DOWNTOWN MEDFORD ASSOCIATION
March 20, 2026
On the evening of March 18, 2026, the Medford City Council voted 7–0, with one abstention due to a conflict of interest, to approve the formation of the Medford Economic Improvement District (MEID). This vote represents a landmark moment for downtown Medford and the culmination of more than two years of community engagement, research, and collaborative planning.
Under Oregon statute, property owners representing at least 33% of the District’s total square footage must formally object in order to legally prevent the formation of an Economic Improvement District. The final tally of objecting property owners totaled 11% of District square footage—well below the statutory threshold—leaving the matter to the discretion of the City Council.
The strength of community support was unmistakable. More than 30 individuals remained at the council meeting for over four hours as the EID was the final item on the agenda. The Council received 26 letters of support, with signatories representing 14% of the District’s total property square footage. Many more property owners and community members rose to offer powerful oral testimony in favor of the District.
Among the most compelling themes to emerge from the public hearing was the recognition that the MEID is not only a boon for our own community—it is a powerful signal on a larger stage. Property owners within the District spoke to the fact that the formation of this District tells surrounding communities, prospective developers, and outside investors that Medford is serious about its downtown. In a competitive landscape where investment capital follows confidence, that signal is valuable. A city that invests in itself attracts investment from others.
Joining a Proven Statewide Model
With this vote, Medford is joining the ranks of Oregon cities—including McMinnville, Bend, Albany, and Portland—that have embraced the Improvement District model as a catalyst for thriving downtown cores. Each of these communities has demonstrated that when property owners invest collectively in their shared environment, the returns extend far beyond the District boundaries. We are proud to take our place among them and committed to building a District that reflects the unique character, ambition, and resilience of our downtown.
A Community Effort, From the Very Beginning
The formation of the MEID is not the achievement of any single organization—it is the product of a broad, generous, and deeply committed community. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the many individuals and groups who made this possible.
To our member-property owners within the District: Thank you for the groundswell of support you have shown over the past two years. The time you invested in conversation with us—in meetings, over coffee, on phone calls, and in your own careful deliberation—is the foundation upon which this District is built. Your trust and engagement mean everything.
To the property owners outside the District boundaries who have expressed their desire to voluntarily opt in: We are deeply humbled by your enthusiasm. That you would seek to participate without obligation is a profound expression of belief in what we are building together, and it is not lost on us. It is, quite honestly, extraordinary.
To the business owners and other operators throughout the downtown: You are the lifeblood of this urban core. Your creativity, your perseverance, and your daily commitment to welcoming our community through your doors are what make downtown Medford worth fighting for.
To the Medford Chamber of Commerce: As both a member-property owner within the District and a steadfast supporter of this process, your endorsement has carried meaningful weight. The Chamber’s commitment to the success of our downtown reinforces the shared understanding that a thriving urban core strengthens the entire regional business community, well beyond the District’s boundaries. Thank you for standing with us.
To City staff: Your time, expertise, and steady guidance throughout this process were invaluable. You helped us navigate complexity with professionalism and patience. We are grateful for the partnership.
To the Medford City Council and the Mayor: Thank you for your vision, your support, and your commitment to elevating the future of our city’s urban core. Your willingness to lead on this issue sends a clear signal that Medford is serious about its downtown, and we are honored by your confidence.
And to the group of property owners, businesses, citizens, and community leaders who contributed over $20,000 in seed funding in November of 2023 for the feasibility study that launched this initiative: This would not have been possible without you. Your early investment was an act of faith in the potential of downtown Medford, and that faith has now been rewarded.
A Commitment to Every Property Owner
We also want to speak directly to those who expressed concerns about or opposition to the District’s formation. We hear you, and we respect the sincerity with which you have engaged in this process. The DMA is eager to collaborate with you as we move into the operational phase of the MEID. We are firmly committed to ensuring that every property owner within the District realizes a meaningful return on their contribution—both with respect to their specific property concerns and in the broader elevation of our shared community. Your voice will continue to matter, and our door is always open.
A New Day for Downtown Medford
We see this moment as a momentous inflection point for the future prospects of our downtown urban core. But perhaps the most significant realization to emerge from this entire process is not about the District itself—it is about what it has revealed. Alignment around the elevation of downtown Medford is higher than we have ever seen. Property owners, business operators, partner organizations, city leadership, and community members have come together around a shared conviction that the opportunity before our downtown is extraordinary, and that together we are ready to seize it.
In the weeks ahead, we will work closely with City staff to determine the operational timeline for the MEID. Among our first steps will be the formation of a steering committee comprised of District member property owners to guide the District’s direction. We will surely keep you informed every step of the way.
Downtown Medford’s best days are ahead, and we’re ready to get to work.
With gratitude,
The Downtown Medford Association