[5] After graduating high school, Bemis attended Marylhurst University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in communications.

[7] In 2007 Mayor Bemis pushed TriMet, the local transit agency, to tackle crime along the MAX light-rail line.

The "Forty Under 40 Award" honors 40 people in the region under the age of 40 who have shown great accomplishments in their professional lives and made outstanding contributions to their communities.

[10] Bemis was mentioned as a potential Republican candidate for the 2016 Oregon special gubernatorial election,[11] but ultimately declined to run.

Bemis announced his retirement June 16, 2020, citing the need to spend time with his family and keep his restaurant business viable during the COVID-19 pandemic.