generating hundreds of quality jobs across the county.
Federal Advocacy & National Representation Tony DeBone has actively represented Deschutes County on the national stage by attending the National Association of Counties (NACo) legislative conferences in Washington, D.C. Through these events, he has built valuable relationships with congressional offices and key federal stakeholders, advocating directly for Deschutes County's priorities—including wildfire mitigation funding, public lands management, rural infrastructure, and economic development support. His ongoing participation strengthens the county's voice in federal policy discussions and helps secure resources that benefit Central Oregon residents.
Responsible Jail Expansion & Fiscal Prudence Tony DeBone helped secure unanimous Board approval for a responsible 144-bed expansion of the Deschutes County Adult Jail—funded entirely from existing reserves and operational funds, with no new bonds or taxes required. This measured approach avoided overbuilding while significantly improving inmate and staff safety, as well as public protection. It exemplified strong fiscal management built over prior years: maintaining healthy reserves, living within means, and exercising disciplined budgeting that later enabled major projects like the courthouse expansion to move forward without imposing new taxpayer levies or broad bond measures.
Affordable Housing - Tony DeBone has advanced affordable housing and community needs through multiple land donations and strategic support as Deschutes County Commissioner. Key accomplishments include facilitating deeds and donations to Habitat for Humanity (e.g., property in Redmond in 2015 and a 5-acre tract in La Pine/Sunriver in 2024 for homebuilding and repairs, with groundbreaking on a 34-home community in 2025); contributing to the Little Deschutes Lodge Phases 1 and 2 (approximately 4.5 acres donated around 2008–2019 for 26 senior units in La Pine); approving the sale of 7.12 acres in Bend in 2022 to support a 110-home affordable development; and backing ARPA-funded workforce housing pilots and related initiatives. In December 2021, the Board of County Commissioners approved $7.8 million in ARPA investments specifically to support affordable housing development across the county.
2021 Public Official of the Year – Central Oregon Builders Association In 2021, Tony DeBone was honored with the Excellence Award from the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) as Public Official of the Year. Nominated and selected by industry peers, this recognition celebrates his dedicated leadership in supporting responsible growth, housing solutions, economic vitality, and policies that foster a thriving building and development community in Central Oregon.
Promoting Patriotism in Public Proceedings - In 2011, Tony DeBone successfully initiated the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of Deschutes County Board of Commissioners meetings—for the first time in approximately 90 years—fostering a sense of unity, patriotism, and respect in public government proceedings. Covered by local and regional media (including The Oregonian), this change has become a longstanding tradition that sets a positive tone for county business.