“We have so much fertile ground to make Medford yours—shaped by how you, the community, envision it,” says Warren Ng, who joined the City of Medford in March as its first dedicated Economic Development Director in over two decades.
The creation of this role reflects the City’s recognition that Medford is at a pivotal moment. “The role is very much a reflection of the growth opportunities that City Manager Rob Field and the current City Council see for Medford—and I’ve been tasked with helping capture that potential,” Warren explains.
Warren brings a strong private-sector background in consumer and market research, business development, and entrepreneurship, most recently from Denver, Colorado. He and his wife, Dr. Katie Ng—now a partner at Southern Oregon Pediatrics—relocated to Southern Oregon with their young daughter a year ago.
“This was the right next step—something purpose-driven that draws on my professional experiences to make a meaningful impact in the community we now call home,” he says. “After meeting City Manager Rob Field, I saw a clear alignment between his vision and the community’s needs, and I knew I wanted to be part of it.”
Historically, economic development responsibilities were distributed across multiple departments. But with growing complexity and new opportunities, the City recognized the need for a focused, strategic approach. Warren sees this as Medford’s opportunity to write its own “economic playbook”—to set the course for long-term prosperity and resilience.
His early work focuses on building a strong foundation: assessing Medford’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; identifying leverage points for growth; and designing a diversified, forward-looking strategy aligned with the City’s urban renewal efforts, the 2040 Vision Plan, and the work of key economic development organizations.
“This is about giving people the ability to thrive—whether as business owners, entrepreneurs, or employees,” Warren says. “It starts with understanding where we are and where we want to go—and building a roadmap to get there.”
He notes that Medford has already undergone a significant shift, moving from a timber- and agriculture-based economy to a more diverse economic base. “It’s been a rocky transition, but one that honors our roots. Now we have the chance to shape what comes next—with intention, coordination, and community-wide support.”
Warren sees large-scale projects—like the Element Hotel, the proposed downtown conference center, and the potential relocation of a professional baseball team to Medford—as important catalysts. “These are more than just headlines—they bring visitors, create jobs, and spark lasting economic momentum.”
And while the focus is on Medford, Warren is mindful of the region’s interconnectedness. “Medford plays a central role in the Rogue Valley’s economy, but that role is only meaningful when we work in partnership with the other cities and communities in the Valley. Our success is shared.”
Downtown Medford is a clear priority. “We need to understand the reasons behind vacancies and develop programs that bring life back to our city center,” Warren says. “Foot traffic, community events, and thoughtful partnerships are essential.”
He credits the Downtown Medford Association and its Executive Director, Annie Jenkins, for laying critical groundwork. “DMA’s collaborative approach has made a real impact, and the proposed Economic Improvement District is a smart next step. By listening to the voices in the 2040 Vision Plan, we can ensure our strategies are grounded in what the community values most.”
“There is extraordinary potential here,” Warren adds. “Our job now is to build the public, private, and civic alignment needed to realize the future that Medford’s residents envision.”
Have ideas or feedback? Warren welcomes your input at [email protected].
Warren Ng
Economic Development Director
City of Medford
[email protected]
458.302.5561